Sponsor the Citizens League’s annual Civic Celebration, an evening to recognize unique leaders in Minnesota whose work has inspired, challenged, and transformed our communities.

On March 24, 2022, the Citizens League will honor Joan Growe, former Minnesota Secretary of State and trailblazer for women in public policy; and the late Kao Ly Ilean Her, champion and passionate advocate for Hmong-Americans and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Former Minnesota Secretary of State

Joan Growe
Civic and Public Sector Leader

Kao Ly Ilean Her

Former Minnesota Secretary of State

Joan Growe

Joan Growe’s impact in state government, elections, and mentorship has shaped what leadership in Minnesota looks like today. 

Growing up in small-town Minnesota, Joan first became politically active in the 1960s, joining the anti-war movement, and then the League of Women Voters. As part of the LWV, she was encouraged to run for an open seat to the Minnesota State Legislature. Despite her underdog status, and ridicule surrounding her innovative “housewives campaign,” she won the seat for the Minnesota House in 1972. 

“That year there were only six women were all in the house, none in the Senate,” said Joan. “I was the only person on my committee who had ever been a real mother. I was the only person who had been PTA president. I was the only person who had really been in the classrooms. And so I think there were talents that these women brought to a legislative body that the men didn’t bring.” 

Two years later, she was elected to become Secretary of State, becoming the first woman elected to statewide office in her own right. During her six-term career – the longest tenure of any Secretary of State in Minnesota yet – Joan promoted and enacted several initiatives and laws to make it easier for citizens to vote: Election Day voting registration; new and more efficient voting technology; and “motor-voter” registration, which allowed Minnesotans to register to vote while applying for a driver’s license or state ID. She even brought the iconic “I Voted” stickers to Minnesota. 

Through her historic career in public service, Joan has mentored and inspired countless women to be leaders in their communities, and to run for public office, paving the way for generations of women who strive to be leaders in Minnesota. More than two decades removed from public office, Joan Growe remains a strong advocate for fair and clean elections, women in leadership, and working together to make progress on the challenges that face our state.  

Civic and Public Sector Leader

Kao Ly Ilean Her

Kao Ly Ilean Her’s legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy will surely continue to reverberate throughout Minnesota, even though she is no longer with us. 

Born in Longcheng, Laos in1969 Ilean and her family fled Southeast Asia for the United States in 1977, and settled in Minnesota in 1986. Described by family, friends, and colleagues as “always a curious and adventurous soul,” and seeming to “thrive on diversity,” it was clear early in her life that she would blaze trails for women and Hmong Americans. 

In 1996, she became the first Hmong woman inducted into the Minnesota State Bar Association, and soon after became Executive Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, a non-cabinet state agency that works for economic, social, legal, and political equality of Asian Pacific Minnesotans. A champion and passionate advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, she also co-founded several nonprofits; Allies for Mentoring Asian Youth, Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together, the Heritage Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Dragon Festival on Lake Phalen. In 2019, Ilean became the first Hmong American elected onto the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. 

“I think a lot of women look at Ilean, as someone who just embodies empowerment,” said her sister Sharon. “It makes her a role model, but it’s also her connection to the community.” 

Ilean was a mentor, organizer, activist, and true trailblazer whose courage and compassion will continue to have a lasting impact in communities all across Minnesota. 

We appreciate your interest in sponsoring our upcoming Civic Celebration! Below is a list of sponsorship benefits.

> Click here for a PDF of these benefits, including a contribution form.

Civic Celebration COVID-19 Policy

The health and safety of Civic Celebration attendees and broader community is of the utmost importance. Upon entry to this year's event, all attendees are required to show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (final dose at least 14 days prior to the start of the event) or proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered by a provider 72 hours or less prior to the event (PCR or rapid antigen). For a list of current testing locations please click here. For more information on where to get your vaccine, here is a link to MN's Vaccine Connector program.

Face masks are optional. We will continue to follow CDC and local public health regulations and send out any additional guidelines/updates closer to the event. Thank you for keeping our event safe. 

Sponsor Levels and Benefits

$20,000 Champion Sponsor (Reserved by Comcast)

  • Two front-row premier tables of 10
  • Complimentary drinks for 20 during reception
  • Opportunity to have a representative from the Champion Sponsor welcome guests during the program (approx. 300 guests)
  • Opportunity to provide two brief video or written promotional pieces to be shared in event related materials
  • Verbal recognition at the event about your generous commitment to Citizens League
  • Branded promotional item given-away to guests
  • Prominent visual recognition during event
  • Top billing on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website
  • 5 tickets donated to Capitol Pathways students or people with financial hardship (in addition to the 20 tickets allotted)

$10,000 Civic Sponsor

  • One front-row premier table of 10
  • Complimentary drinks for 10 during reception
  • Opportunity to provide two brief video or written promotional pieces to be shared in event related materials
  • Prominent visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website
  • 3 tickets donated to Capitol Pathways students or people with financial hardship (in addition to the 10 tickets allotted)

$5,000 Gold Sponsor

  • Reserved seating for 10 guests at the event
  • Complimentary drinks for 10 during reception
  • Opportunity to provide one brief video or written promotional piece to be shared in event related materials
  • Prominent visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website

$3,000 Silver Sponsor

  • Reserved seating for 8 guests at the event
  • Complimentary drinks for 8 during reception
  • Opportunity to provide a 280-character statement on your organization’s community commitment to be shared in event related materials
  • Visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website

$1,500 Bronze Sponsor

  • Reserved seating for 6 guests at the event
  • Complimentary drinks for 6 during reception
  • Visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website

$850 Advocate Sponsor

  • Reserved seating for 3 guests at the event
  • Complimentary drinks for 3 during reception
  • Visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website

$250 Grassroots

  • Reserved seating for 2 guests at the event
  • Visual recognition during event
  • Recognition on Citizens League event related marketing materials: Facebook (3,000+ followers), Twitter (6,500+ followers), LinkedIn (800+ followers); and e-newsletter (7,000+ recipients), and company logo or name on event website
 
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