The Grove Initiative

10/08/2026

Powerful new exhibit at the University of St. Thomas.

A new immersive exhibition centering descendants of 314 Black men, women and children sold by the Jesuits in 1838 is making its national debut at the University of St. Thomas. “What We Inherit: Truth, Repair, and a Promise to the Future” explores the history of Jesuit slaveholding and how that h...

10/07/2026

How can we build a better world? And why do so many people with privilege end up making things worse when they try to help? It's called the savior mentality, and Jordan Flaherty brings light to how pernicious it is, along how we can collectively challenge it, and create positive and lasting change, in his book No More Heroes: Grassroots Challenges to the Savior Mentality.

Join us next Wednesday, October 14th at 5pm, when we will be discussing No More Heroes, along with collectively brainstorming positive actions we can make within our own community!

Copies of the book are currently in stock at the bookstore - So stop by, stock up, and join us for creating a better future for all.
[alt: a diverse group of fists are raised in solidarity and resistance against a Minnesota No Ice blue background. The cover art for the book No More Heroes by Jordan Flaherty, is surrounded with information about the social justice book club here at next chapter booksellers.]

10/06/2026

A great way to support women-owned businesses, sustainable clothing, and Neighborhood House all in one!

10/05/2026

Announcing a new program from The Grove Initiative!

Volunteering is usually treated as something unquestionably good. But who defined what helping looks like? What happens when our good intentions collide with someone else’s experience?
We are excited to share The History of Help: A Three-Part Exploration of Volunteerism, Culture, and Self, a powerful series created for The Grove Initiative by Brianna Miller (President & Chief Possibility Officer of On Paper LLC).
This interactive series invites volunteers and community members to look beneath the familiar language of service.

All sessions take place from 6:30 - 8:30 pm on the following Wednesdays:
📆 10/21 - Session 1: Who Taught Us to Help? A bold look at the history, systems, and mutual aid traditions behind American volunteerism.

📆 10/28 - Session 2: Good Intentions, Unequal Power. A candid, non-blaming look at how traits of white supremacy culture and saviorism can influence helping relationships.

📆 11/4 - Session 3: The Mirror of Help. An inward reflection on identity, ego, and who we are when we step into a space intending to help.
The goal isn't to shame—it's to build historical understanding and honest self-reflection so we can see helping, and ourselves, more clearly. Because help is only helpful when the person receiving it defines it as such.

🔗 Registration link in the comments. Attend all or just the ones that fit your schedule.

09/25/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 14 for an evening of food, entertainment, and defending democracy! Mixed Blood's Equitable Dinner brings together strangers and friends from diverse backgrounds to experience theatre, share a meal, and talk about complex issues.

This fun new play Let’s Save Democracy! offers helpful tips and up to date accurate information about how to protect your vote and support your community.

Registration link in the comments.

09/02/2026

On September 11, 2026, 50,000 volunteers will pack 20 million meals for families facing hunger in 50+ cities. Interested in being part of the day, sign up here: https://www.911day.org/meal-packs-support-staff/

08/28/2026

Ready to explore, create, learn, and connect? Join us for DIGIDAZE, a FREE community technology fair at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center!

Saturday, August 29th
12–5 PM
The Canteen
Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
270 N. Kent Street, St. Paul, MN

Whether you're a young person interested in technology, a family looking to build digital skills, an adult wanting to learn something new, or a senior navigating today's digital world — DIGIDAZE has something for everyone!

At DIGIDAZE, you can:
• Try new technology
• Learn digital skills
• Create with technology
• Explore technology-related careers
• Learn how to stay safe online
• Connect with community organizations and resources
• Enter raffles and receive giveaways
This FREE community event is open to everyone, including youth, adults, families, and seniors.
Come discover new technology, build your digital skills, connect with your community, and have fun while doing it!

Presented by Community Technology Empowerment Project, SPNN, and AmeriCorps.

Questions?
Contact Dasiyah Franklin-Carter at 612-638-7919 or [email protected].

08/24/2026

Your time, encouragement, and feedback can make a meaningful difference in helping them feel more confident and prepared for their job search.

Interfaith Action is looking for volunteers for their Career Pathways for New Minnesotans on to help prepare for job readiness through mock interviews and résumé workshops. Participants will be paired with volunteers to practice their interviewing and communication skills.

Openings are:
🗓️ Thursday, 9/3 - 11:30 am - 1 pm
🗓️ Friday, 9/4 - 5:30 - 7 pm

Sign up links are in the comments.

07/26/2026

Accepting contributions until 8/3. Contact Crafting Community Aid directly to coordinate drop-off/pick-up.

07/17/2026

Join us at Next Chapter Booksellers August Social Justice Book Club on 8/12. The book is Encampment by Maggie Helwig. So timely with the news of city of St. Paul's plans to close the encampments starting 8/5.