Power and Participation Initiative
The flagship civic engagement initiative of Talo Table
The Power & Participation Initiative strengthens civic participation, leadership, and cross-community relationships across Minnesota by creating opportunities for communities, institutions, and leaders to learn, connect, and lead together.
Beginning with Somali-American communities and expanding opportunities across Minnesota, the initiative creates spaces where neighbors, institutions, and leaders come together through dialogue, research, partnership, and collective action.
We believe stronger communities are built when institutions listen, neighbors know one another, and leadership is shared.
Our Vision
Building civic participation, leadership, and cross-community relationships across Minnesota, beginning with Somali-American communities and expanding opportunities for neighbors to learn, connect, and lead together.
Why This Initiative Matters
The immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota revealed both the strength of community solidarity and the importance of building lasting civic infrastructure beyond moments of crisis.
The Power & Participation Initiative transforms community engagement into long-term relationships, leadership development, and partnerships that strengthen communities and institutions alike.
Initiative Components
Statewide Community Survey
Gathering community and institutional perspectives to better understand priorities, challenges, and opportunities that inform future action.
Power and Participation Tour
Hosting dialogues across Minnesota that bring together residents, institutions, businesses, nonprofits, educators, and public leaders to strengthen relationships and civic participation.
Community Action and Founding Advisors Network
Building a coalition of individuals, organizations, businesses, and foundations committed to investing in stronger civic participation and healthier communities.
Civic and Economic Submit
Convening leaders and community members to share findings, celebrate partnerships, and inspire collaborative action for Minnesota’s future.
Our Approach
The initiative combines research, dialogue, partnership, and action to create practical solutions and lasting relationships.
Rather than focusing only on moments of crisis or election cycles, we seek to strengthen the everyday relationships that build trust, participation, and shared leadership across communities.
Our goal is to build a stronger Minnesota by creating lasting relationships between communities and institutions, expanding civic participation, and developing leaders who can work across differences to solve shared challenges.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a community member, business, nonprofit, public agency, educational institution, or foundation, there are many ways to participate.
- Participate in the Community Survey
- Attend the Power & Participation Tour
- Host or Sponsor a Community Dialogue
- Become a Founding Advisor
- Join the Civic & Economic Summit
- Partner with Talo Table
Interested in becoming a Founding Partner?
We’re building a coalition of individuals, businesses, foundations, and institutions committed to strengthening civic participation and community leadership across Minnesota.