Community Partners

The mission statement of the college stresses the link to the local community. The Political Science department has made it a practice to regularly invite  community members from a broad variety of backgrounds and political persuasions into the classroom. And the department has collaborated with local groups in other ways, e.g., placing students as interns with local groups, posting information on the Political Science board in Upper Humanities, or department members being invited to speak in the community. Following are a sample of local groups and organizations the Political Science department has been working with.

1. CREED Project

The goal of the Communities for Responsible Energy/Environment Demonstration (CREED) Project is to "educate Minnesotans about the impact of energy supply, conversion and use on our environment/economic prosperity through 3E (Energy, Environment, and Economy) materials and demonstration of sustainable technologies and lifestyles." The non-profit emerged in the early 1990s in the Coon Rapids area where most of the original members came from. As education is the major focus of CREED, the group as been working to advance a two-fold agenda.

"First, the establishment of an education center for the display and demonstration of working renewable energy, energy efficient and energy conserving technology models and systems, showing how these have very beneficial effects on the physical environment and the state's economic health. Second, the writing and preparation of curricula, courses and teacher training/resource materials on these issues for use in colleges, schools, businesses and interested communities, and the offering of Continuing Education Graduate Credit Courses for teachers." (CREED website).

For additional information about CREED, see: creedproject.org

2. League of Women Voters - ABC

The League of Women Voters - ABC represents Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Burns, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Ham Lake, and Ramsey, Minnesota. The League promotes voting rights and informs on political issues. Specifically, the League "sponsors candidate debates or forums, registers voters and encourages voter involvement, keeps in touch with local, state, and national issues and brings our voice to these issues, and [engages in] dialogues with city and county officials on issues pertaining to citizens of Anoka and Northern Hennepin Counties." (League website).

For additional information about the League including how to become involved, see: abclwv.org

3. Center of the American Experiment

The Minneapolis based Center of the American Experiment is a nonpartisan public policy and educational institution. Founded in 1990, it brings conservative and alternative ideas to bear on the most difficult issues facing Minnesota and the nation. Among the Center's many activities are publishing original research, writing commentaries, commissioning studies, presenting public programs that feature both local and national experts, hosting legislative roundtables, and delivering presentations to students and civic organizations. (Center website).

For more information about the Center's mission and activities, see: amexp.org

4. DFL Education Foundation

The Minnesota DFL Education Foundation aims to promote informed participation in politics, through citizen education, leadership development, and public discussion of political issues. The foundation began in 1985 and has focused on five key issues: "living wage jobs and retirement security, quality schools and lifelong learning, affordable and quality health care for all, accessible transportation and environmental sustainability." (Foundation website).

For more information about the Foundation's mission and events, see: dfleducationfoundation.org

5. Jobs Now

The Jobs Now Coalition supports the idea "that all Minnesota workers will have the opportunity to earn a family-supporting wage [and] self-sufficiency through work is a fundamental community standard. The coalition is a non-profit organization , conducts research, and does educational and advocacy work. Founded in 1982, the coalition now includes 100+ Minnesota organizations, and "is the largest employment policy coalition of its kind in the United States." (Jobs Now website).

For more information on the Jobs Now Coalition, see: jobsnowcoalition.org