Common Ground.
Common Good.
The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers people to engage in civic life and public policy to make Minnesota a better place to live and work for everyone.
Recent News
Video: Lieutenant Gov Peggy Flanagan speaks to Capitol Pathways students and supporters
“If we’re truly going to achieve the the beauty of this democracy, our government needs to accurately reflect the people it seeks to represent.”
We’re looking for future EDtalks presenters!
Planning is underway for our ninth year of EDTalks – and we’re excited to focus our upcoming season on Black and Brown voices in the K-12 education, equity and youth development spaces.
Now accepting Citizens League board nominations for 2021
We are committed to solving the problems that affect us and our communities in the months and years ahead, and we are looking for leaders to join us in this effort.
Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan proclaim June 11, 2020 Capitol Pathways Day!
On June 11, 2020, the day the Citizens League celebrates the successful conclusion of the fifth year of our Capitol Pathways program, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan joined our online celebration to deliver the Governor’s proclamation that this day is Capitol Pathways Day in Minnesota!
A statement from the Citizens League on the death of George Floyd
We are stunned and saddened by the death of George Floyd this week in South Minneapolis. Injustice, inequity, and unfair systems led to this tragic loss of life and we grieve for George and his family.
#CapitolPathways Student Spotlight: Kevin Huynh
Kevin heard about Capitol Pathways through an alumnus of the program and saw it as a pathway to enter a career to further serve his community. Entering the University of Minnesota as an intended Biology major, Kevin has come to realize his passions about social justice and advocating for communities through programs like Urban Scholars and his other various roles on campus.
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
The Citizens League hosts forums for civil discussion across Minnesota. Our event series includes events that are open to the public, member-only and workplace events to help inform and engage Minnesotans on important policy and civic leadership discussions.
Interconnected: Workforce Challenges and Opportunities for Local Government Entities in Minnesota
Join us for a timely Interconnected webinar co-hosted by the Center for Rural Policy and Development and the Citizens League exploring the findings of Strengthening Public Service in Minnesota, a new report from the Citizens League that examines the challenges and opportunities facing our state’s public workforce. Learn how Minnesota can better recruit, retain, and support the next generation of public servants—and why it matters for the future of our communities.