Institute for Public Policy and Social Research

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Political training program is a leader maker

MPLP meets term-limit challenge
Linkages, Winter 1999
Where is our next generation of political leaders to come from?
The MSU College of Social Science has responded to this key question with the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP).

MPLP is the only bipartisan public policy training program in the state and one of only a handful in the country. It operates out of the College's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR).
MPLP Fellows take a ten-session, noncredit course one weekend each month at MSU and locations throughout the state. Participation is scholarship-funded by MSU and private donations make the program accessible to all.

MSU President Peter McPherson states, "MPLP brings Democrats, Republicans and Independents from all parts of Michigan together so that all sides of key issues can be thoroughly and enthusiastically examined."
MPLP is a leader maker. It identifies people of diverse backgrounds with leadership potential and prepares them to run for office, serve as government officials, or work as citizen activists. The multi-partisan program teaches practical politics, public policy analysis, personal leadership, and governance.
MPLP is a magnet for leaders. Future mayors, county commissioners, state representatives and school board members can build consensus and work through issues - all to the benefit of Michigan and its citizens.

"With the onset of term limits, the program becomes even more important," says Lynn Jondahl, Co-director of MPLP and former State Representative. Term limits forced 64 Michigan legislators to retire in November.

Anne Mervenne, Special Advisor to Michigan Gov. John Engler and MPLP Co-director says, "MPLP prepares its Fellows in a way not found anywhere else in Michigan. The program is a great example of MSU's outreach mission and commitment to community service."
"MPLP makes sense of the political process, governing and campaigning," says Philip Smith, Associate Dean of the College of Social Science and Director of IPPSR. "MPLP Fellows get a practical view of politics and the effect they have on communities."

Past participants agree. "MPLP clearly helped me achieve my political goals," says Detroit City Councilman Kenneth Cockrel, Jr.

"There's no substitute for the educational experience of MPLP," says Elroy Sailor, Deputy Director of the
Governor's S.E. MI office.

Participants come from all over the state. Most return to their communities to assume public leadership roles. More than 230 Michigan residents have completed the program since it began in 1992 - and over 50 of them have been elected to public office in the state.