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
Belonging: Kalia Xiong
Kalia Xiong is currently serving as the Capitol Pathways Program Manager at the Citizens League. Born the daughter of refugees from Thailand, she studied political science at Macalester College and was herself an intern in the Capitol Pathways program. Learn more in this member spotlight.
Paying Into The Pot Of Civility: Peter Bell
Citizens League member Peter Bell is Minnesota-born and has lived a diverse career path in regards to topics of civil importance. Learn more in this member spotlight.
We have a #GiveToTheMax Day Match!
Give to the Max Day donations will be matched up to $5,500! Donate now to help meet our match!
Capitol Pathways 2020: Now recruiting students!
We’re gearing up for the 5th year of Capitol Pathways, and we’re now recruiting students to apply for an internship during the 2020 legislative session!
Audio: Policy On Tap – The Science Behind Your Trash
Policy On Tap host Tom Weber was joined by a panel to talk The Business Behind Your Trash. Listen here!
Conversations on Minnesota’s drinking water
We recognize that communities are critical to this conversation and that is why we are seeking your input.
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.