Community Engagement
Building a Stronger Minnesota Together
At the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, we believe that meaningful change happens when communities lead the way.
Our approach to community engagement ensures that the voices of older Minnesotans and community leaders directly shape the policies, programs, and services impacting our lives. Aging is a shared experience, and transformational solutions must be developed with, not just for, all the communities they affect.
We work alongside older Minnesotans, policymakers, caregivers, aging service providers, and advocacy groups to:
Center Community Wisdom
We actively break down traditional barriers by elevating lived experiences and community-led decision-making. Older adults and diverse community members aren't just participants, but leaders in shaping the future of aging in Minnesota.
Create Solutions That Last
We engage communities in meaningful, ongoing dialogue to identify needs, assets, and opportunities. Working together at all stages, we build solutions that are responsive, culturally relevant, and reflective of real experiences.
Share Ownership of Progress
Our initiatives are designed for long-term impact by embedding leadership within the communities we serve. We facilitate partnerships that allow organizations, government, and local leaders to share responsibility for strategies and outcomes.
How We Make Change
We work to convene community-driven events, including discussions, conferences, workshops, and trainings.
Our interactive learning sessions empower community members and organizations with practical tools for engagement. Whether in-person or virtual, these events help our state to build relationships, develop inclusive strategies, and ensure everyone has a voice in creating change.
All are welcome. We are pleased to invite you to join us!
Reframe Aging Minnesota
Co-convened with the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, these interactive sessions include guided practice, peer-to-peer learning, case studies, and collaborative problem-solving. An inclusive, nonheirarchical philosophy is the heart of our "all teach, all learn" approach.
Age-Friendly Systems
With engagement from over 3,500 Minnesotans across the state, we support state agencies, tribal and local government leaders and cross-sector community organizations creating coordinated age-friendly systems grounded in lived experience and equity.
Share Ownership of Progress
Through our signature Catalyst Conversations series, we create spaces for discussions led by community leaders and advocates. These virtual gatherings challenge systemic barriers, inspire action, and connect people working toward an equitable aging future.
Join Us.
We are committed to listening, learning, and acting together to build an inclusive Minnesota where all people can thrive as they age. Your voice, experience, and leadership are essential to this work.
Let's collaborate to create a future where aging is valued and supported in every Minnesota community.
Ready to make a difference? Contact us today to join the movement.
Community Engagement Office Hours
Chao Yang is offering dedicated office hours to provide guidance, answer questions, and help you with your community engagement efforts. Join her each Wednesday, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Simply Register in advance for this virtual Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining.
Office hours are open for drop-in conversations; we’ll address questions on a first-come, first-served basis. For more in-depth consultations, you can also schedule a one-on-one community engagement consultation.
Community Engagement Assistance Consultation
If you need tailored support for your initiatives, we can help! Request assistance by completing a Community Engagement Assistance Consultation Request Form.
Simply provide details about your project, goals, and the specific type of support you need and we will follow-up with a response within three business days to discuss next steps.
Your feedback and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to strengthen our communities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions or suggestions.
Funding Support
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Special thanks to our funders at the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council.
