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
#MNCivicLeader Spotlight: Beth Holger
Beth Holger leads The Link, a non-profit organization based in North Minneapolis that works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice.
#MNCivicLeader Spotlight: Nkechi Gillman
Nkechi Gillman believes that a leader is someone who inspires others by boldly forging new paths, even when it’s uncomfortable.
#MNCivicLeader Spotlight: Bill Doherty
For #MNCivicLeader, we asked individuals throughout MN to nominate friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others in their lives who continue to step up to lead in unique and impactful ways every day. Leard about one of our nominees, Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels.
Director of Public Policy Amanda Koonjbeharry is departing the Citizens League for a new role
It is with mixed emotions that we share the news that Amanda Koonjbeharry, our Director of Public Policy, will be departing the League for a new role.
2022 Slate of Board Nominees
With great enthusiasm, the Citizens League Board of Directors has approved the following slate of board candidates for 2022!
Congrats to our 2021 Capitol Pathways cohort!
On June 10th, 2021, we gathered virtually to recognize the accomplishments of 32 students and 32 host organizations working together to broaden access for the next generation of leaders in policy.
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.