Purpose

The Western Legislative Academy (WLA) is a prestigious three and a half-day intensive training program designed to help newer legislators become more effective and to strengthen state legislative institutions in the West.  The Academy is an opportunity for newer members to sharpen and enhance personal and professional legislative skills.

The WLA emphasizes skills needed for effective lawmaking, builds support for the legislature as an institution and gives legislators from different states the opportunity to learn from each other. CSG-WEST believes state legislators must place a high value on professional development and education just as many other professions do.

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.

 Date and Location

The 7th WLA will be held June 12-15, 2006 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the El Pomar Foundation generously donates the historic Penrose House and its meeting facilities as our campus.

Accomplishments

WLA Class of 2005 rated the Academy’s overall value at 4.89 points out of 5.  The Academy’s success owes a great deal to the support of Western legislative leaders. Since its inception in 2000, the WLA has graduated 224 alumni, who have exceeded our goals in making a difference in state legislatures. Sixty-five percent are now serving in the legislatures as leaders, including a speaker and as majority, minority and committee leaders. Three alumni have gone on to serve as a lieutenant governor, state agency director and U.S. Senator. See our list on-line.

Seeking Sponsors  

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 excellent sponsor opportunity 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.