Purpose

The Western Legislative Academy (WLA), an annual three and a half-day intensive training program, is an opportunity for newer members to sharpen skills needed for effective lawmaking, building support for the legislature as an institution and giving legislators from different states the opportunity to learn from each other.  The WLA reinforces CSG-WEST’s mission to provide a nonpartisan platform for western state legislators to share good ideas across state borders.

Faculty

The WLA maintains an impressive faculty that includes leading academic authorities on state legislatures, U.S. Air Force trainers, experienced legislative leaders and national experts in communications, leadership, time management, ethics and negotiations. 

 Location

The 9^th WLA will be held November 17-20, 2008 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, home of the El Pomar Foundation that generously donates the historic Penrose House as the Academy’s  primary campus.

Accomplishments

WLA Class of 2007 rated the Academy’s overall value at 4.99 points out of 5.  Much of the Academy’s success comes from the bipartisan support of western legislative leaders. Since its inception in 2000, the WLA has graduated 300 alumni from 13 Western states, who have exceeded our goals in making a difference in their legislatures. 

Nearly 70% of the 243 WLA alumni now serving in western state legislatures are in chamber, caucus and committee leadership positions.  Two alumni are now serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and two are serving in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.  WLA alumni have also gone on to state-wide elected offices and cabinet positions, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the Academy.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Participants pay for their own transportation.  With support from the private sector, foundation funding and state dues, CSG-WEST provides training, housing and meals.  The WLA is an invitation-only event.  Besides the legislator class participants, faculty and staff, only sponsors are invited to observe the program and join in the evening social events. The WLA is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to interact with carefully selected members at the beginning of their legislative careers.  For further information, contact Cheryl Lee Duvauchelle at 415-330-0312 or cduvauch@csg.org.