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
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
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
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,...
Intern melds science, health and policy with experience at the Citizens League
Each year, the Citizens League is fortunate enough to host a Brandl Scholar from the Eugene J. McCarthy Center at St. John’s University over the summer. The interns we’ve had from this program prove to be bright and enthusiastic, and quickly become engaged...
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
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
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.