Access To Democracy

“Investigating Fraud and Financial Exploitation in Minnesota”

Carrie Binder, a graduate student researcher at the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work, is the guest of host Bill Raker. Carrie is one of two graduate student researchers evaluating Minnesota’s “Safe Seniors Financial Protection Act” in this somewhat unique school program. Carrie explains the motivation for the research project, the data-gathering and analysis: Minnesotans lost $62.5 million to scammers in 2021. Impostor scams are the most reported type of fraud; she describes how such schemes work and how to avoid them. Carrie emphasizes that research shows that education and awareness of scams can reduce susceptibility to financial fraud. Carrie’s work involves assessing the financial losses and also the mental and emotional impact of being victimized by a scammer.

“The Dakota County Law Library: An Introduction”

Tim Devine, manager of the Dakota County Law Library (DCLL) in Hastings, joins host Bill Raker, for an interesting and informative interview about the law library system. You’ll be surprised with what you learn in this interview! Tim explains the origins, purpose, operations, accessibility and services of the DCLL. He notes that the law library is a non-partisan, apolitical, independent entity funded solely by Minnesota court fees. In addition to the main office in the Judicial Center in Hastings, there are branches in the Court Administration area of the North Service Center in West St. Paul and in the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. The law library is open to the public and all are welcome to use its facilities and resources – free of charge! Tim emphasizes that DCLL “offers law information, not legal advice.” The DCLL uses the latest technology to assist in providing legal information to users. Wherever you live in Minnesota, check with the courthouse in your county for information about the availability of a law library near you.

Paul Sisk has been the sensei of the award-winning KickStart Martial Arts studio in Eagan since 2013. Hundreds of students have become proficient in Taekwondo, Bjj (Brazilian Judo), and Haganah F.I.G.H.T. (an offshoot of the Israeli self-defense techniques of Krav Maga) in his studio. With after-school and evening classes, as well as summer camp, Paul and his wife Kelli, a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo, keep a busy schedule. Paul is a 5th degree black belt, a certified F.I.G.H.T. instructor, and continues his studies with an instructor in Florida. Both of their sons, 15 and 12, are becoming proficient in the martial arts as well. Paul demonstrated some stances and strikes during the interview.

Justin Hellickson, the Think Bank Eagan branch manager, joins host Steve Francisco for a conversation about the history of Think Bank, from its humble origins as the IBM employee credit union in Rochester to a growing mutual bank with ten locations across Minnesota. Justin discusses some of the financial services provided by Think Bank, including investments and retirement planning as well as financial education services for both individuals and businesses. The interview also touches upon Think Bank’s support of various local nonprofits and community activities that help to strengthen Minnesota’s quality of life.

Nonprofit advocate and educator, Jeannie Fox Entenza, joins “Access to Democracy” host Steve Francisco for an enlightening conversation about the important role of nonprofits in creating and maintaining civil society.

Jeannie discusses her long career both providing direct services from a detox center, battered women’s shelter, and mental health crisis center, to becoming a leading nonprofit public policy advocate for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and educator at Hamline University. She has contributed chapters to numerous national publications.

Jeannie explains why advocacy is an important component of the missions of nonprofits and why Minnesota’s nonprofits are viewed as national leaders.

Finally, she discusses her role as honorary consul of Iceland to Minnesota and North Dakota.