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Eric Ortiz
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We can do more for the opioid crisis
We have a growing problem that not a lot people understand. Behaviors are happening on the streets and in schools that are unprecedented. Principals, teachers, and behavioral specialists can't … more
Youth community journalist students from the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation’s Youth Community Journalism Institute at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul with Minnesota House Rep. Maria Isa Peréz-Vega (District 65B).
The power of community journalism
Healing begins with opportunities, and opportunities promote growth.  That's why we developed the Youth Community Journalism Institute at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation . We want to … more
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Authors at the 2023 Twin Cities Book Festival in St. Paul.
You’re invited to (support) the Twin Cities Book Festival
The Twin Cities Book Festival is Minnesota's largest gathering of readers and one of the region's premier art events. It also might be the best-kept secret in the country . Presented annually by … more
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Mercado Central, el mercado latino en la esquina de Lake Street y Bloomington Avenue en Minneapolis.
Mercado Central sigue enseñando a la comunidad 'Cómo comprar el estanque'
Ciudad de México está a 2,106 millas de Minneapolis. Pero no tienes que viajar tan lejos para experimentar la auténtica cultura latina. El Mercado Central está a unos … more
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A mural in Minneapolis at the corner of Portland Ave. and East Lake St. (Photo by Eric Ortiz)
Something needs to change. We have a plan.
Research shows that negativity is four to seven times more powerful than positivity. We are hardwired for negativity . This negative bias is why we focus more on "bad things" to make sense of … more
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Metro Transit bus driving on 1st Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. (weston m/Unsplash)
The power of cooperation
Our brain grows every time we make a mistake. Really, it's science . In that case, the world should be filled with geniuses at every turn.  So why does it feel like we're surrounded by a … more
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Minneapolis students at a community solutions event organized by the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation
We need to make kids America's top priority
It's hard to get a consensus on anything in the United States these days. But one issue unites the whole country. According to " The State of Kids and Families in America 2024 ," a report from … more
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Mercado Central, the Latino marketplace at the corner of Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis.
Mercado Central keeps teaching community ‘How to buy the pond’
Mexico City is 2,106 miles from Minneapolis. But you don't have to travel that far to experience authentic Latino culture. The Mercado Central , or Central Market, is a few minutes from any … more
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Es hora de destacar nuestra humanidad con la inmigración
Todos tienen una voz, pero no todas las voces son escuchadas hoy. Este no es un problema nuevo. Mis abuelos paternos, ambos mexicano-americanos de primera generación que crecieron en Los … more
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Youth and elders brainstorm ideas during a community solutions workshop at Walker Library on Feb. 3.
A solution for school disengagement
T he world has changed. Our education system has not. As a result, school is broken . It's so bad that many kids don't go to school anymore. Chronic absenteeism was an issue before the pandemic. … more
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One happy family: Cal, Eric, Emilia, Maria, and Eva Ortiz. And their dog, Edison (aka Eddie).
Getting more connected in a human way
Happy New Year. Welcome to 2024. Are you happy to be here? Have you already started writing an inspiring 366-page book this leap year (one page for every day)? Or are you still recovering from … more
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“Human beings are meant to be connected,” stated author Marissa Bader (right) of Linden Hills in response to a question posed by local journalist Eric Ortiz during the first Let’s Connect Coffee Time on Dec. 1, 2023. The next event will be on Jan. 12, 9-10 a.m. at Everett & Charlie art gallery.
Marissa Bader spreads joy to the world
Be a kind human. That has been Marissa Bader's life goal since her dad taught her that how we treat others matters, that no human is less or more important than any other, and to always treat … more
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Thank you for shopping local. (Jarred Ray/Unsplash)
A little local support goes a long way
Giving Tuesday was on Nov. 28 this year, and it was a rough one. Rough, of course, is a relative term. Giving Tuesday 2023 raised an estimated $3.1 billion in donations to nonprofits, according … more
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Community stakeholders and youth brainstorm solutions for gun violence at Walker Library on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Youth have a lot to say about gun violence
Ask 10 people what they think about guns. You might get 10 different answers. Gun ownership is a fundamental right. We need stricter regulation. There are too many guns. There aren't enough. … more
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The Statue of Liberty in New York City is a symbol of freedom recognized around the world. (Kit Suman/Unsplash)
It’s time to flex our humanity with immigration
Everyone has a voice. But not every voice gets heard today. This isn't a new problem.  My grandma and grandpa on my dad's side were both first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in … more
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There are alternatives to incarceration
I am reading an excellent book. It is called "Until We Reckon" and was written by Danielle Sered, the executive director of Common Justice , a unique program in New York City that offers alternatives … more
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Imagine a future of nonviolence
'Nonviolence is the most effective method to work for rights.' The only constant is change. Life either gets better or worse. These days, the world is on fire. Metaphorically and literally. And … more
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Young students work with restorative practices leader Manu Lewis during a team building exercise at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation’s Community Solutions With Youth workshop at Walker Library in Uptown.
How we can help young people be happier
We have a crisis. Mental health issues for young people are skyrocketing, and the need for mental health treatment is not being met. According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 20 percent … more
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A crowd of book lovers flips through pages at the Twin Cities Book Festival. This year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota Srtate Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Rain Taxi)
Rediscover the power of reading books
Read any good books lately? If you’re like many Americans, the answer is no. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, Americans are reading fewer books than in the past. The average number of books … more
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An Ella Baker student and her mom working together in class.
Calling all lifelong learners back to school
Learn something new every day. This isn't a new concept. Many smart people have espoused the virtues of learning. "Education begins at the level of the learner," said Aristotle, who believed … more
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