“How to Citizen”
by Jennifer Christiaansen, AIA, AIA Minnesota President
Hello AIA Minnesota members.
Moving through our year of Connection, Advocacy & Value, I offer a hopeful reminder on the power of our collective voices, in the spirit of spring and rebirth. As many of you are aware, the American Institute of Architects has a rich history of engaging with federal, state, and local legislators, advocating for the issues that matter to you. Advocacy at AIA Minnesota takes many forms: through the Government Affairs Committee, our AIA Minnesota staff Sheri Hansen and lobbyist Sarah Strong, your connections with local policymakers, your expert voice in legislation at our State Capitol, and – what I will touch on today – the annual delegation visit to Washington, D.C.
This D.C. trip occurs each February, when your AIA Minnesota delegation participates in the Annual Leadership Forum. This year, we were called to action by AIA National President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, and Emmy-nominated host, writer, and podcaster Baratunde Thurston. Baratunde explored with us the four pillars of “How to Citizen”—participation, relationship-building, understanding power, and valuing the collective for the common good. (If you haven’t seen his PBS series America Outdoors, I highly recommend it—it’s delightful!).
Baratunde’s talk was an inspiring and an incredibly funny call to action, his wit was enviable. He reminded us that as architects, we must stay optimistic and use our collective voices, leaning into our differences. Our ability to make change is real; leadership in design shapes our communities and, ultimately, defines the future. We must be citizens and step up to participate and ensure those who can, daylight power structures. We must all believe that design is really, design…for the greater good.
Baratunde reminded me of the Abraham Lincoln quote, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” By seeing and embracing trends, by listening to and raising up others, by imagining new realities, and by embracing our responsibility as citizens we can create the future we hope for. I left this session reminded of something we all need to remember from time to time, being an architect is an incredible privilege.
Here is a link for more information on Baratunde’s session at the AIA National Leadership Forum.
It is an honor to represent AIA Minnesota in 2025—thank you.
