West Central Initiative selected as Community Host for Weaver Awards
News | Published on January 20, 2026 at 3:51pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0West Central Initiative has been selected as one of 25 Community Host organizations for the 2026 Weaver Awards, a national initiative of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.
The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen growing enthusiasm from our communities to create welcoming spaces and foster a sense of belonging,” said West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha. “The Weaver Awards will strengthen that effort by increasing the resources available for programming throughout the year. This is local leadership in action, and we cannot wait to see the results.”
• As a Community Host, West Central Initiative will build a culture of weaving in west central Minnesota and White Earth Nation by:
• Launching a local Weaver Awards program, distributing 20+ microgrants each year for four years to individuals and small nonprofits.
• Identifying local weavers and sharing their stories with our community.
• Convening gatherings that bring people together and help them learn the skills of weaving.
• Joining a national network of local leaders rebuilding trust in communities across the United States.
“While loneliness, isolation, and division seem to define our national story, these 25 Community Hosts show us another truth—that trust grows when neighbors show up for one another, build relationships, and work together,” said Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. “Each organization is already deeply woven into the life of its community, and by going even deeper, they’re proving that a culture of belonging isn’t just possible—it’s already taking hold, block by block.”
West Central Initiative will share more information in the months ahead, including details on how nonprofits and individuals can apply for a Weaver Award.