Community Engagement at Metro State University

09/16/2026

For Constitution Day, Metro State University is holding a panel conversation with Q&A.

Guests will have the opportunity to envision, share, and discuss a future with three featured guests: Secretary of State Steve Simon, Founder and Executive Director of Groundwork Institute Wintana Melekin, and Program Director of Nexus Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute Chai Lee.

Afterwards, guests will have table conversations over dinner and a performance by Puerto Rican music group, Boriken Bomba.

The event time is 5:00pm-7:30pm with doors opening at 4:30pm.

CAAL will be attending, see you there!!!

More details here: https://www.metrostate.edu/calendar/constitution-day-our-dream-for-democracy

09/16/2026

Ready, set… VOTE! 🗳️🙌 We had a great turnout earlier today for , and there’s still time to join the fun!

Stop by the Metro State University Library and Learning Center from 4–6 p.m. today and experience what it’s like to vote in person as the first-floor lounge transforms into a mock polling place.

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota will be there to walk you through the voting process, answer questions and help you register to vote if you haven’t yet. And while you’re there, cast a ballot on a few Minnesota hot takes, too. Come by between classes, bring a friend and get ! 💙

09/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped put this event together! We were so happy to talk to students about voting and help people register to vote!

Remember, you have until October 13th to register to vote early. You can also register to vote on election day (Nov 3rd). Visit https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/ to register to vote online or learn what you need to take with you the polls if you choose to vote in person.

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

Join Metro State University as we celebrate today! 🗳️ Let’s make sure every eligible Minnesotan is registered and for 2026.

To register, update your info, or check your status, visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting

Your vote matters—let's be ready to make a difference in the upcoming elections!

National Voter Registration Day Community Engagement at Metro State University

09/14/2026

September 17 is Constitution Day. Stop by the library’s 2nd floor this week to explore our display of books and videos about the U.S. Constitution, its triumphs, deficiencies, and lasting impact. All materials are available for check-out. There’s plenty to discover!

For additional resources, please visit our Constitution Day guide: https://libguides.metrostate.edu/constitution_day/websites_articles

And while you’re here, pick up a FREE pocket Constitution—perfect for keeping a little piece of American history close at hand.

Image Description: Photo of a display of books and videos about the U.S. Constitution.

09/11/2026

Mark your calendars... next Thursday, Sept 17th we are welcome our amazing local leaders to discuss, Our Dream for Democracy!

Join us at Metro State University to hear from Groundwork Action Founder and Executive Director Wintana Melekin, Program Director Boards and Commission Leadership Institute Chai Lee, and our MN Secretary of State Steve Simon. Stay after the panel discussion for group conversations, and a music performance by Borikén Bomba!

Doors open at 4:30pm
Event starts at 5:00

What does it look like to build a democracy where more of us have a voice in the decisions that shape our communities?

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Nexus’ Chai Lee, Program Director of our Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI), will join Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Groundwork Action Founder and Executive Director Wintana Melekin for Metro State University’s Constitution Day: Our Dream for Democracy.

Together, they’ll join a conversation exploring our hopes for democracy, civic engagement, and the role each of us can play in shaping its future.

Through BCLI, Chai works alongside community leaders historically excluded from formal decision-making, helping prepare them to serve on public boards and commissions. At Nexus, we believe civic engagement is vital to co-creating more liberated communities.

📅 Thursday, Sept. 17
⏰ 5–7:30 pm | Doors open at 4:30 pm
📍 Metro State University, Great Hall, St. Paul

Learn more and find event details:
https://www.metrostate.edu/calendar/constitution-day-our-dream-for-democracy

09/10/2026

A proposed closure of St. Paul’s Dayton’s Bluff Library is drawing pushback from East Side residents and Ward 7 Council Member Cheniqua Johnson.

Mayor Kaohly Her says the library has the city’s most expensive lease and is its least-used location. Johnson and residents say the value of the library goes far beyond books — providing free internet, computers, children’s programming, homework help and a place for families to gather.

The closure is part of Her’s proposal to address a $26 million city budget gap. The plan is not final, and the City Council is expected to approve a budget in December.

Read the full story at Power1047.fm

09/09/2026

Coffee & Connections is back monthly on Mondays! If you’re 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙪𝙚 for a chance to relax, be sure to 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 this event. We’ll kick it off Monday, September 14th at 11 a.m. with free specialty coffee from Elite Espresso. Don’t miss the chance to catch the Metro State Library's debut appearance of Godiva, the chocolatey therapy dog. 🐾

Visit the Coffee & Connections page for full schedule and complete information: https://library.metrostate.edu/coffee-connections-fall-2026/

Image Description: Graphic with high-fiving coffee cups, a Metro State logo, and an image of Godiva, the therapy dog. Text reads: Coffee & Connections in the library! Enjoy free coffee from Elite Espresso and connect with your Metro State community! Monday, September 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.