Civic Engagement Programs

Providing the tools to build leadership skills, influence public policy, create meaningful change in your community and at the Capitol.

Become A Changemaker

Leading with Community at the Center

Community members build the skills, confidence, and connections to lead and influence policy. Program alumni go on to drive change as elected officials, community leaders, and advocates.

Community Equity Program

A catalyst for transformative change by empowering community members to lead, advocate, and reimagine Minnesota’s policymaking landscape. Led by a diverse team, this 7-month cohort experience equips participants with the tools to engage with policymakers, transform systems of power, and build lasting community power and solidarity at the Capitol.

Who Is This For?

Applicants at all stages of their leadership journey, whether you're just getting started or bringing years of experience. We're most interested in your passion and commitment to creating change—not titles, degrees, or accolades (though we know you’ve worked hard for those too!). We welcome the unique experiences that each person brings with them to the program.

Applicant Eligibility:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be part of a historically underrepresented community or a strong ally of historically underrepresented communities.
Reside in the Twin Cities Metro Area (this program year will be predominantly in person with a few virtual sessions).
Have an interest and commitment to impacting state-level legislative policy in Minnesota
Committed and available to attend at least 90% of scheduled cohort meetings and program-related activities during the extent of the program.
Committed to creating a safe space for people to share about their lived experiences with empathy and solidarity.

What Will I Gain?

Develop skills and knowledge needed to engage in the legislative session like legislative timelines, state budgets, navigating the Capitol campus, reading and drafting bill language, policy analysis, coalition building, preparing and delivering testimonies, and more.
Critically analyze political systems and brainstorm restorative pathways of governance.
Participate in legislative coalitions that directly impact people from historically underrepresented communities.
Build meaningful relationships with your cohort and program alumni through monthly social events and activities (ex. hiking, museums, bowling, trivia, etc.)
Connect with leaders who are passionate, knowledgeable, and work in relevant fields such as legislative staff, community organizers, activists, journalists, elected officials, and lobbyists.
Personal reflection and critical analysis of your experience navigating the legislative process.
Share your knowledge from this program and help to engage others' in advocacy.

Commitment Requirement

Cohort members can expect to spend 16–20 hours per month on CEP-related activities, including:

6-hour cohort educational sessions every other Friday from 9am-3pm from September-March.
2-5 hours per month working with your paired advocacy coalition/organization.
3-5 hours per month spent on individual assignments, buddy meetings, group projects, time at the Capitol, etc.
Regular monthly 1:1 technical assistance/support check-ins with CEP staff.

How Will We Meet?

This program will be primarily in person, with some virtual sessions following periods of high gathering.

In-person sessions will be held at Wilder Center (451 Lexington Pkwy, St. Paul 55104) or at the Capitol. Wilder Center is easily accessible—just steps from the Green Line light rail and within four blocks of several bus routes, including the 21 and 83.

Advocacy Leadership Intensive

A condensed version of Community Equity Program, this four-session, in-person advocacy program is for anyone interested in understanding how the Minnesota legislative process truly works.

Whether you are new to advocacy or already have some experience, this intensive will equip you with the tools, confidence, and connections to engage meaningfully at the Capitol — and ensure policies reflect the needs of your community.

Who Is This For?

Emerging advocates, community leaders, nonprofit professionals, grassroots organizers, policy-interested residents, individuals directly impacted by state policy, anyone who wants to better understand how Minnesota laws are shaped

No experience is required.

Even participants with intermediate legislative experience will gain valuable strategy, clarity, and connection.

Application and Program Timeline

Space is limited to maintain a focused and collaborative cohort experience.

March 16 – Applications Open
April 12 – Applications Close
May 1 – Participants Notified

All sessions are held in person from 5:30–8:00 p.m.

June 1 – Session 1: Government Structures
June 8 – Session 2: Legislative Timelines
June 15 – Session 3: Bill Process
June 22 – Session 4: Legislative Meetings & Testifying
June 27 – Alumni BBQ

What Will You Gain?

By the end of the program, you will:

Understand where and how to intervene in the legislative process
Know how to prepare for meetings with policymakers
Feel confident navigating Capitol systems
Build lasting relationships with fellow advocates
Be prepared to take your next step in advocacy leadership

How Do I Apply?

Applications for the 2026 Advocacy Leadership Intensive open March 16, 2026.

If you are interested in applying or want to be notified when the application goes live, please email [email protected]

Take the next step in your advocacy journey.

Policy Education Trainings

Through webinars, workshops, and events, individuals and organizations build confidence, understand key issues, and take meaningful action for change. Past trainings have included:

Minnesota Legislature 101
How a Bill Becomes Law
Meeting with Legislators & Testifying

Ready to activate your staff, volunteers or community leaders as advocates? We offer standard curriculum packages or custom trainings tailored to your needs Contact us at [email protected] to get started!

Previous partners have included:

MN Women’s Foundation

MN Leadership Council on Aging

Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth

First Children’s Finance