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
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.
June 11: Join us for our Capitol Pathways End of Session Celebration!
You’re invited to celebrate a successful fifth year of Capitol Pathways, the only paid internship program in Minnesota creating a policy career pathway for college students of color!
#CapitolPathways Student Spotlight: Stephanie Oliva
Meet Stephanie Oliva, a second year student attending the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, and is majoring in Intercultural Studies and Youth and Adult Emerging Studies
Current Work
Interconnected: Rural-Urban Conversations
This conversation series – hosted by the Center for Rural Policy and Development and the Citizens League – bridges the divide between urban & rural Minnesota by exploring our shared challenges and how to design a future that works for our unique communities. All discussions are recorded and can be listened to and viewed online.
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.
2025 Civic Celebration
Join hundreds of civic leaders, policy thinkers, and community builders for an evening to celebrate the people and ideas that make our state unique, and to recognize our 2025 honorees: Peter Bell and Sharon McMahon.