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Upcoming Events

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, May 27th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

RSVP Here

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Caregiver Social

Thursday, May 28th
6-7:30pm
@ Launchpad (102 1st St W)

Flyer for a "Parent & Caregiver Gathering" hosted by Lead for Inclusion. Event is on Thursday, May 28th from 6–7:30 PM at Launchpad (102 1st St W). Includes RSVP QR code. Topics: learning about Lead for Inclusion, sharing resources, connecting with others, and discussing community needs. Contact info and website included. Background features a blue plaid pattern.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Ice Cream Social

Friday, May 29th
4:30pm
Big River Scoop, 219 Bemidji Ave N

RSVP here

Flyer for Lead for Inclusion Ice Cream Social with two ice cream cones. Event is Friday, May 29 at 4:30 pm at Big River Scoop, 219 Bemidji Ave N. Bring cash or card. Contact info@leadforinclusion.org for access needs.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, June 6th at Diamond Point Park noon-1pm. Meet

RSVP here. Please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com or 218-209-2345

Colorful splatter background with text: “Lead for Inclusion – Art Social, Bemidji High School Art Room, Saturday, May 6th, noon–1pm. Youth-led arts activities, all materials provided.” Contact info and email for questions included at the bottom.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, June 24th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Fire Brigade

Teens and young adults 17+ are invited to our free monthly Inclusion Works series in collaboration with the Bemidji Fire Department to build real-life job skills and explore career paths in the fire service. Starts March 25th — spots are filled, but reach out to get information for future opportunities!

Flyer for Inclusive Fire Brigade by Lead for Inclusion and the Bemidji Fire Department. Monthly training sessions at Station 1, 4–6pm starting Wednesday, March 25th, for youth ages 17+ interested in fire service careers.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Past Events

Indigenous Games

Thursday, May 14th at Bemidji High School
9:30-2pm

In partnership with Bemidji Unified Schools, Dan Ninham, Bemidji Area Schools Indian Education, and the BSU Dape Program

Flyer for Indigenous Games hosted by Lead for Inclusion and Bemidji Unified Schools on Thursday, May 14th from 9:30am–2pm at Bemidji High School for grades 9–12, featuring photos of youth playing outdoor games and highlighting an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, May 9th in the Art Room at BHS noon-1pm

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” 14+ Everyone welcome! at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, April 29th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Caregiver Social

Thursday, April 16th
6-7:30pm
@ Launchpad (102 1st St W)

Flyer for a "Parent & Caregiver Gathering" hosted by Lead for Inclusion. Event is on Thursday, April 16th from 6–7:30 PM at Launchpad (102 1st St W). Includes RSVP QR code. Topics: learning about Lead for Inclusion, sharing resources, connecting with others, and discussing community needs. Contact info and website included. Background features a blue plaid pattern.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, April 11th in the Art Room at BHS 11am-noon

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” 14+ Everyone welcome! at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, March 25th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

2nd Annual Youth Summit

Wednesday, March 25th at Bemidji State University
9:30-2pm

Sponsored by: Paul Bunyan Communications and Harmony Coop

girl smiling while holding a disco ball
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Caregiver Social

Thursday, March 19th
6-7:30pm
@ Launchpad (102 1st St W)

Flyer for a "Parent & Caregiver Gathering" hosted by Lead for Inclusion. Event is on Thursday, March 19th from 6–7:30 PM at Launchpad (102 1st St W). Includes RSVP QR code. Topics: learning about Lead for Inclusion, sharing resources, connecting with others, and discussing community needs. Contact info and website included. Background features a blue plaid pattern.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, March 7th in the Art Room at BHS 11am-noon

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” 14+ Everyone welcome! at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

When Stars Are Scattered Community Book Club

Wednesday, March 4th 4:30-6pm at Northwest Minnesota Foundation 201 3rd St

Cover art of the graphic novel When Stars are Scattered.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Parent and Caregiver Gathering

Wednesday, February 25th
6:15-7:30pm
@ Launchpad (102 1st St W)

Flyer for a "Parent & Caregiver Gathering" hosted by Lead for Inclusion. Event is on Wednesday, February 25th from 6:15–7:30 PM at Launchpad (102 1st St W). Includes RSVP QR code. Topics: learning about Lead for Inclusion, sharing resources, connecting with others, and discussing community needs. Contact info and website included. Background features a blue plaid pattern.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, February 25th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusion Works: 12-Session Series

Earn up to $150! Teens and young adults are invited to our free 12-session Inclusion Works series to build real-life skills. Starts Jan 6 — spots are limited!

Flyer for “Inclusion Works,” a free 12-session series for teens and young adults to build life and work skills. Sessions run Jan 6–Feb 12, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–5:30pm. Participants can earn up to $150. Hosted by Lead for Inclusion.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, February 7th in the Art Room at BHS
11am-noon

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” 14+ Everyone welcome! at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, January 28th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, December 17th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, December 6th in the Art Room at BHS
11am-noon

Please reach out with any access needs:
leadforinclusion@gmail.com or 218-209-2345

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” 14+ Everyone welcome! at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.

Cooking Up Inclusion

December 29th-January 1st
4-5:20pm classes, and serving dinner after class on the 1st 5:30-7pm
Schoolcraft Learning Community Kitchen
8955 Deer School Rd NW214 3rd St NW Bemidji

Flyer for “Cooking up Inclusion,” a program presented by Lead for Inclusion and Table for 7. At the top, there is an illustration of a cutting board with a knife. Large orange text in the center reads “Cooking up Inclusion,” with decorative orange stars and lime slices around it. Below, it says: "Join us for 4 sessions of culinary experience and learning! This will help you become your own cook or gain job skills!" Event Details: Dates: December 29th-January 1st Time: 4:00–5:20 PM, 4-7pm on the 1st Location: Schoolcraft Learning Community Kitchen, 8955 Deer School Rd NW Format: 4 sessions, each 1 hour and 20 minutes A spatula graphic appears next to the details. A green section at the bottom features a red circular Table for 7 logo. It states: "Transportation from Bemidji available upon request. To sign up, email: leaddinclusion@gmail.com." Lead for Inclusion's logo is next to the contact information. The background is a soft cream color with playful kitchen-themed illustrations.

Art Social

Saturday, November 15th at Bemidji High School.

Please reach out with any access needs:
leadforinclusion@gmail.com or 218-209-2345

Colorful digital flyer for Lead for Inclusion’s “Art Social” on Saturday, Nov. 5th, 11am–12pm at the Bemidji High School Art Room. Includes contact info and notes that youth lead the activity and materials are provided.

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, October 29th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards

Inclusive Songwriting Workshop,
Concert & Open Stage

Wednesday, October 22nd and Friday October 24th
6-8pm
Headwaters Peace Center, 1826 Mikrantip Rd Bemidji

Flyer for two events hosted by Myron Swimmer & Shannon Murray at Headwaters Peace Center, Bemidji: Inclusive Songwriting Workshop – Wed, Oct 22, 6–8pm Concert & Open Stage – Fri, Oct 24, 6–8pm Includes photos of both performers, RSVP QR code, and a note that all skills and abilities are welcome. Funded by Region 2 Arts Council.

Hand Drum and Stick Making Workshop

Tuesday, October 21st
9:30am-2pm
Northwest Minnesota Foundation, 201 3rd St Bemidji

Flyer for a Hand Drum and Drum Stick Making Workshop presented by Bear Paws Cultural Art. Event is at Northwest Minnesota Foundation on Tuesday, October 21st, from 9:30am–2pm. Includes a QR code to RSVP by October 10th. Floral graphics and purple accents decorate the flyer.

Storytime at Four Pines Bookstore

Saturday, October 18th
10am
Four Pines Bookstore, 102 3rd St Bemidji

Illustrated book cover titled “The ABCs of Inclusion” by Beth Leipholtz, featuring a diverse group of children reading and playing together outdoors, including children with disabilities.

Silent Book Club

Saturday, October 11th
4-5pm
Four Pines Bookstore, 102 3rd St Bemidji
RSVP here, and please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com or 218-209-2345

view of two people reading showing them sitting with only a view of their hands, laps and the books they are holding.
Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

Art Social

Saturday, October 4th
Bemidji High School 11-noon

colorful colored pencils arranged in a circle with the tips pointing inward
Photo by Naomi Bokhout on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, September 24th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, August 27th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Train Club

Wednesday, August 20th
6:30-8pm
Beltrami County History Center
130 Minnesota Ave SW
Join our Youth Board member Asher in visiting his Train Club. Check it out to learn more about Train Club and how you can join.

Close up black and white image of a train engine with more train cars behind it. There is smoke coming out of the smokestack.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Silent Book Club

Sunday, August 17th 1-2pm @ Launchpad (102 1st St W)
Join us for quiet reading with good people. No assignments, no forced discussion—just bring whatever you’re reading and enjoy the vibe.

view of two people reading showing them sitting with only a view of their hands, laps and the books they are holding.
Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, July 30th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Cooking Up Inclusion Community Meal

July 24th
5:30-7pm
Schoolcraft Learning Community
8955 Deer School Rd NW214 3rd St NW Bemidji

All guests must RSVP, limited seating available. Menu will be announced during the week of July 21st.

Pasta dish with basil, mozzarella and cherry tomato halves on a white plate with a granite counter in the background. A fork is scooping up some of the pasta.
Photo by Lisa from Pexels on Pexels.com

Cooking Up Inclusion Classes

July 21st-24th
4-5:20 pm (class, and services on the 24th 5:30-7pm)
Schoolcraft Learning Community Kitchen
8955 Deer School Rd NW214 3rd St NW Bemidji

Join us for 4 sessions of culinary experience and learning! This will help you become your own cook or gain job skills! Must register in advance, space is limited!

Flyer for “Cooking up Inclusion,” a program presented by Lead for Inclusion and Table for 7. At the top, there is an illustration of a cutting board with a knife. Large orange text in the center reads “Cooking up Inclusion,” with decorative orange stars and lime slices around it. Below, it says: "Join us for 4 sessions of culinary experience and learning! This will help you become your own cook or gain job skills!" Event Details: Dates: July 21st–24th Time: 4:00–5:20 PM Location: Schoolcraft Learning Community Kitchen, 8955 Deer School Rd NW Format: 4 sessions, each 1 hour and 20 minutes A spatula graphic appears next to the details. A green section at the bottom features a red circular Table for 7 logo. It states: "Transportation from Bemidji available upon request. To sign up, email: leaddinclusion@gmail.com." Lead for Inclusion's logo is next to the contact information. The background is a soft cream color with playful kitchen-themed illustrations.

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, July 19th
3pm
Dairy Queen (by Lake Bemidji)
700 Paul Bunyan Dr, Bemidji
Bring cash or card if you want to purchase ice cream
Please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com

A hand holds out a chocolate ice cream cone with a blurred background
Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, June 25th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Bog Walk Lake Bemidji State Park

Saturday, June 14th
10am-noon
Lake Bemidji State Park
3401 State Park Rd NE, Bemidji
Parking passes can be checked out free from the library or purchased at the park for $7 for a day pass or $35 for an annual pass.
Please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com

A wooden raised path with dense trees and underbrush on either side.

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, June 7th
1:30pm
Big River Scoop
219 Bemidji Ave N Bemidji
Bring cash or card if you want to purchase ice cream
Please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com

A hand holds out a chocolate ice cream cone with a blurred background
Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Open Mic Night Social

Friday, June 6th
7-9pm
Headwaters Music & Arts
519 Minnesota Ave NW Bemidji
For more info: Headwaters Open Mic CoffeeHouse Featuring Known Only Locally! | Facebook
Please reach out with any access needs: leadforinclusion@gmail.com

microphone on a stand with a red background and lighting
Photo by Teemu R on Pexels.com

Spring Transition Fair

Thursday, May 8th
10AM-2PM

Northwest Technical College
905 Grant Ave SE Bemidji

We’ll be tabling and helping with the sensory area.

Youth stand around and interact with a table of sensory items
Attendees participate at an activity table during the 1st annual Youth Summit on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Gillett Wellness Center.

Inclusive Games Night &
Lead for Inclusion Birthday Celebration!

Wednesday, April 30th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

three hands with fanned out Uno cards
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Read for Inclusion Storytime

Join us for a special Read for Inclusion Storytime at Bemidji Public Library!

Event Details
Who: All are welcome. Perfect for children ages 4-10, but you are never too old for story time!
When: Saturday, April 5th 2-3pm
Where: Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave 
What: Interactive Storytime, activities and discussion led by Lead for Inclusion’s Youth Leadership Board members

Come be part of a joyful reading experience that celebrates empathy, friendship, and understanding.

two youth reading a book together on a sofa

High School Youth Summit

March 26th, 9am-2pm
Bemidji State University

girl smiling while holding a disco ball
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

2025-2026 Youth Board Applications

Applications Open- February 17th
Applications Due- March 10th
Interviews- March 13th-21st
Final Decisions Made and Applicants Notified- March 31st

Two youth sit at a board room table smiling. On the left is a young native woman with light brown skin and dark brown curly hair. She is wearing a black t-shirt. On the right is a young white man with short blond hair wearing a purple t-shirt.
Photo by Annalise Braught of the Bemidji Pioneer

Inclusive Games Night

Wednesday, February 19th and 26th
6-8PM
Accidentally Cool Games
214 3rd St NW Bemidji

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Bowling Socials

In partnership with MNeurodivergent Bemidji
January 13th-30th
Mondays OR Thursdays 6-7:30pm
@ Bemidji Bowl, 14+ all are welcome!

Bowling pins on a dark alley lane. An orange ball is in front of the pins and there is a reflection of the balls and pins on the lane.
Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com