PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Summer 2025

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As the weather warms and summer unfolds across Minnesota, many of us are enjoying opportunities for family time, travel, and a much-needed change of pace. Whether you’re savoring time outdoors with loved ones, exploring new places, or simply soaking in the sunshine, we hope this season has brought moments of joy and connection. For those of us working within school systems, the summer also marks a time of preparation as we shift our focus toward the upcoming academic year. As always, MnAEYC is here to support you through every season of your professional journey.

 

Save the Date!
We’re excited to announce that the MnAEYC Annual Conference will be held January 30–31, 2026. While the venue is still being finalized, we wanted to give you plenty of time to pencil it into your calendars. More details will be shared in September—so stay tuned!

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A Heartfelt Thank You
The MnAEYC Board would like to extend our deepest thanks to Past President Melissa Donovan for her dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the profession. As she wraps up her term, we’re so grateful for the leadership, care, and energy she’s brought to our community.

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Get Involved! Join a Subcommittee
We’re currently seeking volunteers—yes, YOU or someone you know!—to join one of our MnAEYC subcommittees. You don’t need to be a MnAEYC member or even work directly in early childhood education to contribute. If you have a passion for the field and some skills to share, we’d love to have you on board.

 

Here’s what’s available right now:

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Business Development Committee (4 positions)
Help us with fundraising, partnerships, sponsorships, and getting the word out about MnAEYC’s impact. This is a great opportunity for folks with experience in nonprofit development, marketing, or community engagement.

 

Professional Development Committee (4 positions)
This team plans our Annual Conference and Leadership Institutes, supports NAEYC accreditation efforts, recruits speakers, and designs ongoing events like Leadership Networking and Webinars.

 

Policy & Advocacy Committee (2 positions)
Help shape our policy agenda, engage members in state and federal advocacy efforts, and participate in grassroots organizing during the Minnesota legislative session.

 

Equity Committee (4 positions)
Join us in ensuring our equity statement lives in our work, planning equity-focused PD, and guiding our strategy to better represent and serve all members.

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Most committees meet just once a month via Zoom or a similar online platform. If you're interested—or know someone who would be a good fit—please reach out to us at info@mnaeyc.org.

 

As always, thank you for all you do. I hope you get to enjoy some sunshine, laughter, and time with the people you love as we move into summer. You’ve earned it. 

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Warm regards,
 

Jodie Riek

President, Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)