Center for the Study of Politics and Governance

Great news! We've raised more than $3,000 unlocking the match provided by the alumni board for a total of more than $6,000. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Let's keep the momentum going and try to reach our goal of $12,000!

This year, more than ever, we need our entire Policy Fellows community of supporters to rally to support future Fellows. You can make a one-time donation or set up a monthly donation to spread the donation out over the course of the year.

Every single gift makes a difference.

https://z.umn.edu/PolicyFellowsGTMD24

Thank you to those who have already donated. We are so grateful for your support.

A Message from Policy Fellows Alumni Board Chair Seth Boffeli:

Give to the Max Day has become a sort of unofficial holiday for many of us in Minnesota. It’s a day to support the causes and institutions that mean the most to you. As an alumni or friend of the Policy Fellows program, I ask for your support today to help us continue the 35 year legacy of connection and constructive dialogue by contributing $35 or more. Your support will go directly to a deserving Fellow in 2025.

The Policy Fellows was so important to me as a new Minnesotan. It connected me to a diverse group of leaders from different backgrounds and party affiliations that enriched my work and personal life. That’s why I still stay involved serving as the chair of the Policy Fellows Alumni Board.

Our alumni are 1,000 strong and to continue cultivating leaders who know how to work across difference and to ensure all leaders have access to this opportunity, I ask for your support today.

https://z.umn.edu/PolicyFellowsGTMD24

Thank you,
Seth Boffeli

A message from Larry Jacobs:

America’s divisions are deep and ominous. Half of voters said they were “afraid” of Donald Trump, if he were elected; a similar proportion harbored the same intense concern about Kamala Harris.

How will our communities survive? The challenge is daunting precisely because our work and non-work lives routinely mingle with people we may fundamentally disagree with.

More than once over the past few weeks, I have gone back to the norms that are the guardrails for the Policy Fellows – a program that intentionally engineers difference. We have come to appreciate the necessity of seeing difference and developing the social muscle to engage meaningfully with Fellows who hold differing views.

Here are a few of the norms that Policy Fellows discuss and practice every session:

● Ask good questions that convey where you are coming from, and truly seek to understand another’s view.

● Listening without disagreeing does not mean you agree. Listen with curiosity and ask clarifying questions.

● Be aware of experiencing discomfort. Frame as an opportunity for learning.

● Acknowledge what is happening: “That was hard to hear.” “This is difficult.”

Authentic, intentional listening and learning from discordant ideas creates remarkable experiences for today’s Policy Fellows. It is also nurturing alums who have the skills and interest in dialogue across difference – a vital ingredient for navigating our divisive times.

As you know, we’re just a few days from Give to the Max Day. To continue this essential work, we need all of our alumni and friends to show strong support for the Policy Fellows this year.

https://crowdfund.umn.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=2494

Join Professor Larry Jacobs at a Westminster Town Hall Forum on Tuesday, October 22. He’ll discuss the themes of his recently updated book, Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History including the historical dynamics within the U.S. party system that, he argues, have progressively undermined democracy, deepened political inequality and racial disparities, and fueled toxic polarization.

Westminster Town Hall Forums are free and open to the public. Learn more here: https://westminsterforum.org/2024/larry-jacobs/

We're thrilled to introduce the 2024-25 Policy Fellows cohort! This outstanding group of leaders hails from across Minnesota, representing government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Discover more about the Fellows at z.umn.edu/2024-25-policyfellows.

It’s hard to believe but last Friday was the last Policy Fellows session of the year. The Fellows gave their final group project presentations and it was wonderful to see what everyone was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. We’re so proud and can’t wait to see what is next in everyone’s leadership journey.

Check out the summaries of their group projects here, and be in touch if your work intersects. https://z.umn.edu/PFGroupProjectSummaries24

Humphrey Policy Fellows panel explores media's future | Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard discusses the state of news media and the importance of representation in the media.

Nakasaka Dialogues Presents: A Conversation with Senator Rob Portman | Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs Finding common ground in Washington is rare and urgent. Rob Portman has a record of passing more than 200 bills that were signed into law by Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden. His leadership is exemplified by the 2021 infrastructure bill that builds an economic lifeline to the future, support to de...

Are you passionate about public policy and are looking for a way to enhance your leadership skills? Expand your network and learn how to work across difference by applying for the 2024-25 Policy Fellows cohort. The Policy Fellows program assembles a cohort of mid-career professionals from across the political spectrum in Minnesota from government, nonprofit, and business sectors. Learn more about the program and hear from alumni about their experience at next week’s informational webinar.

Details
Wednesday, April 10
12:00-1:00 CT
Virtual via Zoom
Register at z.umn.edu/PFInfo2024

We're thrilled to announce that applications for the 2024-2025 Policy Fellows cohort are officially open until Friday, May 31.

We invite leaders from Minnesota business, nonprofits, and government sectors to apply. Join us to build your leadership skills and enhance collaboration across diverse perspectives with a cohort representing various political backgrounds and regions across the state.

Join us on Wednesday, April 10, 12-1 for an informational webinar. Register at this link: https://z.umn.edu/PFInfo2024.

Learn more and apply at: z.umn.edu/PFapp2024.