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Public Service and Outreach:
Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership
Development
The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development is the only leadership training program exclusively for Midwestern legislators. It helps newer legislators become effective leaders, informed decision-makers and astute policy analysts. More than 30 legislators from 11 states and three Canadian provinces gather in Madison for five days in July of intensive leadership and professional development training offered by the La Follette School of Public Affairs in partnership with the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments.
Through the program, lawmakers explore issues with nationally renowned scholars, professional development experts, and legislative leaders and colleagues from across the region.
Over the years, participants have learned about ways to ease the corrections problems many states face, the energy future of the Midwest and its biofuels, the political and cultural characteristics of the Midwest, and ethics and their practical applications in the legislative workplace.
The institute was started in 1995 by Virginia Thrall, then director of the Midwestern Office of the Council of State Governments, and Professor Peter Eisinger, then director of the La Follette Institute. Since then, BILLD has graduated 380 alumni.
Wisconsin graduates of the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development
La Follette School trains legislators in partnership with Council of State Governments, La Follette School news, October 31, 2007
La Follette School trains legislators in partnership with Council of State Governments, La Follette School news, July 13, 2006
La Follette draws 37 Midwestern legislators for five days of training, La Follette School news, July 11, 2005
Legislators program celebrates 10th year, La Follette Notes, Fall 2004