3rd Annual Changemakers Youth Policy Forum

3rd Annual Changemakers Program: Shaping Minnesota’s Youth Agenda for 2026

Join us at the Minnesota State Capitol for a powerful day of youth-led impact and intergenerational collaboration. The Changemakers Program, hosted by Catalyst for Systems Change, brings together students from across Minnesota; urban, rural, and suburban — to share their lived experiences, propose real solutions, and engage directly with legislators andcommunity leaders.

This year’s theme focuses on breaking down barriers in housing, education, and mental health. Youth participants will present their ideas, meet policy leaders, and shape a statewide legislative agenda for 2026.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Location: Minnesota House Chamber, State Capitol
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Youth leaders presenting local and policy solutions rooted in lived experience
• Legislators and community partners speaking on collaboration and action
• Interactive dialogue between young people and decision-makers
• Solution based disucssions, storytelling, and civic inspiration

This is more than an event — it’s a movement to build a future where young people lead the change.

Presented by: Catalyst for Systems Change
Media Coverage:
Star Tribune | KSTP News | CBS Minnesota

Info: 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Land acknowledgment
Introductions from CSC youth leaders
Reflections from state legislators and educators on the importance of youth-led design

Info: Participants choose 1 of 6 discussion groups to explore priorities raised in the 2025 forum and new emerging themes.

Info: Youth, educators, and partners share resources, ideas, and next steps. Groups will continue to discuss ideas through lunch as they will leave in waves of 2 groups for lunch.

Info: How to test or prototype their idea locally
Which partnerships (schools, city officials, nonprofits) could support implementation How success would be measured

Info: Groups present top priorities and recommendations to peers and guests.

Info: Each participant identifies one tangible action they’ll take before next year’s forum.

Info: Recognition of youth participants, sponsors, and partner schools. Surveys will be exit ticket to recieve stipends

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Minnesota State Capitol, Rev Dr Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard., Saint Paul, MN, USA, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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