Build Your Skills Toolbox
Examples of community engagement as an elected official include:
- Building relationships with different community leaders, including those representing underserved or underrepresented groups.
- Modeling civility.
- Welcoming diversity in viewpoints and opinion.
- Modeling good social media use.
Connect
Staff specialists are available to answer your questions about community engagement as it applies to several different topic areas.
Race Equity
Rachel Walker, Policy Analysis Manager
(651) 281-1236
[email protected]
Social Media
Julie Liew, Communications Manager
(651) 215-4006
[email protected]
Messaging, Resident Communications, or Crisis Communications
Don Reeder, Public Affairs Manager
(651) 215-4031
[email protected]
Read
The League’s website features links to several important community engagement resources for elected officials that you can explore as needed.
- Informational memo on First Amendment Concepts for Protests in Cities.
- Minnesota Cities magazine, published six times a year, routinely includes feature stories and columns that address community engagement strategies.
- Resource page on Website Accessibility Recommendations for Minnesota Cities.
- In light of judicial and advisory opinions, the League maintains a sample Social Media Policy. If you or your city is active on social media, this document might be worth checking out.
- The League frequently works with the state’s The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution to assist cities with designing and delivering meaningful public engagement.
Listen
- City Speak Episode: What I Learned Over 100 Cups of Coffee with Noah Hobbs
- Access the library of The City Speak podcast episodes
Learn
As a League member, you have access to a wide range of educational and networking opportunities. Find ones that work best for your schedule and learning style. Learn about ways to build relationships with other elected officials for support and networking.