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.

2009 Curriculum Outline - Weekend Guide for Fellows

Weekend I - February 20-21
East Lansing Marriott at University Place,
East Lansing
Defining Ourselves and Our Work
• Introduction of Fellows
• Determine Personal Leadership Style
• Leadership in a Bi-Partisan Setting
• Establish and Share Individual Goals
• Understanding the State Budget

Weekend II - March 20-21
DoubleTree Hotel Dearborn, Detroit
Understanding Leadership
• Learn the Power of Group Interaction
• Identify Influences Affecting Political
Leadership Styles
• Understand Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
• Develop Solid Presentation and Interaction Techniques
• Understanding Diversity

Weekend III - April 17-18
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 15-16
Omni Riverfront Hotel, Detroit
Intergovernmental Relations, Urban Policy and Social and Economic Development
• Envision Michigan's Future Economy
• Explore Economic Development Strategies
• Consider Urban Strategies
• Examine Models of Intergovernmental Cooperation

Weekend V - June 19-20
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Campaigns and Elections
• Components of an Effective Campaign, Roberts Rules and an Effective Meeting
• Prepare Yourself for Campaign Management
• Develop the Campaign Plan, Website and Literature
• Learn the Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Campaign
• Learn about Blogging and Social Networking

Weekend VI - July 17-18
Brook Lodge, Augusta
Campaign Development and Perspectives in Policy
• Understand the Role of the Nonprofit
• Understand the Role of Agriculture on Michigan's Economy
• Overview of the Kalamazoo Promise
• Examine Voter Strategies and Voter Targeting

Weekend VII - August 21-22
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 11-12
Courtyard at Plaza Towers, Grand Rapids
Perspectives in Policy
• Observer Public/Private Partnerships in Economic Development
• Examine Perspectives in Health Care
• Examine Models of Intergovernmental Cooperation
• Learn about Michigan's Changing Demographics

Weekend IX - October 16-17
DoubleTree Bay City Riverfront, Bay City
Ethics in Campaigning and Governing, and Translating Knowledge into Action
• Knowing Ethics in Campaigns and Governing
• Creating a Vision for Political Leadership
• Exploring Public Policy Options for Michigan's Future

Weekend X - December 4-5
Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Effective Governance
• Understand Institutional Change
• Learn the Role of the Judiciary
• Understand the Role of Policy Advocates
• Review Michigan Citizens' Priority Issues