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A Practical Guide to Civic Action

Whether you’re new to this or getting back in the game, here’s the best order to take action and start making a real difference in your Minnesota community.

1. Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote
  • Register to vote, or check that your voter registration is current.
  • Make sure your name, address, and any party preference are correct.
  • Learn when your local, state, and federal elections are happening.

Voting is your most basic tool — it gives you a say in who makes decisions.

2. Understand How Power Works Where You Live
  • Read your city charter and local municipal code to understand city-level government.
  • Read your state constitution and state laws — especially in areas like housing, labor, education, and health.
  • Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Constitution and federal laws – especially areas in funding and managing housing, labor, education, and health.

You don’t need to memorize anything — just get a feel for how decisions are made and who makes them.

3. Figure Out Who Represents You and What They Do
  • Look up your city council member, mayor, county commissioners, school board reps, and more on your city and county websites.
  • Look up your state and federal representatives with this tool.
  • Learn what issues each office handles — so you can go to the right people about the right things.

It’s easier to push for change when you know where to push.

4. Watch, Attend, or Participate in Public Meetings
  • Attend (or livestream/watch recordings of) city council, school board, planning commission, and other public meetings.
  • Pay attention to how decisions are made, how people speak up, and what’s being prioritized.

Public meetings are where you’ll see how power moves — and where you can start being heard.

5. Stay Up to Date on Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Groups
  • Follow your city and county’s websites or bulletins.
  • Track open board seats, agendas, minutes, and upcoming votes.
  • See if you or someone you know could apply for a seat on a board or commission.
6. Learn the Issues and the History Behind Them
  • Read about housing, jobs, healthcare, education, and transportation issues in your area.
  • Understand how past decisions and policies shaped what’s happening now.
  • Ask people directly affected by those issues what they’ve experienced.
  • Our Education page is a great place to start.

Good organizing starts with good listening. Educate yourself and stay curious.

7. Get Involved With Existing Organizations
  • Look for community groups, unions, or advocacy orgs already working on your issue.
  • Join one — or just show up, volunteer, or sign up for updates.
  • If you don’t have time, donate (if you’re able) to groups doing the work.

You don’t have to start from scratch. Find your people and jump in.

8. Speak Up and Take Action
  • Use 5 Calls to call, email, or meet with your representatives — they work for you.
  • Testify at public hearings or submit written comments.
  • Write letters to the editor, post on social media, or organize community events.
  • Help others register to vote and learn how to get involved.

Real change happens when regular people speak up — and don’t back down.

9. Keep Showing Up
  • Keep going to meetings and following local issues.
  • Help neighbors understand how to take action, too.
  • Bring more people in — the more organized we are, the more power we have.

We don’t win by being loud once. We win by sticking with it and bringing others along.

Stay Involved in Your Community

You don’t have to do this alone. Being active in local government is one of the most powerful ways to make your community work for everyone.

Whether it’s attending a city council or school board meeting, contacting your local representatives, or talking with neighbors about issues that matter, staying informed and engaged makes a real difference. We’ll share resources and guidance to help you understand local processes and take action where you live.

While membership in our organization is by invitation only, anyone can get involved in local government — and that’s where real change happens.

Let’s build power from the ground up. Let’s make sure local leaders are accountable to working people and families — not just the wealthiest few.

We know what’s broken. Now let’s fix it — together.