Election Engagement
Elevating aging as a Minnesota policy priority
Precinct Caucuses
Precinct caucuses are one of the rare moments each of us can directly shape what rises to the top of public agendas. In rooms like these – in schools, community centers, and living rooms across Minnesota – ideas become priorities, and priorities can become policy.
If we care about creating a Minnesota where each of us can thrive as we age – where communities and caregivers are accessible, connected, equitable, and strong – this is an important opportunity to lead. A single, well-crafted resolution can travel from a local conversation to a statewide platform, influencing how our leaders think, act and invest.
By showing up prepared, bringing forward clear ideas, and working across differences, we can ensure the voices, experiences, and aspirations of Minnesotans across the lifespan are reflected in the future we build together. This is how lasting change begins: neighbors engaging neighbors, ideas turning into action, and our shared purpose shaping what comes next in our state.
Tips
- Use plain language; avoid jargon or acronyms.
- Focus on values, not overly technical language.
- Bring a few printed copies of your resolution.
- Sit where people can see and hear you easily.
- Connect with a few people in advance for support.
- Be open to amendments that offer needed clarity.
- Take a photo to share of the final resolution language.
- Follow-up after the caucus to track and ensure it advances.
Candidate Conversations
In 2026, every member of the Minnesota Legislature and all of our constitutional officers (like the Governor) are up for election. What an exciting opportunity to develop a bench of age-friendly lawmakers.
Each of us brings a unique vantage point shaped by lived experience and professional insights in our communities. When we share those perspectives directly with candidates for the Minnesota Senate, House of Representatives or Governor’s office, we ground policy conversations about aging in real life stories, not just demographic abstractions.
Candidates are real people trying to make sense of complex challenges and looking to build relationships with people in their districts who can offer trusted insight. Your voice can influence how they understand aging, community life, equity gaps, and the amazing opportunities and solutions we have to make life better in Minnesota for each of us.
Tips
Taking time to meet with candidates is a powerful act of advocacy. It turns experience into influence, relationships into momentum, and everyday conversations into lasting change for for how each of us will age.
- Lead with your vantage point by sharing a real example from your experiences that help to make the issue human.
- Focus on what matters most by naming just one or two priorities and the change you hope to see.
- Make it a conversation by asking thoughtful questions, listening to their answers, and looking for shared values rather than items to debate about.
- Build the relationship one step at a time by identifying the next engagement opportunity, such as offering to be a resource and following up with them.
Conversations with candidates can happen in so many places. While you can always call them, email them or engage on their social media, nothing replaces in-person connections, such as asking a question at a community forum, attending a hosted breakfast conversation, join in at a fundraiser, or being ready to engage if candidates come right to your front door, knocking.
