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
Capitol Pathways Student Spotlight: Kieu My Phi
As our Capitol Pathways internship program continues its sixth year, mostly virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked a few interns about their experiences this year. This time, we highlight Kieu My Phi
Thanks for celebrating with us!
We were overjoyed to come together with over 200 people from all over Minnesota to celebrate the outstanding civic leadership of Phyllis Rawls Goff and Charles R. Vig.
Watch Now: Rural-Urban Conversations — Child Care: A Complex Crisis
Monday, March 29: Join the Center for Rural Policy & Development (CRPD) and the Citizens League for candid conversations where we will start to bridge the divide between urban & rural Minnesota
Strengthening the Policy Ecosystem: An Interview with Executive Director Kate Cimino
The Citizens League’s values have remained consistent for decades. Belief in the importance of civic leadership and active citizenship, in democracy and good governance continues to guide the League’s approach to influencing public policy.
Mind Opener: Evictions Policy in a Post-COVID World
Join us Monday, March 1 to discuss what policies should be considered now to prepare for how evictions should be exercised in a post-COVID world.
Announcing the 2021 Civic Celebration
We are excited to honor community volunteer Phyllis Rawls Goff, and former Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Charles R. Vig for our upcoming Civic Celebration!
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.