Public Policy and Leadership Initiative

The Mansfield Center has created the Initiative for Leadership and Public Service.   The Initiative will contribute to the development of the next generation of civic leaders by: 1) funding teaching by outstanding public servants in fields such as government, journalism and the environment; 2) developing public programming aimed at fostering dialogue on key public policy issues; and 3) providing support for outstanding students who pursue internships or research topics related to public policy or leadership issues.   The program will emphasize the global nature of responsible decision making, the ethical imperatives of leadership, and the skills necessary for careful policy analysis and development.  

The myriad societal factors contributing to the current state of our economy demonstrate the importance of fostering civic leadership in both the public and private sectors to bolster the long-term health of our democracy.   Our country requires visionary leaders who can drive the policy innovation process, energize organizations, build inclusive coalitions and translate ideas into action.  The Institute will align itself with students and practitioners in a range of fields to contribute to contemporary policy issues in such key areas as the environment, education, Native American issues, health care, and the arts. 

Among the programs created in 2009-2010 are:

• The Pat Williams Internship and Research Grant Program
• Community Conversations
• The Public Policy Lecture Series
• Environmental Law Policy Internship
• Funding for UM Debates on Public Policy Issues
• Congress to Campus Programs

For more information, please contact Deena Mansour at deena.mansour@mso.umt.edu.