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’s invited to join?

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 you learn?

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.

What level of commitment is required?

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 connect as a cohort?

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 the Community Equity Program that is designed for advocates, allies, and community members interested in Minnesota’s legislative process. This intensive is ideal for those who want to deepen their advocacy skills but cannot commit to the 7-month cohort. No prior experience is required. Participants at all levels, including those with some legislative knowledge, will gain valuable insights and connections.

Applications for the next Advocacy Leadership Intensive will open Spring 2026. The program will run for every Monday in June 2026. For questions, please contact us at [email protected].

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