Propose a New Policy Project

Have a good idea on an issue that the Citizens League should examine? Fill out this form to send your idea to the Citizens League Policy Advisory Committee. The criteria below are used to evaluate proposals for possible study committees, but can also be applied to other Citizens League activities.

The Citizens League operates 2-3 study committees each year. Proposals that do not meet the “threshold criteria” will not be considered for study committees, but may be considered for other Citizens League activities (events, Minnesota Journal articles, etc.). If there are any questions about your proposal, you will be contacted for additional information or clarification.

Proposals received between June 2008 and August 2009 are currently being reviewed by the Policy Advisory Committee; new proposals will be reviewed in 2010.

If you have any questions about policy project proposals, contact Annie Levenson-Falk at alevensonfalk [at] citizensleague.org or 651-293-0575 ext. 16.


>>>Click here to submit a proposal.<<<


THRESHOLD CRITERIA: Criteria that must be met for a topic to be selected.

  1. Clearly Defined: The problem must be clearly defined. The Board of Directors and the study committee should receive specific policy questions that will be addressed.
  2. Importance of Problem: Clear statement of why the problem is important. Statement of potential benefits to Minnesota's future if problem is addressed.
  3. Unique Contribution: The Citizens League can make a unique contribution that does not significantly duplicate or overlap work done by others. The Citizens League should be early in recognizing the issues and doing the early analysis to "set the agenda," or bring a fresh analysis to a politically urgent problem.
  4. Actionable: There are good prospects that the project will yield recommendations that could be implemented. Long and short term recommendations, if implemented, would have a major impact on the problem.
  5. Informed by data and analysis: Problem can be addressed on the basis of data, research and reason.
  6. Independence: No partisan bias embedded in the study proposal that would undermine the Citizens League's reputation for neutrality and integrity.

NON-THRESHOLD CRITERIA: Criteria that can tip the scale when threshold criteria are inconclusive in comparing proposals.

  1. Attractive to members: Proposed project would be of interest to current members to serve on the project and possibly attract new members.
  2. Outreach to diverse communities: Topic addresses needs of a segment of Minnesota's population and/or may provide a way to invite participation by members of segments now under-represented in Citizens League projects.
  3. Visibility: Potential to make a policy issue visible to a broader population. Does it change the focus on an issue? Does it offer a new framework within which the issue is analyzed? Is a new space created for discussion/debate?