January 16, 2008

Connect for a Cause, other events and more

Connect for a Cause

Monday, February 11, 2008
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a substantive role with a local organization? Join us for an exciting event by young people for young people in the Twin Cities. Connect for a Cause will bring together area nonprofits looking for volunteers with young leaders searching for the right fit. We'll begin with "speed-matching" - similar to speed-dating, individuals will move from table to table learning about participating organizations and their volunteer opportunities. The organizations will have just three minutes to impress potential volunteers before finding out if they will be asked on a second "date." The speed-matching will be followed by a more casual social hour. Participants are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Click here to find out more or to sign up.

Mental Health Innovations Conference

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Earle Brown Heritage Center
Brooklyn Center, MN

This conference will include the latest information on the major changes that are occurring in mental health services and funding (thanks in part to the work of the MN Mental Health Action Group) and how they affect mental health providers and professionals, health plans, counties, consumers, and family members. Guest speakers and panelists will present on innovative mental health projects, national trends, implications of federal cutbacks in case management services, and how broader health care reform proposals coming from the 2008 MN Legislature could affect mental health services. Click here to find out more of to sign up.

Policy Open House

Thursday, February 28, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us find out more about 2008 Citizens League policy agenda - and how you can get involved. The event will feature various policy activities scattered through the evening. From transportation policy to a video booth, the Open House will give members an opportunity to learn from each other about key issues for the coming year. Information on our current work will be available the whole time, and other Citizens League members and staff will be on hand to talk about this year's policy priorities. The event is free and open to members and non-members alike. Stop by for half an hour or stay for longer - doors will be open all evening. Click here to read more about some of the activities and to sign up.

Join now: Take advantage of the Citizens League's new, flexible dues.

In 2007, we heard what hundreds of you told us: members join because the Citizens League allows them to get trustworthy information about the issues important to our state, and to participate in a nonpartisan organization that makes real progress on these issues. But, you said, we needed to make membership more accessible. So we've lowered our dues - suggested dues start at just $25 per year! If you're not a member, consider joining. You'll receive a subscription to our regular publication, the MN Journal, and have the opportunity to create thoughtful public policy by participating in our citizen-based working groups. Click here to find out more and join.

Call to Action: Recruiting new young members

The Young Member Recruitment Committee (a sub-committee of the Membership and Engagement Committee) is forming a team to plan and execute events aimed at bringing young and diverse members into the Citizens League. If you are interested in joining this effort (a great way to meet people and get involved) please email Tim Schuster at tschuster [at] citizensleague.org.

Blog Roundup

On the Policy Blog: The Citizens League continues to work on implementing our transportation policy agenda based on the 2005 report "Driving Blind". Click here for Bob's quick summary of our legislative priorities, and to read the Citizens League current position on transportation.

On Sean's blog: Sean wonders whether guidance counseling can move online, and hails voters in New Hampshire and Iowa. Also - stay tuned for a chance to help us think through a new model of policymaking based on our mission and principles.

Posted by Annie Levenson-Falk at January 16, 2008 9:48 AM