The Policy Institute, based in Helena, Montana, blends authoritative research and hands-on political engagement to create public policy based on economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Leadership Seminar Series

Each year The Policy Institute identifies emerging progressive leaders in Montana and invites them to participate in the Leadership Seminar Series. The program blends a comprehensive agenda with skilled instructors and a productive learning environment to enable participants to reach their full potential as Montana’s future progressive leaders.

The Leadership program engages men and women who share a desire for public policy based on progressive values – economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability, and environmental responsibility. Participants in the program may be local elected officials, college activists, small business owners, career professionals, laborers, or community organizers. They may have diverse interests in issues – consumer protection, education, energy, human rights, environment, sustainable development, low-income justice, or voter turnout.

The Leadership series is comprised of four two-day sessions convened over a year’s time. Each session is held in a retreat setting, with locations varying from the historic Finlen Hotel in Butte to the wilderness setting of the B Bar Ranch, adjacent to Yellowstone Park. Session topics include examination of the conservative and progressive movements; identification and analysis of overarching issues (economic and tax policies, human rights, environment); the creation and mechanics of institutional and electoral power; and the opportunities for progressive action and achievement in Montana.

Program instructors, recruited statewide and nationally, offer top-quality experience and expertise. They include Montana Senator Christine Kaufmann, former U.S. Representative Pat Williams (pictured above), Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole, Sierra Club National Director of Conservation Greg Haegele, and other accomplished leaders from electoral, administrative, research, and media arenas.

Since its inception in 2005, more than 80 progressive leaders have taken part in the Leadership Seminar Series. In 2010, the program will include 21 more individuals, with participant selection made to reflect diversity in geographical residence, issue background, gender, and race.

The next Leadership Seminar Series event will be held May 14-16, 2010, at the Lubrecht Forest Conference Center. Subsequent seminars for the 2010 Group will be held September 10-12, 2010, at the B-Bar Ranch near Livingston; and in Butte January 2011 (exact dates TBD).

We are now recruiting the 2011 Leadership Group. For more information, or to refer a candidate, please contact Molly Severtson by phone at 406.442.5506, x20, or by email.

The Conveners of the Leadership Seminar Series

Keynote Speakers from Past Seminars

Presenters from Past Seminars

Photos from Past Seminars

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