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Minnesota Governmental Relations Council

MGRC AND YMCA CENTER FOR YOUTH VOICE
PARTNERSHIP

The Minnesota Governmental Relations Council (MGRC) and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice (CYV) have partnered for more than 20 years
to support thousands of young people as they learn about our system of state government and how to effectively use their voice to act on
issues that matter to them. Check out some of the program highlights below!


  • EMERGING LEADERS VIP TOUR AND RECEPTION  
    MGRC and CYV host the “Emerging Leaders VIP Tour and Reception” for all MGRC members, current House and Senate members, and legislative staff. The tour  provides the opportunity to see participants in action: debating bills, hearing court cases, discussing and advocating for policy issues. Following the tour, attendees gather to network and build connections amongst one another.
  • LOBBYIST LUNCHEON  
    MGRC and CYV host a “Lobbyist Luncheon” for approximately 50 youth participants in the Lobbyist program area. The goal of the lunch is to give students a chance to hear from professional lobbyists about their work and lessons learned “in the field” and provide an opportunity for networking between aspiring and
    professional lobbyists.
  • SHADOW A LOBBYIST
    The Youth in Government conference experience is an excellent way to introduce young people to the importance of ethical representation in the public policy process. However, our students are often looking for additional enrichment opportunities throughout the year. At the Lobbyist Luncheon, all delegates in attendance will be given the opportunity to sign up to “Shadow a Lobbyist” during the legislative session. MGRC and CYV will identify two days during session in which adult lobbyists will be available to mentor and host a YIG student lobbyist for a morning.

MGRC AND CAPITOL PATHWAYS PROGRAM

Since 2022, Capitol Pathways and MGRC have partnered to support the next generation of BIPOC policy leaders and lobbyists. Through professional development, networking opportunities and career guidance, they work together to ensure the policy and government relations industry is reflective of the state’s diversity. 

Capitol Pathways is designed to open the doors of Minnesota’s policymaking spaces to Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC students. Our long-term goal is to help make state government and the policy world more reflective of the communities it serves. Students in the program receive leadership development, legislative and career readiness training, and an immersive internship with an organization working in policy during the legislative session. Check out some of the program highlights below!


  • SKILLS & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT  
    From January through May, students meet monthly for cohort sessions focused on career readiness and leadership development. MGRC members can support in the following ways: 

    ·Lead a workshop or training during a cohort meeting on a topic of your choosing. Examples include:Lead a workshop or training during a cohort meeting on a            topic of your choosing. Examples include:

    o Public speaking

    o Lobbying 101

    o Crafting an elevator pitch

    o Persuasive communication and storytelling

    o Career pathways in government relations

    ·Connect 1:1 with students for informational interviews, mentorship conversations or short job-shadowing opportunities.

    ·Support program development behind the scenes. MGRC expertise is especially valuable in:

    o Program evaluation

    o Recruitment strategies

    o Communications and branding

  • NETWORKING  

    o Attend Capitol Pathways social and networking events to connect with students, alumni and partners. These gatherings give students a chance to practice networking, learn about different career paths, and meet professionals in the policy and government relations space.Attend Capitol Pathways social and networking events to connect with students, alumni and partners. These gatherings give students a chance to practice networking, learn about different career paths, and meet professionals in the policy and government relations space.

    o Co-host a networking event with Capitol Pathways. We can partner with setting goals, the structure, and the flow of the event. MGRC members can bring their networks and help create a space where students and alumni can learn about different career opportunities. Co-host a networking event with Capitol Pathways. We can partner with setting goals, the structure, and the flow of the event. MGRC members can bring their networks and help create a space where students and alumni can learn about different career opportunities.

    o Support the annual End of Session Celebration in June. MGRC members can attend as guests, sponsor a table, or volunteer during the event. This celebration brings together students, families, host sites, and partners. Click here to watch the 10 year Celebration for Capitol Pathways.Click here to watch the 10 year Celebration for Capitol Pathways.

    o Connect with alumni as mentors or industry guides. This can include informational conversations, career advice, or networking support as alumni move into internships and early career roles. This can include informational conversations, career advice, or networking support as alumni move into internships and early career roles.