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Prepare Minnesota Students for Democracy!
Every student deserves the tools to help make the world a better place. Right now, too many young people are graduating high school without being fully ready to participate in the democracy we’re inheriting. That’s a problem for all of us.
The Minnesota Civic Seal would recognize students who go above and beyond in learning about civics and engaging with their communities. If you believe every student should be empowered to lead, vote, and shape the future, sign this petition! Together, we can show lawmakers that investing in civic education means investing in a stronger, brighter future for all of us.
Why Legislation Matters
Civic Engagement Protects Our Freedoms
Civic engagement is how we protect our freedoms and strengthen our communities. The freedom to speak your mind. To take action on what you believe in. To have a real say in the decisions that shape your life. These are the freedoms that make democracy work — and they depend on every generation stepping up to participate.
Across Minnesota, students are already stepping up. They are choosing issues they care about and taking action to make things better. Legislation establishing the Minnesota Civic Seal would ensure every student in the state has access to this pathway — and that their effort is officially recognized.
What Legislation Would Do
Create Statewide Recognition A legislative civic seal would appear on diplomas and transcripts from schools across Minnesota, providing consistent recognition that colleges and employers understand.
Signal That Civic Engagement Matters When the state formally recognizes civic engagement, it sends a powerful message to young people that their participation is valued.
Encourage More Schools to Participate Official state backing gives schools confidence to implement the program and helps administrators justify the time and resources.
Join a Growing National Movement Minnesota would become the 13th state to establish a civic seal, joining a bipartisan coalition of states that recognize the importance of civic education.
States That Have Already Acted
Twelve states — both red and blue — have alrea
What the Legislation Includes
The proposed Minnesota Civic Seal (HF2372/ SF2565) legislation would:
Establish criteria for earning the seal by developing skills across five categories:
Democratic Engagement: Participating in democratic processes and civic activities beyond the classroom
Civic Knowledge: Completing coursework in civics or government that meets state standards
Media Literacy: Demonstrating the ability to critically evaluate information and media sources
Community Service: Contributing to the community through hands-on, project-based service learning
Bridge Building: Demonstrating civil discourse and respect for diverse viewpoints
Require project-based learning that demonstrates understanding of civic engagement through a hands-on project
Ensure access for all students regardless of background or circumstances
Provide flexibility for schools to implement the program in ways that work for their communities
Create formal recognition on diplomas and transcripts
Legislative Support
23 Bipartisan Legislators
The Minnesota Civic Seal has support from legislators on both sides of the aisle, demonstrating that civic education is not a partisan issue — it is a shared investment in freedom.
Sponsors
Representative Mueller; Bennett; Dippel; Clardy; Olson; Roach; Bakeberg; Greene; Bierman; Lawrence; Falconer; Feist; Hill; Reyer; Warwas; Perryman; Gottfried; Gander; Norris; Sexton
Senator Cwodzinski; Kunesh; Housley; Coleman
For Legislators
Investing in Freedom Through Civic Education
Defending freedom and fairness — and finding solutions to the challenges we face — does not have to mean fighting each other. The Minnesota Civic Seal is a bipartisan investment in the next generation of engaged citizens, supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle who believe that civic engagement is how we protect our freedoms and strengthen our communities.
Thank you for your interest in this initiative. This page provides the information you need to understand and support it.
The Case for a Minnesota Civic Seal
The Challenge
In America, our freedoms depend on informed, engaged citizens. But right now, young people are telling us that the system is not giving them the tools to participate:
Only 2 in 5 young people feel prepared for civic participation based on their education
69% of young people believe the nation is more divided than ever
Only 23% of young people trust adults in their own community
The Opportunity
Young people are ready to step up. They just need the pathway:
9 in 10 young people believe everyone should have access to civic learning opportunities
12 states have already established civic seals with bipartisan support
Research shows that civic education improves civic knowledge, engagement, and dispositions
America's 250th anniversary in 2026 offers a powerful moment to invest in the next generation
The Solution
The Minnesota Civic Seal would recognize students who demonstrate:
Civic Knowledge: Understanding of government, laws, and democratic principles
Project-Based Learning: Applied understanding through hands-on civic projects
Real-World Engagement: Participation in civic activities outside the classroom
Civic Mindset: Civil discourse and respect for diverse viewpoints
Join 23 bipartisan legislators and 14+ organizations already supporting this initiative.