Katie Boone

Mankato, MN

United States

Profile Information:

How did you learn about Art of Hosting (please add the date and place) and what attracted you to it?

Starting in September 2010, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of MN provided our community with a grant to address the Social Determinants of Health and to begin work in redesigning and rethinking how our community supported families from prenatal - age three. Throughout our planning year, we received training in the Art of Hosting and utilized the tools to do the work. We learned that when we, as a community came together around challenging issues, we found the solutions within ourselves. The work we did fundamentally changed the way our community works together. From that point forward, I have been deepening my practice in the Art of Hosting and am now fully stepping into the practice.

Tell us about your experience with Art of Hosting as part of your life and work. What would you say your competence in it is? (new, starting practitioner, experienced practitioner, steward)

I would say that the Art of Hosting has completely transformed my life and challenged me to grow and learn in ways that I have never experienced before. I'm honored to be part of a small cohort group in MN that is being trained to become trainers in the Art of Hosting. I would say that I'm a starting practitioner... I've been learning and practicing in the Art of Hosting for 2 years now...

What is the primary field/topic/focus in your hosting work?

I'm stepping into work with the immigrant and refugee community in our region. I have an opportunity to do some work with the MN Community Education Association with InCommons. My passion is for community... simple as that. My experiences in my previous position at United Way provided me a rich and diverse perspective on the various human service systems and programs focusing mostly in Early Childhood, Youth Development, Hunger, Mentoring, and Housing.

Where do you live/work?

I live in Mankato, MN and work anywhere the Universe guides me.

Would you like to share a web address?

http://www.soweluinstitute.org

Are there interests/passions that you'd like to share?

My passion is for community, and supporting what it takes to build healthy, resilient communities where all members not only have a high quality of life but also are able to thrive, have a sense of belonging, and are empowered to find the solutions they seek within themselves through conversations that matter.

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