Brokering Trust
Bridging Divides
The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for Minnesotans to engage in building a strong civic life and effective public policies.
Recent News
Thanks for an amazing Civic Celebration!
Thanks to all who could join us for the annual Civic Celebration! View event photos and videos now.
Capitol Pathways Student Spotlight: Melody Her
Highlighting Capitol Pathways student Melody Her, a 3rd year St. Catherine University student interning at St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce this Spring 2023.
Capitol Pathways Students Gather for First Meeting and Social
Our Capitol Pathways program continues as the students finally meet each other in person, and others, during the recent cohort meeting and social. Thanks to all students, alumni, supporters, and others who could make it to our first social of this program year.
Meet the 2023 Capitol Pathways cohort
Coinciding with Minnesota’s 2023 legislative session, a new program year has begun, providing an immersive, hands-on policy experience.
Your year-end support is needed!
There has never been a more important time to show your support of coming together to find common ground, for the common good. If you’re able, please consider a gift today.
Citizens League Report: Serving in Elected Office
Read our new report on why people run, decline to run, remain serving, or step down from office, and the impact on local government.
Current Work
Minnesota Legislative Exchange
The Minnesota Legislative Exchange is a first-in-the-nation effort to build trust and bipartisan relationships in state legislatures. As Minnesota’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit focused on civic engagement and public policy solutions, Citizens League is proud to lead this important effort, intentionally forging new relationships to bridge divides and govern our state effectively.
Capitol Pathways
With the long-term goal of making our government truly representative of our communities, the program opens access to the Minnesota Capitol to the next generation of leaders of color. Through this program, interns build relationships with established Capitol leaders, gain exposure to various kinds of careers in policy, get real-world experience in career fields they would like to learn more about and build a strong professional resume in the process.
Strengthening Public Service
Citizens League is embarking on a new project to dig deeper and explore the unique challenges and barriers to public service, with a particular emphasis on non-elected roles and people who make our state’s local governments work.
Events
Through our engagement with communities in Minnesota, we strive to help people understand that public policy happens everywhere, and everyone has a role in decision-making.
Our events are organized around these goals, inviting a panel of different viewpoints to discuss policy issues that affect Minnesotans. We cover such topics as mental health, aging, disruptive protests, and water quality. Those in attendance can expect ample opportunity to voice their perspectives, questions, and ideas as well.
Mind Opener – Past, Present and Future: The Case for Liberal Arts Education
Join us for a special Citizens League Mind Opener, hosted and sponsored by Macalester College, as we delve into an insightful conversation about the future of liberal arts and higher education, and the role it can play in building a resilient, strong civic life for Minnesota and beyond.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Civic Celebration 2026
The annual Civic Celebration, Citizens League’s premier fundraiser and networking event, will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026! Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, political parties, and ideologies will gather for an evening to recognize Minnesota’s civic culture, innovative leadership, and a commitment working together across our differences to build trust and improve lives.