Advocacy in Action

A statewide student conference (also known as the Fall General Assembly) that brings college students across the state together to build collective action, learn about advocacy and policy, and gain confidence in their leadership skills.

Join us Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th for Advocacy in Action, a statewide student conference hosted by LeadMN and our friends at Students United with collaboration from the Minnesota State Systems Office.

This conference brings together the students of the 7 Minnesota State Universities, and students of the 26 Minnesota State Community and Technical Colleges.

Advocacy in Action provides opportunities for the MinnState Community to come together, build student power, and grow our collective voice!

Attendees will be able to talk through advocacy issues, learn critical leadership and organizing skills, and work with one another to identify issues impacting them for this upcoming legislative session. 

There will be panel discussions and a keynote speech from Sen. Tina Smith. We’ll also have workshops on storytelling, advocacy, and organizing and workshops from Minnesota artists, organizers, and policy experts. 

REGISTRATION

Registration is free! It opens September 4th for advisors and October 15th for all students. Registration closes on October 30th. Please register through Whova (linked here). 

HOTEL & TRAVEL

While registration and food provided for the event are free, attendees are responsible for the cost of their hotel accommodations and travel. LeadMN does not cover these expenses.

**NEW THIS YEAR: LeadMN has pre-purchased a block of hotel rooms and will invoice your school for the rooms you request. Due to high demand at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud, the number of reserved rooms in our block is limited. We are working to expand our room block, but we ask that you reserve your rooms with us as soon as possible so we can maintain an accurate count of the remaining rooms.

Holiday Inn & Suites Amenities: 

  • Multiple Pools 
  • Game Rooms/Arcades
  • Fitness Center
  • On-Site Restaurant

Please fill out the Hotel Reservation Contract during registration and submit it to Jasmine Epps-Flowers to reserve lodging with LeadMN.

If you have any questions regarding lodging, please contact to reserve lodging with LeadMN.

Schedule Sponsors FAQ

Event Details

Date: November 13-14, 2026
Time: 10am to 7:30pm (Friday) and 9am to 4pm (Saturday)
Location: Atwood Memorial Center at St. Cloud State University, 651 1st Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301

Advocacy in Action Schedule

DAY 1: Friday, November 13th 

10:00am: LeadMN registration opens 

11:00am – 1:00pm: Regional meetings that include lunch

1:00pm – 1:45pm: Welcome Presentation

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Breakout session 1

  • Show Me the Money
  • The Art of Storytelling
  • Pregnant & Parenting Students
  • The Art of Connection

3:15pm – 4:15pm: Keynote Speaker Tina Smith 

4:15pm – 4:30pm: Break

4:45pm – 6:30pm: Policy panel

6:30pm – 7:30pm: Chancellor address with Dinner

 

DAY 2: Saturday, November 14th

9am – 9:30am: Networking Activity 

9:45am – 10:45am: Breakout session 2 

  • Alumni Circle Coffee Meet Up
  • Advisor Session
  • Narratives in Digital Media 
  • Power in Policy: The Structure of Decision Making
  • Presidents Group

11am – 12pm: Breakout session 3 

  • Overcoming Barriers
  • Budget Consultations: What Every Senator Should Know
  • Credit Transfer
  • Of What Future Are These the Wild, Early Days? Narrative and Counter-Narrative

12pm – 12:15pm: Group photo

12:15pm – 12:45: Lunch

12:45pm – 1:45pm: Breakout session 4 

  • Advocacy Committee
  • Advocacy Storytelling 
  • System Round Table
  • Grassroots Organizing 

2pm – 4pm: Policy Platform regional breakouts 

   

Thanks to our Advocacy in Action Sponsors!

Lead Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Community Sponsor