Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 20
Be A Dolly
Civic Engagement
September Book
Bush Fellowship
Podcast - Featuring Sheila Piippo
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #20
In this episode, Sheila Piippo, grassroots organizer at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI MN), shares her journey from growing up on a farm in New York Mills to working across Minnesota to improve mental health access and reduce stigma in rural communities.
Sheila talks about the importance of building relationships, listening to local communities, and making sure people have the resources and support they need. She also shares an important message for young rural women: don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and surround yourself with people who believe in and support you.
Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you at teresa@100ruralwomen.org.
New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🎧 Tune in and be inspired
Remebering Dolly
There are so many wonderful quotes and heartwarming stories about Dolly Parton—her humble beginnings growing up in rural poverty, her incredible journey to success, and, most importantly, her lifelong drive to lift others up along the way.
She shared her love of life and music while using her success to make a difference through generous support for literacy, children, education, communities, and women. Her deep sense of responsibility to give back and care for others is a powerful and lasting part of her legacy.
Dolly was not only a remarkable entertainer and true entrepreneur—she was an advocate, a philanthropist, and someone who understood that success means more when you use it to help others.
That’s what we need more of in our world today: kindness, generosity, compassion, and a willingness to lift others up.
Be a Dolly. ❤️✨
Listen Here - Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Morning Connections
Thursdays@8:30 a.m. CT
☕ Join Us for Morning Connections
Looking for a simple way to connect with other women each week? Morning Connections is an informal Zoom gathering filled with light conversation, encouragement, and community.
Bring your coffee or tea, breakfast, children, pets, or even your work. There’s no agenda beyond taking a few moments to connect with others. A host will facilitate the conversation, making it easy to join in—whether you’re a regular or attending for the first time.
We’d love to have you join us!
Every Thursday Morning
🕣 8:30–9:00 a.m. CT
💻 Via Zoom
Come as you are—we look forward to connecting with you!
Civic Engagement
LEARN ABOUT - PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND CONSTITUTIONAL BALLOT MEASURE
When: Thursday, September 3, 7 p.m.
Join the MN League of Women Voters for a webinar to learn about the Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measure that will be on Minnesotans ballot during the November 3 General Election.Denise Dittrick and Kimberly Dunn Lewis from the MN School Boards Association will present nonpartisan information regarding the ballot measure, which passed the Minnesota State legislature this past session with strong bipartisan support.
Official Ballot Language: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?”
This webinar will be recorded and posted on YouTube for public viewing.Local Candidate Forums
VOTE411.org will be updated with general election information in mid-September. In the meantime, you can find about local Candidate Forums from your local Leagues and LWV website.
September Book
Recalling pivotal moments from her dynamic career on the front lines of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Susan E. Rice—National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama and US Ambassador to the United Nations—reveals her surprising story with unflinching candor in this New York Times bestseller.
Mother, wife, scholar, diplomat, and fierce champion of American interests and values, Susan Rice powerfully connects the personal and the professional. Taught early, with tough love, how to compete and excel as an African American woman in settings where people of color are few, Susan now shares the wisdom she learned along the way.
Come Join Us in the Reading Room!
Grab your book, your favorite beverage, and join us for a relaxed evening of conversation and connection.
We’ll gather on ZOOM for our September Book Group:
🗓️ Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 7:00 PM CT
💻 ZOOM
Bush Fellowship
Supporting Leaders to Make Our Region Better for Everyone
The 2027 Bush Fellowship application information is now available! Leaders from business, government, nonprofits, and other sectors are invited to apply.
Up to 30 leaders will receive $150,000 to pursue a plan to strengthen their leadership and expand their impact.
Curious if the Fellowship is right for you? Bush offers several ways to learn more:
Learn the basics: Explore the Bush Fellowship website
Get feedback: Schedule a 1:1 inquiry call
Join a live Q&A: September 3, 15, or 22. Register here
📅 Save the date: Applications open September 22, 2026 and close October 6 at noon CT.
100 Rural Women creates connections and inspires leadership. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation and the world. We are committed to building leadership through networks, mentorship, education, and civic engagement. Our 501(c) 3 non-profit organization is non-partisan.