Seminars

Introduction - All seminars are facilitated by Academy staff and the UW facilitator; many include a University of Washington or Heritage University professor. Most sessions include local community and public leaders involved in presentations or panel discussions. All sessions are interactive and include activities that engage the participants. Several sessions use the proven Harvard University case study teaching method with case studies from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Leadership Styles - This seminar explores the definition of leadership, the various leadership styles and their impact on society. Discussion topics include: what does it take to be a leader, who is a leader, when is leadership needed and what can a leader accomplish. Several local leaders discuss their paths to leadership, their leadership styles and key lessons they’ve learned about what leadership means. The participants engage in leadership self-assessment to test their basic knowledge about political and civic leadership and measure their level of interest in becoming more involved in political and civic life.

Democracy at Work - This seminar explores a range of ideas about what "democracy"--rule by the people--means. It explores how different conceptions of democracy carry specific implications for conceptions of public leadership, citizenship and civic engagement. Discussion topics include: representative and participatory conceptions of democracy, "weak" vs. "strong" conceptions of democracy, the problem of political under representation and elite rule, and competing perspectives on the accountability of public leaders to the publics they serve. The goal of this seminar is to stimulate thoughtful debate and discussion about the meaning of "democracy."

Campaigns, Elections & Fundraising - This seminar presents the various elements of running a successful campaign for elected office. Discussion topics will include developing a campaign strategy, campaign themes/issues, targeting voters, fundraising, getting out the vote and voting patterns. Several elected officials share their successful experiences in campaigning. Participants begin to formulate ideas and plans to use if they elect to run for public office. Included is a review of the various online resources and tool kits available for running for office.

Public Relations – This seminar presents the importance of having good public relations as a public leader, public official or community leader. Effective public relation strategies are presented that participants can use in their public leadership and civic life. Local media experts and local leaders share their effective strategies. Participants prepare an outline of a public relations campaign for a community issue or public office.

Public Speaking – This seminar helps participants build the public speaking skills necessary to present issues, present themselves and to interact with the public. This includes the considerations that are important when speaking to different cultural audiences in the Yakima Valley. Participants learn the effective elements and techniques of public speaking and have an opportunity to practice their skills in small or large groups. Several public speakers share their experiences and skills in public speaking.

Conflict and Resolution – This seminar explores why conflict occurs in communities, organizations and groups when working on various issues; the reasons and sources of these conflicts, how to resolve these conflicts by using consensus building and other techniques. Case studies are used to demonstrate conflicting issues and used to engage participants in consensus building learning activities.

Group Dynamics and Facilitation Skills – This seminar explores the fundamental dynamics of groups working together. Discussion topics include: why/how groups are formed, what makes them work, leading a group and methods for improving dynamics and productivity. Additionally, facilitation skills are presented and opportunities to engage with small groups to address an issue are practiced. An expert in this field shares his/her skills for effective facilitation.

Public Policy Development & Implementation – This seminar explores the different methods for developing public policy in local government bodies such as schools boards, city councils and counties. Discussion topics include why are public policies necessary and how are they developed and implemented. The role that public leaders play in public policy development is reviewed. Local public leaders share their experiences in developing and implementing public policies.

Community Voting Trends & Profiles: This seminar provides local information about community demographic profiles in Yakima County and how they have changed over time and information on voting patterns in the Yakima Valley and the country. Specific trends and their implications on future elections are discussed. The latest research on these topics is presented by university professors.

Business & Public Leadership: This seminar presents the important role that private business plays in public leadership and civic engagement. Discussion topics include: how private business can influence public policy, their motivations for certain public policies that impact their business, and the important role that public officials play in successful economic development. Business and economic development leaders share their experiences and perspectives on the necessary interactions between private business and public leaders.