Community Equity

Civic Engagement Programs

Wilder supports community members in leading, advocating, and reshaping Minnesota’s policy-making landscape. Through programs like the Community Equity Program and Advocacy Leadership Intensive, participants gain the skills, knowledge, and connections to drive change and build lasting community power.

Community Equity Program

Wilder’s Community Equity Program serves as a catalyst for transformative change, empowering community members to lead, advocate, and reimagine Minnesota’s policy-making landscape.

Led by a diverse team, this 7-month cohort experience equips participants to engage with policymakers, challenge systems of power, and build lasting community power and solidarity at the Capitol.

Who’s invited to join CEP?

Our program welcomes applicants at all stages of their leadership journey—whether you're just getting started or bringing years of experience.
At CEP, 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!).
Everyone has something to learn and share from/with one another and we welcome the unique experiences that each person brings with them to the program. In order to apply, applicants must:

Be 18 years of age or older by September 1st, 2025
Be part of an underrepresented community or a strong ally of underrepresented communities
Reside in the Twin Cities metro area (this program year will be predominantly in person with a few virtual sessions) - Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties
Have an interest and commitment to impacting state-level legislative policy in Minnesota
Be committed and available to attend at least 90% of scheduled cohort meetings and program-related activities during the extent of the program (students are welcome to apply if they can guarantee their availability the ENTIRE program year)
Committed to creating a safe space for people to share about their lived experiences with empathy and solidarity

What will you learn in CEP?

By participating in the program you will:

Develop skills and knowledge necessary for navigating and advocating during a legislative session including: legislative timelines, state budgets, navigating the Capitol campus, reading/drafting bill language, policy analysis, coalition building, preparing and delivering testimonies, and more
Collectively cultivate a space to discuss and critique the historic and present harms of political systems, its impact on underrepresented communities' physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and dream of and integrate restorative pathways of governance
Engage in an immersive experience by participating in legislative coalitions and supporting legislation that directly impacts people from underrepresented communities and their respective communities
Build meaningful relationships with your AMAZING cohort and alumni through monthly social events and activites (ex. hiking, museums, bowling, trivia, etc.)
Connect with other leaders outside the cohort who are passionate and knowledgable about different topics and work in relevant fields, such as legislative staff, community organizers, activists, journalists, elected officials, lobbyists, etc.
Examine and cultivate personal leadership through 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 does CEP require?

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 (exact program dates are below - these will not change)
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 year will be primarily in person, with some virtual sessions following periods of large gatherings.
In-person sessions will be held at Wilder Center (451 Lexington Pkwy, Saint 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

The Advocacy Leadership Intensive is a condensed version of Wilder’s Community Equity Program, designed for advocates, allies, and community members interested in Minnesota’s legislative process.

Through a series of focused sessions, participants gain practical tools to navigate the Capitol, engage effectively with policymakers, and ensure that state policies reflect their community’s needs. Graduates of our programs have gone on to serve as legislators, mayors, campaign organizers, nonprofit leaders, and powerful advocates for change.

This intensive is ideal for those who want to deepen their advocacy skills but cannot commit to the 7-month Community Equity Program. No prior experience is required—participants at all levels, including those with some legislative knowledge, will gain valuable insights and connections.

Applications for the 2026 Advocacy Leadership Intensive will open in Spring 2026. For questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Policy Education Trainings

Strengthen your organization’s advocacy with customized trainings led by Wilder’s experienced policy team.

We offer tailored sessions throughout the year—including webinars, workshops, and events—to help organizations and community members understand key legislative issues and take meaningful action.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, our trainings provide accessible political education and practical tools for civic engagement.

Interested in a training? Contact us at [email protected] to get started.

Our service offerings are rooted in data and real-world insights.

Wilder Research provides the tools and the insights you need to make well-grounded, effective decisions.

Wilder walks alongside families throughout their journey—providing care, connection, and support along the way.

Advocating for systemic equity and opportunities for all Minnesotans.

Together, we create pathways to well-being, opportunity, and a stronger community for all.

Wilder has worked alongside communities to break down barriers and create pathways to lasting change.

Community Equity

Civic Engagement Programs