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
Community resources surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota
While we may not know how the pandemic will evolve, there are organizations in the community that are acting and responding right now to this crisis. Given the concerns we heard, we wanted to share some of the resources that are available to you right now
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.
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.
MinnPost Festival
MinnPost Festival is a full day of in-person programming featuring national and local voices you already know, along with new ones that you’ll want to know. Experience insightful conversations and community that brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of Minnesota and beyond. Past guests include Laura Coates, Gov. Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, Samantha Bee, Sen. Tina Smith, David Rohde and more.