Civic Caucus fosters learning, debate
on Minnesota's critical public-policy issues and solutions

The Civic Caucus, a small Minnesota nonpartisan, nonprofit public-policy organization, works passionately to protect and carry on Minnesota's proud tradition of exploring the state's critical public-policy issues and solutions and debating them in an informed, nonpartisan fashion. An integral part of that tradition has been deeply committed citizens working together to learn, analyze and recommend solutions to critical public issues.

Since 2005, the Civic Caucus interview panel-a group of dedicated volunteers with a wealth of public-policy experience and expertise-has conducted nearly 600 thoughtful interviews of civic and business leaders, innovators, elected officials, researchers, academics and other thought leaders.

Detailed summary notes of all the interviews are distributed free of charge by e-mail to a list of over 6,800 civic-minded readers and nearly 300 media outlets statewide. The summary notes of all 600 interviews are available on the Civic Caucus website. The Civic Caucus has also produced over 20 position reports, also available on the website. Our e-mail list is updated regularly to include newly elected officials statewide, candidates for public office and any other people who wish to subscribe to the e-mails.

The Civic Caucus operates on a slim budget, with two part-time staffers and "brick and mortar" consisting only of a Bluetooth conference phone. The Civic Caucus sees its function as a "Civic Caucus University," making available 600 volunteer professors (the interviewees) of diverse viewpoints to provide in-depth dialog on a wide range of Minnesota public-policy issues and to share proposed nonpartisan solutions to those issues.

The Civic Caucus is passionate about learning and seeking positive and creative solutions to thorny policy issues. The fabric of Minnesota's civic sector is becoming frayed, with increasing polarization and incivility in the public arena. More than ever, there is a profound need for respectful civil discourse and deep thinking in working toward solving Minnesota's most pressing problems.