Richard Mammen believes in social justice, public education and service. A life-long resident of Minneapolis, he has “walked his talk” for decades. He now seeks election to the Minneapolis Board of Education (At-Large) because he believes that our community urgently needs to refocus its efforts to build successful students and schools, support healthy families and to strengthen our diverse communities. Richard Mammen knows that Minneapolis can–and must–do better!

For the past 38 years Mammen has been a tireless advocate for our city’s children, youth and families. Beginning his professional career as an outreach worker with the YMCA Detached Worker Program in North Minneapolis and then as the founder and director of Katahdin–a contract alternative school serving juvenile offenders–he knows the challenges and costs of academic failure and poverty. He also knows kids can achieve success against great odds.

As the developer and director of numerous programs and organizations that serve the youth of our city, Richard knows the power of actually engaging young people and families in setting and accomplishing the the goals that they want to achieve. As the first Director of the Youth Coordinating Board, as the current Director for City-Wide Recreation with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation and as a member of dozens of community boards and commissions, he has demonstrated that social change is most durable when we collaborate across bureaucratic and sector lines. Richard and his programs have won numerous awards and recognition for innovation and effectiveness. Richard Mammen has a broad, inclusive vision; he knows the power of honest relationships and has built an incredible network of allies who support his mission.

This quest is also personal for Richard. As a life–long resident of Minneapolis–and graduate of Burroughs Elementary, Ramsey Junior High, Washburn High School ‘68 and the University of Minnesota ’72–Mammen respects the great advantages public education has provided for him and his family. He is the proud parent of 2 South High School graduates and a current 8th grade student at Seward Montessori. An involved parent, Richard has served as a PTSO member and a Chair of the Seward Leadership Council. He knows the Minneapolis Public Schools, the facilities, the teachers, the students, the parents, the staff and the neighborhoods that surround them. He also knows the realities that they confront every day. Richard Mammen embraces the obligation to help our schools succeed for all of our children and for our collective future. Richard knows that we can achieve greater success for our kids–if we work together.