Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council
The purpose of the council is to advise the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) on reducing disparities and inequities that affect racial and ethnic groups within DHS programs. The council, consisting of 15 to 25 members appointed by the commissioner, is charged with reviewing DHS policies for racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and tribal disparities and providing an annual report regarding equitable delivery of services.
Please direct questions about the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council to ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us.
Accepting applications for open council positions
The Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council (CECLC) is seeking new council members! These seats welcome applicants from all sectors and levels of experience from the community. If you or someone in your network is passionate about advancing health and human services equity and would like to build leadership skills in this area, please apply and spread the word!
Interested applicants must complete an electronic application and supplemental questionnaire through the Minnesota Secretary of State Boards and Commissions webpage by end of day Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Council member responsibilities
Council members advise the commissioner of human services on reducing disparities that affect racial and ethnic groups. Serving two-year terms, council members play a key role in:
- Raising awareness and identifying disparities and inequities in the department’s policies, operations, strategic planning and budgetary priorities at DHS.
- Assisting in the development and implementation of equitable policies and practices throughout DHS and recommending the review of DHS policies and practices to advance equity.
- Promoting equity accountability structures within the agency.
Council members are expected to:
- Actively participate in monthly meetings. These occur on the third Friday of each month from 1-4 p.m.
- Actively participate in at least one workgroup outside of the monthly CECLC meetings. These workgroups typically meet for an hour monthly.
- Spend between 6-8 hours per month on council activities.
Open council positions
- 1 Member representing Advocacy Group Representative
- 1 Member representing American Indian Community Rep
- 3 Members representing Community Member Representing Diverse Cultural and Ethnic Community
- 1 Member representing County Provider serving large cultural and ethnic communities
- 1 Member representing Culturally Specific Human Services Providers
- 1 Member representing Department of Human Services Employees
- 1 Member representing Faith-based/Spiritual Organization Rep
- 1 Member representing Human Services Program Participant representing communities of color
- 1 Member representing Private Industry Rep
- 1 Member representing U Of M Health Equity Research
For any questions on the CECLC or the application process, please contact ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us.
Meetings
2025 schedule
Full Council:
Day: Third Friday of each month
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Meetings are in person with a hybrid option to join via Webex. Contact ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us to receive meeting link and information.
Council Workgroups:
Topics and Issues: First Wednesday of each month at Noon.
Equitable Outcomes: First Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m.
Legislative and External: First Thursday of each month at Noon.
If you are interested in presenting a topic to the CECLC Full meeting and/or workgroup meeting(s), please contact ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us to receive an engagement request form.
2025 meeting dates
- Jan. 17
- Feb. 21
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 20
- July 18
- Aug. 15
- Sept. 19
- Oct. 17
- Nov. 21
- Dec. 19
Meeting minutes
2025 meeting minutes
- Jan. 17 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Feb. 21 meeting minutes (PDF)
- March 21 meeting minutes (PDF)
- April 18 meeting minutes (PDF)
- May 16 meeting minutes (PDF)
- June 20 meeting minutes (PDF)
2024 meeting minutes
- Jan. 19 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Feb. 16 meeting minutes (PDF)
- March 15 meeting minutes (PDF)
- April 19 meeting minutes (PDF)
- May 17 meeting minutes (PDF)
- June 21 meeting minutes (PDF)
- July 19 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Aug. 16 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Sept. 20 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Oct. 18 meeting minutes (PDF)
- Nov. 15 meeting minutes (PDF)