Apply to serve on a State board or commission
Do you want to share your ideas about state policies and programs? A great way to get involved is to participate on a board or commission. Boards and commissions within state government are made up of Minnesotans who are selected to do things like give advice, make recommendations, and help create policies.
You need to apply and be selected to serve on a board or commission when there is an opening.
You can find information about all of the Minnesota boards and commissions, sign-up to get email updates when new positions are available, and apply for openings on the Minnesota Secretary of State website: Boards and Commissions
Boards, commissions, committees, and councils working on disability issues
Any board, commission, committee, council, or task force benefits from the participation of people with disabilities. We encourage you to review the full list on the Secretary of State’s website.
Below are some of the boards, commissions, committees, and councils that require membership from people with disabilities or family members, or work directly on disability issues, including Minnesota Olmstead Plan goal areas. They are organized here by topic area. Some may be listed more than once, if they cover multiple topic areas. Check the Secretary of State’s website to see if there are current openings.
If you have questions about any of the following boards, commissions, committees, or councils, we encourage you to reach out to them directly using the website links provided below. You can find contact information for each of them on the Secretary of State’s website.
General
Minnesota Council on Disability The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) gives advice and information to the Governor, state legislature, state agencies, and the public on disability issues. At least half of the members are people with disabilities. Members of the MCD are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the MCD website and on the page for the MCD on the Secretary of State’s website.
Blind and visually impaired
Advisory Committee of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
The Advisory Committee of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library helps staff of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library with planning. Members are people who currently use the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library. They are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can find more information on the Department of Education website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Blind-Visually Impaired Advisory Committee
The Blind-Visually Impaired Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Education on meeting the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired. The Advisory Committee also prepares a legislative report on the educational outcomes for students who are blind or visually impaired. Membership includes parents of children who are blind or visually impaired. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can find more information on the Department of Education website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Board of the Minnesota State Academies
The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state’s academies for the deaf and blind. Membership must include at least one member of the blind community and one member of the deaf community. You can find more information on the Minnesota State Academies website and on the page for the Board on the Secretary of State’s website.
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind gives advice to state government on programs of the State Services for the Blind. A majority of members must be blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find out more on the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind website and the page for the Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Deaf and hard of hearing
Board of the Minnesota State Academies
The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state’s academies for the deaf and blind. Membership must include at least one member of the blind community and one member of the deaf community. You can find more information on the Minnesota State Academies website and on the page for the Board on the Secretary of State’s website.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Committee
The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Education on meeting the needs of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Advisory Committee also prepares a legislative report on the educational outcomes for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Membership includes parents of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can find more information on the Department of Education website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Hearing Instrument Dispenser Advisory Council
The Hearing Instrument Dispenser Advisory Council gives advice to the Department of Health on issues related to the certification and regulation of hearing instrument dispensers, who carry out hearing tests and help people with hearing aids. At least one member needs to be someone who uses a hearing instrument. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Health. You can find more information on the Department of Health website and on the page for the Advisory Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (MNCDHH) is the primary agency of the state to advocate for Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to make sure they have equal access to services, programs, and opportunities. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find out more on the MNCDHH website and the page for the MNCDHH on the Secretary of State’s website.
Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Council
The Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Council gives advice to the Department of Health on issues related to licensing of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Health. You can find more information on the Department of Health website and on the page for the Advisory Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Developmental disabilities
Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) makes sure that people with developmental disabilities and their families get the support and services they need to achieve increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion in the community. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the GCDD website and on the page for the GCDD on the Secretary of State’s website.
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities gives advice and helps the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD) develop policies, plans, and programs. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the OMHDD website and on the page for the OMHDD Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Education and children
Blind-Visually Impaired Advisory Committee
The Blind-Visually Impaired Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Education on meeting the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired. The Advisory Committee also prepares a legislative report on the educational outcomes for students who are blind or visually impaired. Membership includes parents of children who are blind or visually impaired. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can find more information on the Department of Education website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Board of the Minnesota State Academies
The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state’s academies for the deaf and blind. Membership must include at least one member of the blind community and one member of the deaf community. You can find more information on the Minnesota State Academies website and on the page for the Board on the Secretary of State’s website.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Committee
The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Education on meeting the needs of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Advisory Committee also prepares a legislative report on the educational outcomes for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Membership includes parents of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can find more information on the Department of Education website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Special Education Advisory Panel
The Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) gives guidance related to special education and services for children with disabilities in Minnesota. Membership must include individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Education. You can learn more on the SEAP website and on the page for SEAP on the Secretary of State’s website.
Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health
The Subcommittee on Children’s Mental health makes recommendations to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health on policies, laws, regulations, and services related to children’s mental health. Members are appointed by the chair of the State Advisory Council on Mental Health. You can find more information on the Subcommittee’s website and on the page for the Subcommittee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Health care and health equity
Health Care Homes Advisory Committee
The Health Care Homes Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Health on how to implement the health care homes program. At least some of the members must be patients in health care homes. They are appointed by the Commissioner of Health. You can find more information on the Department of Health website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Health Equity Advisory and Leadership Council
The Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council gives advice to the Department of Health (MDH) on the strategic direction of the Center of Health Equity and MDH, making sure that MDH is successful and working with communities most impacted by health inequities. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Health and applications are encouraged from Minnesotans with disabilities. You can find more information on the HEAL Council website and on the page for the HEAL Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Health Services Policy Committee
The Health Services Policy Committee gives advice to the Department of Human Services on evidence-based health services and benefits covered under the Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs. At least one member must be a consumer, meaning someone who uses Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare program services. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services. You can find more information on the page of the Policy Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Rural Health Advisory Committee
The Rural Health Advisory Committee gives advice to the Department of Health and other state agencies on rural health issues. Members must live outside of the seven counties that make up the Twin Cities metropolitan area. At least one member must be an advocate for people who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled. They are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information the Department of Health website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Integration and independent living
Home Care and Assisted Living Program Advisory Council
The Home Care and Assisted Living Program (HCALP) Advisory Council gives advice on regulations of home care providers, including reviewing and recommended legislation and making annual recommendations to the state legislature. Membership includes people who are receiving home care services or have a family member receiving services. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Health. You can find more information on the HCALP website and on the page for the Advisory Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) develops, reviews, and evaluates the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living. Members must represent a broad range of people with disabilities and be knowledge about centers for independent living and independent living services. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the MNSILC website and on the page for the MNSILC on the Secretary of State’s website.
Mental health
Behavioral Health Planning Council
The Behavioral Health Planning Council (BHPC) members are advocates for people with serious mental illness, children with severe emotional disturbance, other people with mental illnesses, and people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing substance use disorder. The BHPC informs and gives advice to the Department of Human Services, including about programs that are federal funded. You can find more information on the BHPC website and on the page for the BHPC on the Secretary of State’s website.
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities gives advice and helps the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD) develop policies, plans, and programs. There are 15 member who are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the OMHDD website and on the page for the OMHDD Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
State Advisory Council on Mental Health
The State Advisory Council on Mental Health makes recommendations to the Governor, the state legislature, and state departments on mental health policies, programs, and services. Members are appointed by the Governor and can include people who have received mental health services and family members of adults or children with mental illnesses. You can find more information on the State Advisory Council website and on the page for the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s website.
Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health
The Subcommittee on Children’s Mental health makes recommendations to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health on policies, laws, regulations, and services related to children’s mental health. Members are appointed by the chair of the State Advisory Council on Mental Health. You can find more information on the Subcommittee’s website and on the page for the Subcommittee on the Secretary of State’s website.
State hospital review boards
Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center – Hospital Review Board
The Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) is the state’s largest psychiatric hospital. The AMRTC Hospital Review Board (HRB) gives recommendations to State Operated Services (SOS) after hearing clients’ concerns about the conditions of their care. Members must have basic understanding of the Commitment Act and have at least two years of experience in the field of mental health. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services. You can find more information on the page for the AMRTC HRB on the Secretary of State’s website.
Minnesota Security Hospital – Hospital Review Board
The Minnesota Security Hospital is a secure treatment facility in St. Peter that serves people who have been committed by the court as mentally ill and dangerous. The Minnesota Security Hospital Hospital Review Board (HRB) gives recommendations to State Operated Services (SOS) after hearing clients’ concerns about the conditions of their care. Members must have basic understanding of the Commitment Act and have at least two years of experience in the field of mental health. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services. You can find more information on the page for the Minnesota Security Hospital HRB on the Secretary of State’s website.
State Rehabilitation Councils
State Rehabilitation Council – General
The State Rehabilitation Council gives advice to state government on Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation programs. The majority of members must be people with disabilities. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find more information on the State Rehabilitation Council website and the page for the Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind gives advice to state government on program of the State Services for the Blind. A majority of members must be blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. Members are appointed by the Governor. You can find out more on the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind website and the page for the Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Other
Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council
The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council give advice to the state about Assistive Technology (AT), including planning, implementation, and evaluation. Members are users of AT themselves or family members or guardians of an AT user. Members are appointed by the governor. You can find more information on the System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) website and on the page for the Advisory Council on the Secretary of State’s website.
Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Committee
The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Committee (TBI AC) gives recommendations to the Department of Human Services on program and service needs of people with traumatic brain injuries. Membership can include people with brain injuries and family members of people with brain injuries. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services. You can find out more on the TBI AC website and on the page for the TBI AC on the Secretary of State’s website.