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
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
#CapitolPathways Student Spotlight: Dieu Do
Meet #CapitolPathways intern Dieu Do, a first generation college student attending Hamline University. She is majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice.
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.