Newsroom
Jan 30 2012 - 5:15pm
You Are Invited!
What
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
Sixth Annual General Assembly Reception
When
Tuesday, February 7
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where
The SunTrust Building, 24th Floor
919 East Main Street, Richmond
RSVP
By Friday, February 3
rachel.casebolt@virginia.edu
This event, which has become a must-attend gathering in the Richmond political social calendar, recognizes our alumni in the Virginia General Assembly. Sorensen is proud to honor our twenty alumni currently serving.
This event is free and open to all Sorensen alumni, supporters, and members of the Virginia General Assembly.
Sorensen wishes to thank our Event Sponsors:
Advantus Strategies
Alliance Group
Capital Results
Kemper Consulting
Norfolk Southern
SunTrust
Vantage Consulting
The Vectre Corporation
Virginia Association of Health Plans
*Image courtesy Devign Elements
Jan 30 2012 - 1:33pm
One of the tenets of the High School Leaders Program is teaching Virginia's youths to be active participants in the legislation process. Alumna of the 2011 HSLP, Dana Raphael, truly took this principle to heart. During her time at Sorensen, she and her classmates Aejoo Hong, Anna Carson, and Nitin Nainani worked on a policy proposal that advocated the repeal of a law which prohibits public schools from opening before Labor Day. Dana met with Delegate Robert Tata, Chair of the House Education Committee (R-Virginia Beach), who agreed to sponsor the bill. Soon after, Governor McDonnell spoke out in support of the legislation, and now Delegate Tata and Dana are supporting the governor's bill, HB 1063.
Dana has spent the past week in the General Assembly testifying to the House Subcommittee on Teachers and Administration and lobbying on the bill's behalf. She is also working to ensure that the bill would receive support should it move past the House of Delegate and onto the Senate.
Executive Director Bob Gibson stated, "The hard work by Dana Raphael on behalf of legislation inititally crafted by Sorensen summer youth program students demonstrates the high degree of commitment shown and experience gained by wonderful groups of students who care about good governance in Virginia. The Sorensen Institute is proud to have students working on behalf of two measures that stemmed from 2011 High School Leaders and College Leaders small group projects. Participants presented and defended the projects they had developed to legislators and academic leaders in the Rotunda last summer." College Leaders Program graduates Rebecca Lamb, Scott Bennett, Danny Yates, Kelli Montgomery, and Kevin Muchiri worked to created a Honeybee Incentive Program that inspired House Bill 300, introduced by Delegate Ed Scott (R-Madison County) and Senate Bill 354, introduced by Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County). The five presented their cumulative project at the end of their month-long Sorensen experience last June. HB 300 and SB 354 would create a small tax credit for new beehives.
To track HB 1063, use the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.
To track HB 300, use the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.
Follow SB 354 in the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.
Jan 17 2012 - 10:39am
The Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership is now accepting applications for the High School and College Leaders Programs. The High School and College Leaders Programs offer advanced, concentrated study in state and local politics, gaining hands-on training in politics, acquiring the information necessary to discuss Virginia politics and the skills to make a difference.
Students in the Sorensen Institute programs engage in substantive debate about challenges facing the Commonwealth. Students have the opportunity to learn key advocacy skills such as lobbying, fundraising, opinion writing, media and more. Students interact with Virginia's current public, private, and nonprofit leaders. Past speakers have included U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner, Governor Bob McDonnell, Governor Tim Kaine, members of the General Assembly, Congressional leaders and other policy makers from around Virginia.
The College Leaders Program will take place from May 26 - June 23, 2011 and is made up of 30 student leaders from across the state. The cost of the College Leaders Program is $2,250, which includes all room and board, and scholarships and financial aid are available. Read more at: www.sorenseninstitute.org/programs/clp
The High School Leaders Program takes place from July 7 - 21, 2011 and is made up 30 student leaders from across the state that are at least rising juniors or 16 years old by the program start date. Students will receive three undergraduate credits from the University of Virginia for their participation. The cost of the High School Leaders Program is $1,625, which includes all room, board and UVA tuition, and scholarships and financial aid are available. Read more at: www.sorenseninstitute.org/programs/hslp
The College and High School Leaders Programs applicant pool is evaluated to create a highly qualified and diverse class. Participants will be chosen from among all academic majors and backgrounds. Scholarships for program tuition are available and potential applicants are strongly urged to apply regardless of financial concerns.
To learn more about the programs or to apply please visit www.sorenseninstitute.org
* The application deadline will be Monday, March 5th at 5:00 p.m.*
Jan 12 2012 - 6:21pm
House Bill 300, introduced by Delegate Ed Scott (R-Madison County), and Senate Bill 354, introduced by Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Bath), were originally the brainchild of members of the College Leaders Class of 2011. The policy group, comprised of Rebecca Lamb, Scott Bennett, Danny Yates, Kelli Montgomery, and Kevin Muchiri, presented their cumulative project at the end of their month-long Sorensen experience last June.
HB 300 and SB 354 would create a tax credit for new beehives of $200 per hive for registered beekeepers who have the hives inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill limits the credit to $2,400 per taxpayer per calendar year. These are the first bills with strong ties to Sorensen youth program alumni to be proposed this session.
Executive Director Bob Gibson stated, "It's great to see that the College Leaders Program, which develops legislative solutions to Virginia's problems, has yet another proposal introduced as legislation."
The bills are currently awaiting a vote in the Finance Committees of each legislative body.
To track HB 300, use the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.
Follow SB 354 in the Richmond Sunlight or the Commonwealth's Legislative Information System.
Jan 5 2012 - 12:39pm
Youth Program Manager
Position Announcement
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is seeking applicants to be Youth Program Manager in the summer of 2012 for its College and High School Leaders Programs.
Both programs are residential at the University of Virginia. The College Leaders Program runs for four weeks from May 26 to June 23, 2012, while the High School Leaders Program runs from July 7 to 21.
Desirable Qualifications are: effective time management skills; a high degree of organization; the ability to work with high school and college students in a residential and classroom setting; knowledge of Virginia government and politics; significant peer leadership experience; experience working in a peer-to-peer counseling setting; strong written and oral communication abilities; and excellent human relations skills. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree by the program start date.
The regular positions will run from May 22 to July 22, 2012. During the program, youth program managers will be required to live in residence with the students every night and work on average 6 days a week, with some vacation between the two programs. There will be some limited work requirements for recruitment and review of applications starting in February 2012. Program Coordinators will receive room and board with the students during the programs in addition to a $3,250 stipend.
Applications should include a current resume and relevant references, in addition to a brief letter explaining why the applicant is interested in the position. Letters of reference are welcome, but not required.
Please submit all materials to Lauren Gilbert, Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, P.O. Box 400206, Charlottesville, VA 22904
Questions and applications can be directed to Lauren Gilbert at lauren.gilbert@virginia.edu or (434) 243-2844. Applications must be submitted by January 30, 2012 for consideration. Applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.
JOB DESCRIPTION - YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
$3,250 plus room and board during program
A. The full time position runs from May 22 to July 22, 2012.
B. Be in residence at the University of Virginia at all times when students are in the dorms with one day off each week.
C. Assist in the daily operations of the programs - supervise students during the day, be on call certain evenings to assist students, etc.
D. Travel with the programs on all field trips.
E. Advise students in preparation of their culminating project as outlined in program materials. Oversee at least one student research group.
F. Provide administrative support during the program - help with coordination of activities, contact with speakers, development of culminating project groups, evening activities.
G. Coordinate social events for the students in the programs.
H. Provide reasonable assistance to the Sorensen Institute in the recruitment and selection of program participants.
I. Assist in evaluating students completing the CLP or HSLP for academic credit.
J. Other tasks necessary for the operation of the programs as requested by the Sorensen Institute's staff.
Dec 21 2011 - 8:00am
The Sorensen Institute is delighted to announce the names of those Virginians who have been accepted to the Political Leaders Program Class of 2012. The 2012 PLP class will enjoy its first session together March 15-17 in Williamsburg. Each of these Virginians has been recognized as emerging community and statewide leaders. Congratulations to them all!
Rich Anderson, Woodbridge
Jenni Aulgur, Harrisonburg
Rick Batten, Williamsburg
Demas Boudreaux, Richmond
Julie Brown, Danville
Anjan Chimaladinne, Chantilly
Heather Cordasco, Williamsburg
Ryan Dunn, Goochland
Hunter Fairchild, Palmyra
Evan Feinman, Richmond
Todd Gathje, Mechanicsville
Clay Gravely, Martinsville
Phil Griffin, Winchester
Ann Harbour, Manakin Sabot
Lani Hay, Vienna
Mark Keam, Vienna
Charles Kelley, Richmond
Tammi Lambert, Woodbridge
Jamie Lockhart, Arlington
Brent McKenzie, Virginia Beach
Jeremy McPike, Woodbridge
Willa Neale, Charlottesville
Doug Palmore, Richmond
Jeffrey Pennington, Portsmouth
Tony Pham, Henrico
Cass Rasnick, Richmond
Cornelia Robinson, Alexandria
Amelia Ross-Hammond, Virginia Beach
James Schroll, Arlington
Stewart Schwartz, Richmond
Gerrie Smith, McLean
Catherine Tobin Mika, Glen Allen
Joe Topham, King William
James Toscano, Norfolk
Mick Vollmer, Chesapeake
Chris West, Alexandria
Dec 16 2011 - 11:38am
U.Va.'s eighth president Teresa A. Sullivan addressed the Political Leaders Program class at graduation. Ms. Sullivan offered "a few leadership ideas" that apply to university presidents, elected officials, and volunteers alike.
She also took questions from the class on student debt, sustainability, community colleges and distance learning, defense research, and retention of engineering students.
You can stream or download Ms. Sullivan's remarks below (runtime 35 minutes).
Dec 15 2011 - 2:17pm
Position: Project Coordinator, Technology
Organization: District of Columbia Public Schools
Contact: See posting to apply online.
"Position Overview
This position is located in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO). The OCOO manages the delivery of services and support to schools in technology, food services, logistics, realty, textbooks, property accountability, and procurement. OCOO staff members are innovative, collaborative, and results focused. Through accountability-driven management and school-centered decision making, the OCOO strives to provide the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost to schools.
The Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer’s Technology department.
The Project Coordinator reports to the Director of Technology, Office of the Chief Operating Officer."
View full posting and apply online at dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/careers.
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is nondiscriminatory and nonpartisan. The organization does not participate in campaigns on behalf of issues, causes or candidates for office, nor does it discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation or veteran status. This Employment and Internship Opportunities post is provided as a service to our alumni and friends.
Nov 9 2011 - 2:02pm
With the election behind us, we wanted to thank all of those Sorensen graduates who put their hat in the ring and ran for public office. Many have won, many more will look back on this race as a learning lesson, but all have kept the ideals of Sorensen at the heart of your respective campaigns. There can only be a debate of ideas when there is a choice presented to the electorate: For each of your races, you ensured that the citizenry had that choice, and no matter what people say about politics, that act is a truly noble endeavor.
Below, we have begun to compile a list of Sorensen graduates, their race, and the outcome. Please take a moment to recognize the hard work they put in, and for those that won, the hard work they will continue to put in over their term.
Senate
Ralph Northam, CTP 2007, 6th District: Win
Bryce Reeves, PLP 2009, 17th District: Win
David Nutter, CTP 2001, 21st District: Loss
Adam Ebbin, PLP 2000, 30th District: Win
House of Delegates
Randy Minchew, CTP 2001, 10th District: Win
Joseph Yost, CTP 2011, 12th District: Win
Daniel Marshall, CTP 2001, 14th District: Win
Laura Kleiner, CTP 2011, 20th District: Loss
Scott Garrett, CTP 2006, 23rd District: Win
Tag Greason, CTP 2009, 32nd District: Win
David Bulova, PLP 1998, 37th District: Win
Kaye Kory, CTP 2009, 38th District: Win
Mark Sickles, PLP 1998, CTP 2001, 43rd District: Win
Charniele Herring, PLP 2006, CTP 2008, 46th District: Win
Alfonso Lopez, PLP 2003, 49th District: Win
Richard Anderson, CTP 2009, 51st District: Win
Connie Brennan, PLP 2005, 59th District: Loss
Jennifer McClellan, PLP 2001, CTP 2005, 71st District: Win
John Cosgrove, PLP 1998, 78th District: Win
Kenny Alexander, PLP 2002, 89th District: Win
Robin Abbott, CTP 2009, 93rd District: Loss
David Yancey, CTP 2011, 94th District: Win
Chris Peace, PLP 2004, 97th District: Win
Lynwood Lewis, PLP 1995, CTP 2005, 100th District: Win
Local Offices
Jen Little, PLP 2007, Matthews County School Board: Win
Ken Alger, PLP 2009, Page County Commonwealth Attorney: Win
Jennifer McKeever, CTP 2007, PLP 2008, Charlottesville City School Board: Win
Rosemary Mahan, PLP 2011, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors: Win
Daniel Gecker, PLP 2011, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Win
Clay Jackson, PLP 2011, Madison County Board of Supervisors: Loss
Doris Lackey, PLP 1995, Madison County Board of Supervisors: Win
Chris V. Rey, CTP 2009, Mayor of Spring Lake, NC: Win
Joseph B. Walton, PLP 2008, Powhatan County Board of Supervisors: Loss
Lee Godfrey, PLP 2010, Augusta County School Board: Win
Gary Tanner, PLP 2010, Appomattox County Board of Supervisors: Win
Vince Donoghue, CTP 2011, Essex County Commonwealth's Attorney: Win
NOTE: This page will be updated over the rest of the day with additional candidates. If you know of someone we missed, please let us know at news@sorenseninstitute.org with their name and what office they ran for.
Nov 2 2011 - 4:41pm
Every day, one of you is doing something great. Something newsworthy. While we here at Sorensen try to keep our eyes open for alumni achievements, we are in the lucky position of having so many of you that it is nearly impossible these days to do it alone.
That's why we need your help. If you've done, or are doing, something that you consider worthy of talking about on our Newsroom, let us know at our new address: news@sorenseninstitute.org. Likewise, if you know of a fellow alumnus (or current program participant) who should be celebrated, send us a note. Whether it is running for office or being appointed to a board, we can only let your class know if we've been told ourselves.
Every time a Sorensen graduate achieves something, we as a whole grow stronger for it. To not know and be able to inform their former classmates and friends is truly a missed opportunity to remind us all of what we are really capable of.
- Jan 11 2012 - 3:57pm
- Jan 11 2012 - 3:41pm
- Oct 19 2011 - 1:38pm
- Oct 17 2011 - 10:01am
- Oct 11 2011 - 1:41pm
- Oct 10 2011 - 12:09pm
- Oct 10 2011 - 10:00am
- Sep 30 2011 - 3:06pm
- Sep 27 2011 - 9:27am
- Sep 22 2011 - 1:09pm
- Sep 19 2011 - 1:34pm
- Jul 18 2011 - 4:33pm
- Jul 18 2011 - 3:40pm
- Jul 18 2011 - 3:02pm
- Jun 21 2011 - 4:09pm
Garrett Jackson (PLP 2011) has been appointed Assistant Town Manager of Abingdon. 
Sean Holihan (PLP 2007) announced his candidacy for Alexandria City Council. 
Danny Yates (CLP 2011) was recently included in the 2011 listing of Style Weekly's Top 40 Under 40.
Waylin Ross (CLP 2009) was elected Student Chairman of Virginia21 over the weekend by a body of his peers, each representing an individual community college or public, four-year institution. 
At the 36th Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican Women, Lynn Fairchild Martin (PLP 2011) was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Beau Wright (HSLP 2006) was recently selected to serve as a White House intern in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Michele Zehr (PLP 2010) accepted a position with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a Program Analyst for the Community-Defined Solutions to Violence Against Women program.
Adam Tolbert (CTP 2008) is 
Atima Omara-Alwala (PLP 2010) was recently elected to serve as Vice President for the Young Democrats of America. 
Chelsea Savage (PLP 2010) was recently chosen as a "Top 40 Under 40 Nursing Leader" by the Virginia Nurses Association.
John Hardy Willson (CTP Spring 2010; PLP 2011) was recently named to the Executive Committee of 
Michele Alexander (CLP 2009) has been awarded a 
Lucy Hutchinson (CLP 2005) made the cover of "Fairfax Woman Magazine" for her work with The Future Fund. 
Missy Neff Gould (PLP 2006) has been 
Vivek Kundra (PLP 2007) is headed to Harvard University in August, where he will serve a joint fellowship at the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society.
