• Students must attend a school located in Minnetonka, or live in the city boundaries. 
• Students will be judged in two age categories : grades 6-9 and 10-12.
• Use of generative artificial intelligence to write the essay is prohibited.
• Word count must be between 700-1000 words.
• Font size must be 12-point font with 2.0 spacing. 

What does belonging mean to you? Describe a time in your life that you felt welcome, included and supported. What were the circumstances. What should people in your community be doing so everyone feels like they belong.

Please use the DEI Commission's mission and values to guide your work.

Why do diversity, equity and inclusion matter? Describe a time when you felt welcome, included and supported. What were the circumstances. What actions can the City of Minnetonka and it's residents take to ensure that everyone feels welcome all the time?

Please use the DEI Commission's mission and vision to guide your work.

Mission 

The DEI Commission fosters a welcoming, equitable and inclusive Minnetonka by promoting diverse representation, removing barriers to access and amplifying underrepresented voices. The DEI Commission supports inclusive spaces where all humans- across all backgrounds and identities- can thrive, lead and be heard.

Vision

 We envision a Minnetonka where equity is woven into every policy, program and community space and where every human, regardless of the identities we hold, not only feels seen and valued, but has meaningful power, access and opportunity. Together, through intentional relationship-building, co-creation and culturally sustaining practices, we will build a community where diversity is celebrated and essential to our collective resilience and future.