An innovative service-learning program that provides reliable, accountable coverage of the legislative session, specific to your policy interests. 

About Policy Corps

Service to Nonprofits:

Policy Corps participants are nonprofit organizations or community groups interested in becoming more active at the Capitol, but are limited by capacity, budget or time.

Policy Fellows are individuals interested in learning more about Minnesota state politics and gaining experience in public policy.  Recent graduates of bachelors' or masters' programs, students, returning or mid or late-career professionals are encouraged to apply. Participation is Dec.-May.

Responsibilities of Policy Fellows:

The PolicyCorps continues Grasstops' mission of "Ensuring All Voices Are Heard."  Our goal to increase the ability of nonprofit and community groups to impact public policy, so that these vital groups may be proactive in the political process.

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2009 Policy Corps Participants

OutFront Minnesota ’Äî Minnesota Women's Consortium ’Äî Audubon Minnesota ’Äî Minnesota Restorative Services Coalition ’Äî Neighbors Against the Burner ’Äî Augsburg Central Nursing Center ’Äî League of Women Voters Minnesota ’Äî American Association of University Women Minnesota ’Äî Minnesota School Social Workers Association ’Äî Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless ’Äî Pay Equity Coalition of Minnesota ’Äî Association for Children for the Enforcement of Support

2009 Policy Fellows

Cindi Cooke
As a Policy Fellow with Grasstops, Inc., Cindi Cooke is interested in learning more about the nonprofit sector, state politics and public policy.  In line with her commitment to improving the community, she has been a Girl Scout leader and is an Outdoor Skills Trainer for adult leaders in the Girl Scout program.  She holds a B.S. in Science Teaching from Clemson University in Clemson, SC.   Her interests include camping and canoeing, knitting, reading and gardening.

Michelle Grosz
Michelle Grosz has a MA in Higher Education Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Mini-MBA certificate from the University of St. Thomas and a BA in Business from Metropolitan State University.  She has a range of experience include eight years in philanthropic management for a private foundation, eight years of experience as the assistant director for the Carlson School's undergraduate program and human resources management experience with Conwed Corporation.  Currently she is the Board Treasurerfor the St. Paul American Indian Family Center, and a Board member for the Elders Lodge, which is operated under the auspices of the Wilder Foundation.  Michelle has interests in philanthropy, education, and project management and planning.  She is a resident of St. Paul and enjoys keeping close ties with family and friends.  Michelle is enrolled in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.  Her family includes a son and his Russian-born wife, who has added to Michelle's cultural awareness.  Michelle enjoys dancing with her partner, and has strong interests in social justice, elder and Native American issues and animal rights.

Ann Hoelscher
Ann Hoelscher is an attorney with a passion for politics who whole-heartedly supports Grasstops' mission of "ensuring all voices are heard." Ann received her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law.  Ann has worked as an attorney in both the public and private sectors and continues to practice law part-time.  Ann has extensive political and local government experience ranging from working on political campaigns to serving on local government boards, and is excited to have the opportunity to work with Grasstops as a Policy Fellow.   During the 2009 session Ann will be monitoring the House Taxes Committees.

Sherri Knuth
Sherri L. Knuth obtained a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Humphrey Institute in 2008. Sherri works for Minnesota Lawyer and has past experience in the practice of environmental and employment law. Sherri is involved as a volunteer in several organizations working on environmental and youth issues, and is currently a member of the Citizens League Water Policy Study Committee.

Gloria Lamphear
Gloria Lamphear an employee of Ramsey County Community Corrections, a Worker in Juvenile Division, supervises juvenile offenders in detention assisting with JDAI implementation.  Lamphear's volunteer experience includes serving as Guardian ad Litem, Assistant Family Court Officer,Secretary of Volunteers in Corrections (VIC) Advisory Board, Council on Black Minnesotans and Martin Luther King (MLK) Commission.   She received a Masters degree in Public Administration from Hamline University and earned Bachelors of Art in Organizational Studies at Bethel University.

Courtney Larson
Courtney Larson is a recent graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where she majored in environmental studies with a concentration in environmental policy.  Climate change, energy conservation, and improving our transportation system are some of the political issues in which she is the most interested.  Now that she has returned to her home state, Courtney is excited to be a part of the Grasstops Policy Corps and to gain experience at the Minnesota legislature.  In her spare time, Courtney enjoys being outdoors, especially canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, as well as reading and playing the banjo.

Conner McLaughlin
Connor McLaughlin graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma in 2005 with a BA in Political Science/Pre-Med. While at OU Connor worked as an intern in the State Department of Health for Oklahoma. After graduation, Connor attended Columbia University where he earned a Masters in Public Health in epidemiology. While at Columbia he also worked as a research assistant on a cancer study, served as the student representative on the admissions committee and was the School of Public Health representative for Universities Allied for Essential Medicines.

Danielle Meinhardt
Danielle Meinhardt joined Policy Corps as a Fellow in January 2009 after several seasons working in Alaskan ecotourism. In 2008 she completed a master's degree in geography at the University of Minnesota, focusing on the politics of health and health care. Danielle aspires to be a highly effective advocate for healthcare access, sustainable local agriculture, renewable energy, and excellent education for all. She appreciates the opportunity to learn more about policy work and community service through Policy Corps.

Anne O'Connor
Anne O'Connor is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a focus on Human Rights.  After graduation, Anne spent time traveling abroad and that international curiosity led her to join the United States Peace Corps. During her service in Samoa, Anne worked for a year in community development work and a year with the Samoan Government in their Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development where she worked in rural youth program development.   Upon completion, Anne attended the University of Hawaii-Manoa where she earned her Master of Arts in Political Science with foci in Public Policy and Indigenous Politics.  Concurrently, Anne worked in the Center for Pacific Island Studies on her research of the utilization of mining to achieve independence in New Caledonia.  After years outside of Minnesota, Anne returned to live near family and to work in public service.  She currently works at the Minnesota House of Representatives and is excited about being a part of Minnesota's public policy community.  In her spare time Anne enjoys running, cycling, golfing, and spending as much time outside as possible.

Willow Rheault
Willow Rheault first came to Minnesota to attend Macalester College where she attained an MA in Environmental Studies. After a successful career in the Environmental Education field she returned to her roots in New England. During this time Willow attained a Masters in Environmental Studies with a focus on Advocacy in Organizing and she worked in the nonprofit sector implementing a state funded grant program designed to preserve and protect working landscapes in Maine. Having recently returned to Minnesota Willow is seeking work focused on sustainable community development and working landscapes, and looks forward to her time as a Grasstops Policy Corps Fellow focusing on legislative activities in these areas.

Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson graduated from the Metropolitan State University's Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management (MPNA) program. In the past, Mark worked with The Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH) to redevelop the Hamm's Brewery site. Mark was given an award of recognition from The St. Paul Heritage Committee and the American Institute of Architects for his work with FOSH. As a Policy Fellow for Grasstops, Mark hopes to learn how to better play the game of politics.

Bayza Weeks
Bayza Weeks is currently completing a Master's degree in Leadership at Augsburg College, with the intent to enroll in law school for fall of 2009. She has an employment background with nonprofit organizations, primarily with youth and teen parents. Education is a high priority for her, as she continues to pursue higher education and encourage the educational goals for her son and other family members. Bayza also has experience and certification in group facilitation, state reporting systems, and has served on the Resident Advisory Board for Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA), in areas of Section 8 and Public Housing programs since 2005. She plans to utilize the knowledge and experience of being a Policy Fellow to provide a foundation for understanding the legislative process, and to also enhance her ability to effectively support nonprofit organizations in all endeavors.