Brokering Trust
Bridging Divides
The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for Minnesotans to engage in building a strong civic life and effective public policies.
Recent News
“Cheniqua’s early-20s turned into a whirlwind of political experience.”
Meet Cheniqua Johnson, Capitol Pathways alum, who sat down with TPT Almanac’s David Gillette to talk about the connections she’s made and the achievements she’s already accomplished in her young career.
4th year of Capitol Pathways is underway!
The 4th year of Capitol Pathways, our paid internship program for college students of color and indigenous students has begun! This year, 33 students will be paired with 33 host organizations working in and around the Capitol during the 2019 legislative session.
Citizens League to serve on Met Council Nominations Committee
Nearly three years ago, amidst growing questions and concerns from community members and elected officials surrounding the Metropolitan Council, the Citizens League convened a diverse 19-member task force to consider possible reforms. As the original author of the...
Grasping and Reducing Poverty in Minnesota
What are some of the root causes of such disparities, and how can they be effectively addressed?
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Sandwich Generation Caregivers
Minnesota’s aging population is increasing dramatically. According to Minnesota Compass, between 2010 and 2030, our state’s 65+ population is expected to nearly double. While that projection becomes a reality, according to the AARP, available caregivers...
Pupusas, pan, y política: El Censo 2020
Translation: Pupusas, pastries, and policy: The 2020 Census Citizens League se enfoca en ayudar a todos quien viven in Minnesota a entender el poder político que tienen en sus comunidades. Por ese motivo, estamos organizando nuestro primer evento que se dará acabo...
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.
Mind Opener – Past, Present and Future: The Case for Liberal Arts Education
Join us for a special Citizens League Mind Opener, hosted and sponsored by Macalester College, as we delve into an insightful conversation about the future of liberal arts and higher education, and the role it can play in building a resilient, strong civic life for Minnesota and beyond.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Civic Celebration 2026
The annual Civic Celebration, Citizens League’s premier fundraiser and networking event, will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026! Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, political parties, and ideologies will gather for an evening to recognize Minnesota’s civic culture, innovative leadership, and a commitment working together across our differences to build trust and improve lives.