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

The Dangers of Disruption

The Dangers of Disruption

By Rep. Nick Zerwas Why I want to increase penalties for protesters who block traffic Our country relies on the American people to be able to create and have constructive dialogue. Citizens can get involved in their community through communicating with their elected...

Injustice Demands Disruption

Injustice Demands Disruption

By Sarahjane Blum Legislation to address activities that are already illegal chills dissent In late May, some 100 people, led by members of the Dakota community, convened in protest of artist Sam Durant’s sculpture Scaffold, which was being installed in the...

For Argument’s Sake

For Argument’s Sake

To find ways forward we must make space for quality conversation and healthy debate. Even though I’ve spent over 25 years in public policy, I’m still amazed that policymakers routinely fail to involve citizen stakeholders in the decision-making process. When making...

Civic Celebration Speakers Announced!

The Citizens League is excited to announce our line-up of speakers who will honor civic trailblazers Dr. Josie Johnson and Susan Kimberly at the annual Civic Celebration on October 18, 2017 at the Minneapolis Event Center. Speakers will include Shawntera Hardy,...

From Capitol Pathways to Policy Director

Capitol Pathways 2016 alum accepts Policy Director position for the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Congratulations to Capitol Pathways alum, Fatima Moore, the new Policy Director for Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH)! Fatima was part of our first...

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.

Thursday, October 10, 2024
MCN & MCF Joint Conference

The Citizens League team is proud to present at the upcoming Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) & Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) Joint Annual Conference. Registration is now open for this two-day conference!


Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Mind Opener: Trustworthy Elections — Do conservatives and liberals agree?

In the midst of another challenging and hyper-polarizing election season, join us to hear from Braver Angels and others about how to enhance trust in our elections.