Lasting change is only possible when we influence the systems and policies that affect our lives. We advocate for policy shifts and build coalitions to widen our collective impact – accomplishing change far beyond what any organization can do alone.
Co-created with the community, our Policy and Advocacy Agenda outlines the key policy issues we're leading and supporting at the Capitol.
Make a donation to Greater Twin Cities United Way and support our policy and advocacy efforts at the Capitol and beyond.
Sign up for our Advocacy Network to receive action alerts and other opportunities to stand up for lasting change in our state.
Advocacy amplifies our impact across our region and state. Our partnerships deeply inform this work, providing data and perspective to help lawmakers connect the dots between issues and solutions.
Together, we can create lasting change – if all of us stand up and do our part. Will you join us? Get tools and resources to join the conversation, or make a donation to support our continuing advocacy work.
Access important advocacy links and resources to help spread the word about the issues and policies that matter most to our communities.
Help power our advocacy at the Capitol with a gift to Greater Twin Cities United Way.
Below are responses to some of the inquiries we get most often about advocacy with Greater Twin Cities United Way.
Put simply, advocacy is about supporting good causes at the local, state and national level. Our advocacy team works to build lawmakers’ support for policy shifts and new investments that advance the community’s vision and allow all people to thrive regardless of income, race or place.
Each year, Greater Twin Cities United Way’s Advocacy Agenda is set by our advocacy team, based on the data and insights gathered by our Community Impact department. Before publication, these recommendations are approved by our full board of directors.
You can learn more about our current advocacy priorities by reading through our Policy and Advocacy Agenda.
We strive to create a community where all thrive regardless of income, race or place. To do this, we work with partners to change inequitable housing, food, education and employment systems so they’re available to everyone.
Learn about our impact areas.
Our priority issues and policies are directly informed by our community, drawing on the data and stories we’ve gathered through our nonprofit partnerships, as well as data from our 211 resource helpline.
Advocacy before policymakers and lawmakers is a key part of Greater Twin Cities United Way's approach to creating change. Our advocacy team includes registered lobbyists, and we also work with external lobbyists during the legislative session to engage lawmakers and advance key policy priorities.
Greater Twin Cities United Way partners with many organizations who share our vision and our priorities for change. These organizations received advocacy grants from Greater Twin Cities United Way in 2026:
We can’t do this work without the support of changemakers like you. Our advocacy resources include tips for connecting with lawmakers, issue fact-sheets and more.
Read more about the economic hardship impacting more than 1 in 3 Minnesotans.
