Political Leaders Program

The Political Leaders Program Class of 2006 celebrated their graduation from the Sorensen Institute this past weekend in Charlottesville. The festivities kicked off Friday evening at a reception and dinner at the University of Virginia Rotunda. Christopher T. Gates, the first Executive Director of PACE, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, and the past president of the National Civic League, was the keynote speaker for the evening.

The Class of 2006 pledged a very generous $28,150 over the next three years to support the work of the Sorensen Institute—more than any previous class in Sorensen's history.

Saturday afternoon the Class of 2006 gathered in the Dome Room at the Rotunda to receive their diplomas and to share a few thoughts on their experiences.

We will be posting photos and podcasts of the graduation here on the Blog in the coming days, so stay tuned.

Congratulations PLP Class of 2006 and thank you!

The Verizon Foundation in Virginia has announced that it will be the Title Sponsor of the Sorensen Institute’s flagship Political Leaders Program for the next three years.

    “The Verizon Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of the Political Leaders Program,” said Verizon Virginia President Robert Woltz. “The Sorensen Institute has done a great job of preparing Virginians to take leadership roles and become more active community leaders.  The program's focus on exploring public policy issues and general ethical principles meets the Verizon Foundation's educational mission.”

    Sorensen Executive Director Sean O’Brien said, “We are deeply appreciative of the Verizon Foundation’s support in the Sorensen Institute. By investing in the Sorensen mission, Verizon has demonstrated its commitment to informed, principled leadership in the Commonwealth. We are truly honored by their support.”

This Just In: The Sorensen Institute has received an unprecedented 87 applications for the Political Leaders Program Class of 2007.

"Never before have we received this kind of response to one of our programs," said Sean O'Brien. "It is very gratifying for all of us connected with the Sorensen Institute to see so many Virginians stepping forward to contribute and participate in public leadership. This is yet another reminder of the continued successes and accomplishments of the Sorensen Institute and our alumni."

With the help of Regional Board members, interviews with all applicants will be held across the Commonwealth over the next three weeks. The Political Leaders Class of 2007 will be finalized by the first of the year and the names of those accepted to the program announced here on the Sorensen Blog. As in years past, approximately 36 individuals will be accepted to the program.

The Political Leaders Program Class of 2006 convened this past weekend in the Hampton Roads area. Here are some photos from the Friday-Saturday gathering.

Many Fellows of the Class of 2006 gathered on Friday afternoon to tour the Norfolk International Terminals at the Port of Virginia. Our guide was Tom Capozzi (lower left in the blue blazer).

Virginia's Southside is well represented in this year's PLP class: Brandon Hudson, Steven Gould, Missy Neff, and Conaway Haskins.

Fellows Brian Collins of Chesapeake, Debby Allen of  Forest, and Bill Figaro of Salem talk with Delegate Rob Wittman (R-99) of Montross.

Dr. Carl Hershner, Director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the College of William and Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Class of 2006 Fellow Debby Allen.

This weekend the class also met with Dr. Quentin Kidd of Christopher Newport University and Dr. John
McGlennon of the College of William and Mary to discuss the recent elections and what they mean for Virginia; Craig Fifer,
a Sorensen alumnus (PLP 2003) and member of the Virginia Freedom of
Information Council; and John-Garrett Kemper, Vice President and
Counsel with Kemper Consulting.

In other news, Conaway Haskins was elected as Class Chair and Tarina Keene as Vice-Chair. The Class of 2006 will meet in Charlottesville on December 8 and 9 for a final meeting and graduation.

Today the Political Leaders Program Class of 2006 travels to the Norfolk area. We will begin with a private tour of the Norfolk International Terminal, including a boat tour of the harbor ports. This evening we will have dinner at the Riverwalk Restaurant where Dr. Quentin Kidd of Christopher Newport University and Dr. John McGlennon of the College of William and Mary will recap this week's elections.

On Saturday, the class will gather at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) where we will have the honor of meeting with a number of speakers: Delegate Robert Wittman (R-99th); Dr. Carl Hershner, the Director of VIMS Center for Coastal Resources Management; Craig Fifer, a Sorensen alumnus (PLP 2003) and member of the Virginia Freedom of Information Council; and John-Garrett Kemper, Vice President and Counsel with Kemper Consulting.

The Political Leaders Program Class of 2006 will meet for a final time on December 8-9 in Charlottesville to celebration their graduation.

A Reminder: The Sorensen Institute will host a reception for alumni and prospective
students in the Southside region in Danville TONIGHT, October
30.

The event will be held downtown at the Yene Fusion Cafe from 5:30-7:30pm. Light fare will be provided and the bar will be open.

All
Sorensen alumni and board members in the area are invited to attend
and are encouraged to bring a friend or someone you know who might be
interested in applying to the Sorensen Institute for the 2007 program
season.

Applications are now being accepted for the Political Leaders Program, the Candidate Training Program, and the newly redesigned Danville-Southside Public Leadership Program.

This event is being co-hosted by the Sorensen Institute's Southside Regional Board.

This is certainly Sorensen Week on public radio stations across the Commonwealth. Here is yet another story that has been running on some NPR stations about the Sorensen Institute, which includes interviews with Executive Director Sean O'Brien, Political Leaders Program Class of 2004 graudate Holly Hatcher, Political Leaders Program Class of 2006 fellow Mike Farruggio, and Candidate Training Program Class of 2006 graduate Dave Norris.

The Sorensen Institute will host a reception for alumni and prospective students in the Southside region in Danville on Monday evening, October 30.

The event will be held downtown at the Yene Fusion Cafe from 5:30-7:30pm. Light fare will be provided and the bar will be open.

All Sorensen alumni and board members in that area are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring a friend or someone you know who might be interested in applying to the Sorensen Institute for the 2007 program season.

Applications are now being accepted for the Political Leaders Program, the Candidate Training Program, and the newly redesigned Danville-Southside Public Leadership Program.

This event is being co-hosted by the Sorensen Institute's Southside Regional Board.

Please RSVP for the event with Amber Capron at capron@virginia.edu.

The Sorensen Institute is hosting a happy hour and reception for prospective students at La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Clarendon from 5:30-7:30pm this evening. We encourage our Sorensen alumni who will be in the area to please join us for this event.

The Sorensen Institute is now accepting applications for the 2007 class of the Political Leaders Program and the 2007 class of the Candidate Training Program Click here for more information on how to apply.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Sorensen Institute Opens Application Process for 2007 Season

Charlottesville—The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is now accepting applications for its 2007 program season. The 2007 Political Leaders Program will accept applications until November 13. The 2007 Candidate Training Program application deadline is December 4. For more information please visit the Sorensen website at www.sorenseninstitute.org.

The Sorensen Institute
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to identify, educate, and train emerging leaders from across the Commonwealth. The Sorensen Institute is a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the quality of governance and the strength of civic engagement in Virginia.

Through a variety of popular programs—from high school and college leaders to first-time political candidates and even current members of the General Assembly—the Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system. Former Governor Mark Warner has commented that, "This organization is incredibly important. Sorensen has become the model of successful bipartisan leadership training for the nation."

The Sorensen Institute has 13 graduates serving in the Virginia General Assembly with dozens more in critical positions of leadership in local government and community organizations throughout the Commonwealth. Sorensen aims to create ethical, principled leaders who are eager to put aside partisan stereotypes and work cooperatively with others who have different political affiliations than their own to improve the quality of life for all Virginians. The Sorensen Institute does not participate in campaigns on behalf of issues, causes, or candidates for office. Though it is housed at the University of Virginia, the Sorensen Institute relies entirely on individual and corporate gifts to support its programs.

Recruitment Receptions
A number of receptions will be hosted throughout Virginia in the coming weeks to provide prospective students an opportunity to meet staff, alumni, and board members. Please stay tuned to this blog for information about a reception in your region.

More Information
The Sorensen Institute will accept applications for the 2007 class of its flagship Political Leaders Program until November 13. Applications for the three-day Candidate Training Program (to be held in Charlottesville, VA Jan. 26-28, 2007) will be accepted until December 4. For more information visit us on the web at www.sorenseninstitute.org or call Coy Barefoot, Director of Communications and Alumni Relations at (434) 243-2427.