Community Equity Program

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 

Our program is open to applicants who are both early and seasoned in their political leadership journeys. At CEP, we are more interested in learning about your passions and commitment to activating change in community than popularity, degrees or accolades (though we're sure you worked hard for those as well!). 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 a 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

Cohort members should expect to spend about 16-20 hours per month on CEP-related activities. Cohort members should expect to spend time on the following:

• 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 

This program year will take place predominantly in person with some virtual sessions after times of high gathering. In-person sessions will be held at Wilder's main office (451 Lexington Pkwy, Saint Paul 55104)or at the Capitol. Wilder's main office is right off of the green line light rail and has a number of bus stops within 4 blocks (the 83 & 21).