Community Equity Program

• Develop knowledge and skills necessary for navigating and taking action during a legislative session
• Engage in an immersive experience by participating in legislative coalitions and supporting legislation that directly impacts people of color and Indigenous peoples
• Connect with a diverse learning community of leaders, who become resources, mentors, allies, and a network for your work
• Examine and cultivate personal leadership through reflection and critical analysis of the experience as an Indigenous person and/or a person of color navigating Minnesota’s Capitol legislative process
• Share your knowledge of how to engage in the legislative process with other people of color and Indigenous leaders in your communities

• Government structure and the legislative process
• Advocacy media and communications
• Storytelling in policy and advocacy
• Crafting your legislative agenda
• Authentic leadership for Indigenous people and people of color
• Advocacy engagement in communities of color and Indigenous communities

Observing the process on the ground is essential to understanding the Minnesota Legislature. Each participant will be tasked with completing a number of tasks in order to gain a deeper familiarity and comfort with the capitol including but not limited to: attending coalition meetings and bill hearings, tracking legislation and visiting lawmakers. CEP supports cohort member’s immersion experience through helping make strategic connections to lobbyists, coalitions and lawmakers.