Have you ever thought about running for public office? Do you imagine yourself to be a law maker?
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2021 INSTITUTE FOR FUTURE LEGISLATORS
If you have political aspirations, but want to know more about what being a legislator means and how to be most effective in that role, apply to UBC’s Institute for Future Legislators (IFL). The Institute is a carefully designed, intensive, hands-on mentoring and training experience for anyone who seeks the skills and knowledge necessary to make a difference—whether at the local, provincial, or federal level.
The UBC Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) is soliciting applications from a diverse and cross-partisan group of people, including all ages and backgrounds. The only prerequisite is legislative aspirations and a readiness to learn from highly experienced practitioners.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and seats are limited.
Application Deadline: MAY 15, 2021.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Legislators play a critical role in addressing the most pressing issues we face today, but too often they arrive unprepared for the demands of office. The IFL gives participants active opportunities to learn what to expect, and provides them with the tools and skills to serve thoughtfully and with integrity.
The IFL will expose you to a repository of seasoned practitioners who will share their insights, experience and expertise on effective leadership, parliamentary democracy, communications, and how to engage with people and decision-makers. Veteran political leaders share their knowledge and hard-won wisdom from years of service in public office. Academic experts provide instruction and guidance through the issues and institutions you need to know to be a legislator. Journalists and professional communicators will challenge and refine your media skills.
Participants will engage in simulations and role playing – both in discrete exercises and as part of a program-long simulation which culminates in a weekend legislative session. Each participant will represent a constituency, be assigned to roles in political parties and committees and work through draft legislation on salient issues. Reflective dialogue sessions provide the opportunity for participants to step back from the simulations and reflect on their experiences, good and bad practices, and imagine the kind of practitioner they want to be.
Our alumni have gone on to run for and hold municipal and provincial office, work as political staffers, work on electoral campaigns, and apply the skills and perspectives they learned at IFL to pursue their advocacy work.
Past practitioners include: George Abbott, Dawn Black, Larry Campbell, Ujjal Dosanjh, Mike Harcourt, Joy MacPhail, Preston Manning, Anne McLellan, Lisa Raitt, Andrea Reimer, Carole Taylor & many others.
Want to know more? Check out this teaser video.
PROGRAM DATES: July 16th & 17th; July 30th & 31st ; August 13th–15th*
*We have also tentatively scheduled an in-person session at UBC on September 11, 2021, should BC COVID-19 protocols allow it. All program days are full days (9am-4pm PT, with many breaks in between), except for August 15th: 9am-12:30pm.
PROGRAM FEE: $600 CAD
The 2021 virtual program will be offered at 50% of the typical $1200 cost of the program. Financial support is limited. If the program fee poses a barrier to your participation, please indicate this on your application.
