OUR ORGANIZATION
The Future of Local Government
The mission and purpose of our fellowship program is to build the next generation of local leaders. More often than not, local and state governments don't effectively listen and advocate for the voices of young people, making it difficult to retrieve resources and information and give input on policy issues. We are devoted to helping young people understand the power of local government, to assist them in building their professional networks, and to support their efforts in building community. Our model has three components: (1) education, (2) networking, and (3) policy practice.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Our fellowship program has expanded since its creation and is open to young people in all regions of Minnesota. Our curriculum revolves around three main components: (1) education, (2) networking, and (3) policy practice. Our year-long fellowship program includes monthly professional development workshops, cohort convenings with guest speakers, and fellows will have the opportunity to create and present a policy proposal as their capstone project.
EDUCATION
Every other month, we rotate between presentations on leadership and professional development topics and guest appearances from public service leaders. Professional development topics include, but not are limited to: interviewing, networking, internship and job search processes, and the do's and don'ts to interning.
NETWORKING
Our guest speakers are extraordinary leaders in public service. We are fortunate to have the support of so many local changemakers who are ecstatic to speak and engage with young people. Please feel free to check out our past guest speakers below.
POLICY PRACTICE
Alongside this education and networking components of our program, fellows will be identifying societal issues that they are passionate about, develop a policy proposal that would address these issues, and as their capstone project, will present their proposal to the rest of their cohort. Fellows will also have the opportunity to present their proposal to local legislators if they so choose. This component allows participants to tangibly incorporate their education and networking into a project that is meaningful, applicable, and entirely led by their passion and imagination.
PAST GUEST SPEAKERS
St. Paul City Council Vice President and Ward 2 Councilmember