Students move forward important legislative issues

Young Minnesotans voted 86-1 on Nov. 15 that the day’s Changemakers Youth Policy Forum at the Minnesota House of Representatives was a good use of their time.

Young people ages 15-22 met with legislators and identified four top legislative priorities. Their next step will be developing their ideas into bills that they hope will become laws adopted by the 2026 Minnesota Legislature.

They came from all over Minnesota: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Eagan, Maple Grove, Minnetonka and Robbinsdale; while Greater Minnesota communities included Forest Lake, Hinckley-Finlayson, Howard Lake, Caledonia, Willmar and Worthington. Participants attend district, charter and alternative public schools.

Most of participating students (some chose not to be in the picture)

Photo by Sarah Whiting, Mn Women’s Press, with permission

“An amazing opportunity!” That’s how Anna Lindberg, Safiya Khimji and Samia Mohamud described the day. Khimji attends Parnassus Academy in Maple Grove; Lindberg attends Lakes International Language Academy (charter) in Forest Lake; and Mohamud attends Bloomington Kennedy High School.

Much of the day was spent with students discussing priorities in various groups.
Photo by Joe Nathan

Lindberg wrote, “It is SO important for the youth to speak out about issues that are happening that could potentially continue happening for future generations and to make solutions for said problems.  “

Kya-Violet Deck of Caledonia described the meeting as “very inspiring and full of new ideas.” She liked the chance to “learn more about the lawmaking process and meet new people.”

Owen Beckers of Minnetonka High School said he was “shocked at the amount of youth from everywhere around Minnesota in attendance. This emotion further developed as I networked and spoke to students and learned more about the rural, urban and suburban areas. Speaking to students from areas up to three hours away had a great impact on my perspective and how much this event meant to many.”

Caledonia Middle/High School teacher Erin Spencer wrote: “The Changemaker event allowed my students to be exposed to students from all over the state, all of whom bring different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. They participated in the grassroots of policy creation and were able to share essential factors about our corner of the state. As a teacher, I love experiences that give students hands-on, relevant learning, and this event made that possible. All four of my students enjoyed their day and can’t wait for another opportunity to participate.”

Participants identified four key priorities after several hours of discussion:

• Improving mental health of young people

• Increasing the supply of permanent housing for young people and families

• Reducing violence via guns and other sources

• Strengthening Minnesota’s Post Secondary Options Law.

Students explained their policy priorities.

Samia Mohamud of Bloomington summarized the mental health issue that received the most votes: “I shared a statistic about suicide rates in Minnesota, where it’s the second leading cause of death between the ages of 10–24. It’s a pressing issue for many, and it’s time to find a way to actually provide resources to these individuals.” See more details here.

Ari Sandford of Coon Rapids agreed: “When I walked into the Capitol and saw how many people where there because they wanted to make a difference, it was deeply moving knowing that there are so many people who want to make a change. Mental health help should be in every school and no kid should go what I went through. Every kid’s voice should be heard.”

Imani Ball, a Caledonia student, explained: “Improving access to education through PSEO and similar programs is one of the most important issues for schools like Caledonia. Every student deserves the same academic opportunities no matter the area they call home.”

Dr. Macarre Traynham, Minnesota Department of Education assistant commissioner, encouraged students to promote strategies that would equalize opportunities.

Brooklyn DeLuca of Minnetonka met with housing and education groups. Like many others, she concluded that: “Improving both of those areas can lead to an overall improvement in a young person’s life.”

Fergie Solano of Lakes International in Forest Lake spoke for many: “The issue that matters most to me and the one I hope to work with legislators on over the next six months is addressing gun violence and public safety, because I believe everyone deserves to feel secure and protected, both physically and mentally.”

Lindberg described another important issue:  “providing scholarships for less-fortunate students and creating a large multi-sport facility. This facility would first support schools lacking proper fields or theaters and then serve surrounding communities to encourage involvement. Hearing how group members personally struggled to access extracurriculars made the issue even more meaningful.”

Rep. Matt Norris (Blaine) and Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (Minneapolis) opened the meeting by encouraging students. They strongly endorsed the bi-partisan approach used by meeting organizer Khalique Rogers, executive director of Catalyst for Systems Change. This year, successful bills proposed by Changemaker students had bi-partisan support. Students will seek this again for 2026.

With support from the John and Denise Graves Foundation, the Morning Foundation and individual supporters, participants received lunch and a $50 stipend.

An overview of the event is available here.

There’s a lot of momentum.

Kyle Chen of Eagan High School said: “The third annual Changemakers event managed to impress me, even after attending the event the year before. There were many more students in attendance this time. The ideas proposed were exceptional.”

Brooklyn DeLuca of Minnetonka summarized how many youngsters felt: “I came out of the Changemakers meeting with a great sense of motivation to continue moving forward with issues that are important.”

Joe Nathan, PhD, has been a Minnesota public school educator, researcher and PTA president. He founded and formerly directed the Center for School Change, now known as Catalyst for Systems Change. Reactions welcome, Joe@centerforschoolchange.org