CLP 2009: Day 1, Saturday May 30

College Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 1—Saturday, May 30
Reported by Jarrett Brotzman, Washington & Lee University

At midday on this fine Saturday afternoon, 27 eager college students and recent graduates began one of the most prestigious and well- reviewed political leadership programs in the country: the College Leaders Program at the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. The CLP Class of 2009 is diverse, representing regions and universities all across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
        The day was kicked off with introductions by staff and students. Bob Gibson, Executive Director of the Sorensen Institute began with an overview of Sorensen and why the Sorensen Institute's approach to politics as a civil and bipartisan discourse is so important in a country torn by sharp partisan tactics. He encouraged us to approach this week with an open mind, and to listen to those who we disagree with, instead of just shutting them out because we might not initially agree on an issue. "Look to the issue you can find common ground on," says Gibson, "not the twenty other issues you don't."
        The enthusiastic program staff followed by leading a discussion on political engagement and community service. We discussed the motivations and resources necessary for both, reaching some consensus on the many similarities between the two. This was followed by a group-based discussion on political parties and the labels that are frequently attached to them. By acknowledging that no individual who might label themselves as a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent can be described by all the stereotypes that popular culture attributes to them, we can better understand the limitations of labeling individuals by party before truly understanding them.
        After dinner, we were privileged to hear from Kelli Palmer, Assistant to the President of the University of Virginia. She began by telling us about her experience last summer when she was literally called to public service. Palmer recalled receiving a phone call asking her to lead a voter registration drive in 17 counties across Virginia when voter registration was very low. She quickly accepted, and after taking a three-month leave of absence from UVa, led a team of 17 local organizers to register over 3,500 new voters. Palmer reminded us that voting registration was a strictly non-partisan practice and that being registered to vote was "as American as apple pie."
        Following an entertaining and informative speaker, we broke up into three groups to go on a photo scavenger hunt of UVa. Challenging us to find distant and sometimes very obscure locations, the hunt was a great introduction to the beauty of the University. We returned tired from a long day, but eager for the excitement that lays in store for us in the coming four weeks.

— Jarrett Brotzman, Washington & Lee University