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
Watch now: Interconnected — The Journey to meaningful workforce participation among Southwest Minnesota graduates
Learn from this insightful panel discussion exploring a new report tracking the trends and career paths among high school graduates in Southwest Minnesota.
Farewell, Blanca!
Our outstandingly talented Director of Public Policy, Blanca Martinez Gaviña, has announced that she is moving on.
Now recruiting Capitol Pathways students
We are gearing up for another year of Capitol Pathways! College students can now apply to be a part of our spring internship program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Welcome, Maddie!
Maddie will be an integral part of our collaborative and supportive six-member team, helping us sustain and grow the relationships with our donors, supporters, and project partners.
Photos: Annual Community Gathering
Thanks to all who joined our Annual Community Gathering!
A message from the League’s new Executive Director
It’s an honor and privilege to serve as the new Executive Director of the Citizens League – and as I wrap up my first week on the job, I’m feeling deeply inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead.
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.
Capitol Pathways Social Hour
Join and meet our new student cohort, alumni, hosts, friends of the program and learn more about Capitol Pathways
Thursday, April 10, 2025
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.