MPLP Curriculum

The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) 10-month curriculum is comprised of four main elements: personal leadership development, public policy process and analysis, effective governance, and practical politics. These elements are combined to provide a diversified and challenging course.

While developing personal skills, such as public speaking and team leadership, the fellows explore a variety of issues facing Michigan. Building on a solid foundation established during the early weekends, the fellows will apply these skills to practical situations of coalition building, governance, and public involvement in later sessions.

Presenters from across Michigan, representing both the private and public sector, are invited to share their knowledge and experience. Fellows are exposed to public policy debates, explore how issues are being addressed, and discover new ways of bringing people together to find workable solutions.

Upon graduating, MPLP fellows will have gained the skills to tackle public policy issues as candidates for office, as government officials, or as citizen activists. Fellowship Application information is available online.

2008 Curriculum Outline - Weekend Guide for Fellows

Weekend I - February 22-23
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Defining Ourselves and Our Work
• Introduction of Fellows
• Determine Personal Leadership Style
• Discuss Effective Working Relationships
• Review Program Goals and Curriculum
• Establish and Share Individual Goals

Weekend II - March 14-15
DoubleTree Hotel Dearborn, Detroit
Understanding Leadership
• Power of Group Interaction
• Identify Influences Affecting Political
Leadership Styles
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
• Develop Solid Presentation and Interaction Techniques

Weekend III - April 18-19
MacMullan Conference Center, Roscommon
Local Government Leadership
• Understand the Evolution of Local Government in Michigan
• Examine How Local Governments Work and Why
• Discuss Key Issues Facing Local Government
• Explore Tribal Government and Development

Weekend IV - May 16-17
Omni Riverfront Hotel, Detroit
Intergovernmental Relations, Urban Policy, and Social and Economic Development
• Consideration of Urban Strategies
• Examine Models of Intergovernmental Cooperation
• Identify Influences Affecting Political Leadership
• Explore Economic Development Strategies
• Envision Michigan's Future Economy

Weekend V - June 20-21
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Campaigns and Elections
• Understand the Components of an Effective Campaign
• Prepare Yourself for Campaign Management
• Develop the Campaign Plan
• Learn the Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Campaign
• Develop a Campaign Website and Literature

Weekend VI - July 18-19
Courtyard at Plaza Towers, Grand Rapids
Deciding to Run
• Perspectives on the Decision to Run for Office
• Announcement Speech Delivery and Feedback
• Observe Public/Private Partnerships in Economic Development
• Understand the Role of Nonprofits

Weekend VII - August 15-16
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Politics and Media
• Understand the Role of the Media
• Practice Effective Media Techniques
• Learn to Present Yourself to the Electronic Media
• Experience Working with Media Professionals



Weekend VIII - September 19-20
Brook Lodge, Augusta
Translating Knowledge into Action
• Develop Vision of Responsive Leadership
• Understand the Appropriations Process
• Understand the Public Policy Making Process

Weekend IX - October 17-18
Ethics in Campaigns and Governing and How We Create Change
• Ethics in Campaigns and Governing
• Create a Vision for Political Leadership
• Explore Public Policy Options for Michigan's Future
• Learn to Balance Legislative and Electorate Demands

Weekend X - November 21-22
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Effective Governance
• Understand Institutional Change
• Explore Technology and Government
• Review Michigan Citizens' Priority Issues
• Role of the Judiciary
• Understand the Role of Policy Advocates