The Emerging Leaders Forum (ELF) is the place for the next generation of community leaders to come together, identify ways in which Central Minnesota could be a better place, and help tackle those challenges by creatively applying our collective financial, professional, and volunteer resources. ELF doesn't have a membership fee in the traditional sense. Members do make gifts to the Emerging Leaders Fund of at least $125 per person or $250 per couple each year. Gifts are generally tax-deductible, and the pooled contributions are used to support ELF's community projects and grants. For 2009, the Emerging Leaders Forum is focusing its grant making on the Mississippi River. Over the past several months, the ELF Steering Committee has been talking with some of the different groups now working on improving the riverfront in Central Minnesota and exploring how to best make a positive impact. ELF has decided on a three pronged approach: action-oriented planning, community outreach, and new urban river access. Action-oriented Planning: The cities of St. Cloud, Sartell and Sauk Rapids have agreed to work together on a comprehensive river corridor plan starting in January 2010. This is the first time these cities have focused planning specifically on the Mississippi River, and it represents a very significant investment of city planning resources. However, the cities need energy and ideas from the community and the assistance of building and landscape architects to make those ideas into images and plans that can inspire the community, government leaders, and private investors to action. By coming on board as a major sponsor of this planning process and by turning out in large numbers for planning meetings, ELF can get our cities moving toward a future as a vibrant river community. Community Outreach: There is no better way to help people see the potential of our river than getting them out on it. By sponsoring additional opportunities for the public to experience the Mississippi, we can inspire the broad support necessary for change. River Access: The city of Sartell recently received a property on the west side of the river just below the Sartell dam for a new park named Zakrajshek Park. This creates an opportunity to create a fishing pier right in the heart of Sartell, as well as a great new north access point for anyone looking to canoe or kayak through the rapids and the urban river pool all the way to Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud. To make a real impact in all three areas, ELF needs to raise $30,000. The more people who give—and the more everyone gives—the more we can do. As always, ELF will include everyone who gives at least $125 (or $250 per couple) on our Emerging Leaders donor list. See the list and get more information at www.CommunityGiving.org/elf.asp.