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The Commonwealth Seminar is no longer accepting applications for the spring 2008 seminar. Please add yourself to the mailing list to receive information about the next application round. Thank you for your interest in our program.
The Seminar
The Commonwealth Seminar™ is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the Massachusetts Legislature really works.
The spring seminar will be held on either Thursday or Friday mornings between March 7 and April 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The final session on April 10, 2008 will go until 1:00 p.m. because it includes a graduation ceremony and reception.
Top state legislators, legislative staff, media members, and administration policymakers will introduce student leaders to the Legislature and state government generally. By giving an insiders' view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service.
Who Should Apply?
The Commonwealth Seminar™ is a privately funded program with a mission of opening the doors of the State House. Our target audience for the Commonwealth Seminar™ is leaders from communities of color, immigrant communities, and others working to directly benefit those communities. You should be prepared to make a compelling argument in the application about how you fit into the target audience.
We are looking for leaders who meet those criteria and who have a proven track record of leadership in their communities.
We place a high value on creating a seminar class that is diverse racially, ethnically, and geographically. Although most of our leaders are from Greater Boston, the support of the Access Strategies Fund enables us to accept participants from throughout Massachusetts.
Successful candidates for the Commonwealth Seminar will have a basic understanding of state government and a clear desire to use the skills learned through the seminar to make positive change.
Acceptance to the seminar is on a competitive basis, and Commonwealth Seminar staff and advisors will make all final decisions about the makeup of the seminar. We hope to make those decisions one week after the deadline to apply.
Logistical Details
The seminar will be held at the State House and, unfortunately, there is no parking provided by the Commonwealth Seminar™. There are commercial lots near the State House, and the location is easily accessible through public transportation.
If you have special needs, either because you need language translation to participate or because of a physical disability, please let Commonwealth Seminar™ staff as soon as possible. We will will do everything possible to accommodate special needs.
There is a voluntary contribution of $60 requested in order to help defray catering costs. Sponsoring organizations may make this contribution.
Application (Word)
Application (PDF)
Contact Joel Barrera at joel@masscs.org or 508-740-1078 if you have any questions.
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Secretary of Elder Affairs Jennifer Davis Carey from the Romney Administration and Representative Tom Sannicandro talking to seminar participants. |
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