March 13, 2008

Citizens League Update: Apply to serve on the water policy study committee, propose a new study topic,

Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee

This spring, the Citizens League is preparing for a study committee on water policy - and we are starting to recruit members now.

Some of the questions the committee will explore include:
  • What are the demands for water in Minnesota and how are they changing?
  • What major principles should be applied to all water policies?
  • What types of institutions can best address emerging water issues?
  • How can citizens be more meaningfully involved in water policy development and implementation?
The Water Policy Study Committee will meet approximately every other week from the end of May through November 2008. We're looking for members with a wide range of backgrounds - everyone knows something about water! - so apply online.

Click here for more information or to apply to serve on the committee.

Submit a study proposal to the Citizens League

Have an idea for another study committee, an event or something else? Click here to submit your proposal to the Policy Advisory Committee. To be considered in the next round of reviews, proposals should be submitted by March 25.

Civic Engagement Opportunities for Students

Students Speak Out
Last summer, the Citizens League launched www.StudentsSpeakOut.org, a social networking website designed to elevate student voices in education policy conversations. Now, two student leadership groups are using the website to gather stories from other students about their experiences in schools - and, eventually, to come up with policy recommendations.

One group is focusing on bullying and harassment in schools and whether an increase in trust between students and teachers could help decrease bullying. The other group is investigating the assumptions people make about alternative school students and how those assumptions impact alternative schools and who attends them.

Students and recent graduates who share their stories on will be entered into a raffle to win a Sony camcorder - so invite your kids and their friends to check it out (the deadline is March 17). More details and full contest rules are at www.StudentsSpeakOut.org.

Video Contest -- I Am Minnesota's Future
To celebrate Minnesota's 150th birthday in May 2008, the Citizens League has launched a video contest for high-school aged students. The 3 minute video submissions (written, directed, shot, and cast by young people) will answer: What kind of state you want to live in when you're an adult? And what do you think ought to be done to make sure that happens?

Prizes include a digital video camera, a $150 Target gift card, and more. To get more information and get involved go to www.StudentsSpeakOut.org

Upcoming event: Civic Leadership: Building a Vibrant Democracy

Friday, April 4
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Inver Hills Community College
2500 East 80th Street
Theatre, Fine Arts Building
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Presented by MN Campus Compact and co-sponsored by the Citizens League, the program will explore new ways of civic engagement in the context of the 2008 elections. Presenters will include Cyndi Lesher of the Republican National Convention host committee, Deanna Cummings of Juxtaposition Arts, former Governor Al Quie, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and representatives from the Project on Civic Reflection.

Click here for more information and to register!

Help us reach our membership goal

The Citizens League has been challenged by the Pohlad Family Foundation to increase our membership to 2,000, and we'll receive $15,000 when we reach that goal. Just 150 new members to go -- and you can help.

If you're not a member, consider joining -- dues are flexible, with suggested dues starting at just $25, and you can include two names at a single address. Members receive a subscription to the MN Journal and the opportunity to create non-partisan policy solutions by serving on policy committees.

And, if you are a member, gift memberships to family and friends are a great way to build the common ground.

Click here to find out more and join.

Welcome Sean Skibbie!

The Citizens League is pleased to welcome our new office manager and external relations assistant, Sean Skibbie. Sean maintains daily office functions, serves as assistant to Sean Kershaw, and guides current and prospective members on their involvement with the activities of the Citizens League.

Before joining the staff of the Citizens League, Sean served as co-chair of our Energy and the Environment Action Group and worked at Capella University. He lives in North Minneapolis with his wife Vang, daughter Emma and dog Millie.

We are delighted that Sean has joined our team. Be sure to say hello when you see him at an upcoming event!

Posted by Annie Levenson-Falk at March 13, 2008 1:13 PM