July 5, 2011, Arlington, VA— Despite having no political family connections or a deep-pocket money purse, Raymond Johnson has shaped political campaigns in Northeast Florida in a very tangible way. He started Campaign Consulting Enterprises, LLC, a company that seeks to place Christian conservatives in public office, and has launched Biblical Concepts Ministries, a non-profit Christian ministry that teaches Biblical concepts of government in church and political groups nationally. Raymond also serves as the Northeast Florida chairman of United Christians of Florida, a statewide PAC. Raymond, like many other Americans, got involved in politics during the transition from the Bush Administration to the Obama Administration. Raymond recalls, “As a conservative Christian I saw the need to involve more Christians in the process and elect Christians to office.” Since completing the Leadership Institute's Campaign Manager School in 2008, he has won 4 of 7 campaigns he's worked on. Raymond worked on Matt Schellenberg's campaign for city council district 6 in Jacksonville, FL and says, “I credit LI for teaching me the needed skills applied to defeat our sitting city council president here in Jacksonville, FL.” Mr. Schellenberg ran against the incumbent city council president Jack Webb and won by a 6-point margin with just a difference of 1,005 votes. “I assumed the role of field and faith-based director for Schellenberg's campaign and applied some unique strategies, some of which I learned from LI [at their Grassroots Activist School in December 2009].” Raymond says, “During this campaign I actually experienced a situation discussed at LI. The campaign coordinator of our opponent—council president Jack Webb—was caught in the act of stealing our commercial campaign signs and dumping them in a retention pond. I was able to draw from the LI school as I knew catching a suspect and getting media coverage was a must.” “I was able to find a witness, get the witness to file a witness statement in addition to the police report, and get the witness to tell his story to the media. We had several stories aired and one written,” Raymond said. Raymond prides himself on assisting conservative Christian candidates. He works a faith-based outreach campaign that allows him to reach out to churches and Christians in the state of Florida to endorse these candidates. To nominate a Leadership Institute graduate you know for Graduate of the Week, please contact LI's External Affairs Officer Lauren Hart at LaurenHart@LeadershipInstitute.org.

Join the Leadership Institute and sponsoring conservative organizations for the 40th National Fourth of July Conservative Soiree this coming Monday, July 4th! Celebrate Independence Day with the whole family and fellow conservatives in Centreville, Virginia at Bull Run Regional Park from 12 to 4:30 p.m. With over 1,100 attendees last year, this year's free event is sure to be a hit conservative party featuring keynote speaker Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. To park for free, click here for the parking pass, print it out, and display it on your vehicle's dashboard. The address for the park is 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA 20121 Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is a renowned individual and a prominent leader in the struggle to preserve life and family, defend constitutional rights, decrease taxes, and promote low-regulated businesses. In addition to hosting Cuccinelli, the Soiree will provide an array of other activities for the whole family. From pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids to a bluegrass band and field games, there are sure to be exciting opportunities for all ages throughout the entire day. Guests are invited to enjoy some delicious barbeque, drinks, and snacks. Thanks to the great generosity of sponsoring organizations, admission is free to all who wish to celebrate America's independence alongside fellow conservatives. Do not miss an opportunity to celebrate our nation's founding with family, friends, good food, music, games, and more. We look forward to celebrating with you this Fourth of July!

June 30, 2011, Arlington, VA— The Media Research Center has released Part 4 of a four part series of articles on George Soros: Nearly 30 Soros-funded Media Operations Part of 'War on Fox. The other studies released by the Media Research Center exposing George Soros include:Part 1: Over 30 Major News Organizations Linked to George SorosPart 2: Soros Spends Over $48 Million Funding Media OrganizationsPart 3: Soros-Funded Lefty Media Reach More Than 300 Million Every MonthThe information in these articles is part of an upcoming report by the Media Research Center's Business & Media Institute which has been looking into George Soros and his influence on the media.For more information, please contact Dan Gainor at the Media Research Center at DGainor@mrc.org or 703-683-9733, ext 143. >

June 27, 2011, Arlington, VA— Next week from July 2-8 the Leadership Institute's international programs department will go again to Mongolia to train around 500 key leaders in government, politics, and business, as well as those seeking public office and those who will run and contribute in the next presidential campaign.The Leadership Institute has currently trained more than 1,000 key Mongolian leaders in Arlington, Virginia, USA and in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Leadership Institute International Programs Consultant Torey Hall met with Mongolia's President Tsakhia Elbegdorj last week when he was in town for meetings with President Obama and several conservative organizations. Mr. Elbegdorj was overjoyed that Mongolia has established democracy after 65 years of a communist government. “We will build a strong relationship with the USA and emulate President Ronald Reagan," President Elbegdorj said.President Elbegdorj, accompanied by his personal advisor and LI Graduate Mrs. Battsetseg Shagdar, was very happy to see LI's Torey Hall. He expressed great enthusiasm and thanked LI for training those who ran his political campaign, as well as other Mongolian business leaders and social entrepreneurs.LI's Director of International Programs Miguel Moreno and three other LI international speakers will address several audiences of key Mongolian leaders in the capital Ulaanbaatar next week. >

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} America's Future Foundation invites you to become involved in the nation's leading networking and professional development organization for conservatives and libertarians in their 20s and 30s. You can advance your career by attending unique programs, making connections with like-minded peers, and debating or writing your opinions at our events or in Doublethink magazine. To learn more, please visit this page (link to http://www.americasfuture.org) or sign up for free updates and event invitations here (link to http://americasfuture.org/subscriptions/)>

June 27, 2011, Arlington, VA— For college senior Hilary Ranieri, the high school debate team sparked more than just an increased interest in politics. It launched a young career in politics. Hilary first learned of the Leadership Institute when she attended the Youth Leadership Training Conference the summer after her junior year of high school. “I just loved being in Washington, D.C., speaking with and listening to members of Congress, participating in a mock Senate, and learning more about the political arena,” she explained. The conference piqued Hilary's interest in politics, law, and the media, which led her to intern for law firms, the American Association of Christian Schools, and Senator Jim DeMint (SC), by whom she is currently employed. When Hilary learned of LI's June Public Relations School, she jumped at the chance to attend. “I thought it looked and sounded very interesting and educational.” Hilary's hopes for the school were more than met. “I am really glad I attended! I learned so much and now know more of what I should do when participating in an interview or even if I'm ever in a media crisis. The lecturers at the school were very knowledgeable and kept my attention,” she said. “I'm really thankful that LI has these kinds of opportunities available, especially for interns,” Hilary added. “They're extremely helpful.” As Hilary looks forward to her future – her last year of college and beyond – she finds many opportunities on her horizon. “After a few years of working on [Capitol] Hill, I'd like to go to law school,” Hilary said. “Afterward, I'd like to either continue working on the Hill as a legislative correspondent or assistant, possibly running for political office, or practicing law as a prosecuting criminal attorney.” To nominate a Leadership Institute graduate you know for Graduate of the Week, please contact Lauren Hart, LI's External Affairs Officer.

June 23, 2011, Arlington, VA— Conveying a message is more than the simple articulation of ideas; it involves stylistic and intentional verbiage, appropriate hand gestures and body movements, and a correct understanding of the audience. Last week, 15 students learned how to relay an effective message through persuasive delivery at the Leadership Institute's Public Speaking Workshop.Roncalli Communications President Dr. John Shosky discussed the importance of crafting goals for a speech based on the message and audience. “I know that I benefited greatly from Dr. Shoskey's discussion on the substance of a good speech,” remarked student Andrew Patterson from Monroeville, Pennsylvania.Ian Ivey, program expert for General Services Administration, taught four roles imperative to becoming an excellent presenter. “You must be an expert, an owner, a performer, and a teacher through preparation and practice.”Accompanied by energetic gestures and exclamations, Ian shared various tips for effective communication: “Know 10 times what you'll tell them; write good transitions that effectively relate things to one another; when your mouth is moving, you're looking at someone's eyes; intent is not result.”Student Caitlin Byrd, assistant policy analyst at the National Tax Payers Union Foundation, said, “Both speakers were unique and had different deliveries, but were equally effective and very influential.”Andrew summed up his experience at the workshop. “The Leadership Institute's Public Speaking Workshop provides public speaking tools that can be used by both the amateur and veteran presenter.”To learn how to receive this training and others, please click here. >

June 20, 2011, Arlington, VA—Michele Kirk, a former tax reform activist turned political consultant and BizPac Review's Associate Editor, is the Leadership Institute's Graduate of the Week. Michele is the proud mother of three boys, one who serves honorably as a United States Marine. She and her husband, Chris, have been small business owners in Palm Beach County, Florida for more than ten years.Michele has attended three LI trainings—Activist and Campaign School in February, Youth Leadership School in March, and the intensive week-long Campaign Management School in May.In an article for the Bizpac Review, a conservative news website, Leadership Institute graduate Michele Kirk praised LI training declaring, “This is how we win!” Having just attended the Campaign Management School, she wrote “my recent discovery of the school feels like the uncovering of a massive buried treasure.”To read the complete article from the BizPac Review please click here.Interested in learning the skills Michele praised? Click here for the LI Training calendarThe Leadership Institute recognizes Michele for her work as an activist and thanks her for sharing her LI experience with BizPac Review readers. >

June 17, 2011, Arlington, VA- Last week, the Leadership Institute welcomed over 122 DC-area summer interns to the Conservative Intern Workshop. Representing numerous states and organizations, interns enthusiastically engaged in discussions with speakers and networked with each other throughout the intensive, day-long event.Topics ranged from learning how to navigate DC and making the most of an internship, to constructing an effective resume and building a valuable network.“Become an unforgettable asset,” said Steve Sutton, vice president of development at LI. “You want to be the ‘go to' guy. Show initiative and do more than the minimum.”Sutton encouraged interns to “press the advantage by always doing the job of the person ahead of you. If you want the job, do the job. And, never say no for someone else.”Students also learned how to translate first impressions into lasting impressions. Brian Bernys, national field director at LI, explained that manners are the hallmark of profession presence and that there is no end to making first impressions.“You need 60 seconds of information to position who you are, why you're important, and why people should remember you. Know yourself through self-assessment.”Andrea McCarthy, director of employment placement services at LI, shared tips on how to get your resume noticed. Student Bennet Opitz, intern of the American Legislative Exchange Council, described the training as “a great learning experience. I learned a lot about constructing a resume and forming it to fit my future career path.”The workshop concluded with CPAC Director Chris Malagisi of the American Conservative Union instructing interns that networking is not only helpful, it is critical. “Networking today equals opportunities tomorrow; it is an investment in your future.”Malagisi emphasized that following up on connections is the most important aspect in building an effective network. “In politics, most opportunities result from a single independent human being. The follow up can make or break a network.”“The networking talk was especially good because it shared how to take advantage of more opportunities while in DC. It really matters who you know,” commented Kevin Schafer, intern of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.This year's annual workshop was the largest yet. Students enjoyed the energy, relevance, and interactive nature of the speakers. Intern Stephanie Jaczkowski of the National Taxpayer's Union summed up her experience: “This was nothing like any other workshop I've been to. The speakers were respected professionals and captivatingly witty. It exceeded my expectations a hundredfold!” >

If you've attended any of my resume workshops, you have heard me say repeatedly, ‘demonstration of excellent writing skills is critical to landing your dream job.' Especially if that dream job happens to be on Capitol Hill. But really, recruiters everywhere are looking for qualified candidates who know how to write, regardless of the position. Managers make it very clear to us that they do not have time to be someone's editor-in-chief (unless that's actually their job), so they ask us to find competent writers. And not only people who can string words together properly and use punctuation when and where needed, but people who can turn around and use different channels to get their writing in front of the reading public. Jobseekers who not only write well but effectively use new media outlets, write press releases and op eds, and understand what a media advisory is and how to use it are absolutely golden to recruiters and hiring managers.So how do you achieve this golden status I'm talking about? Start with the Leadership Institute's newly revamped Written Communications Workshop on July 19-20. At this two-evening workshop, you will learn the different professional writing techniques for publication, critical grammar and usage skills (so very important!), what a good press release or media advisory looks like, and how to use new media to get your work noticed. Jobseekers really shouldn't miss this training! We're bringing in conservative heavy hitters such as Matt Lewis, Lindsey Mask, and Amanda Carpenter to help you find your inner writing guru.The class runs from 5:30-10 pm each evening. Mention this blog when you call to register, and you may even receive a discount off the already reduced price of $40. Dinner and class materials are included. I hope to see you there..and to see this class listed under additional trainings on your resume!>

We have always heard, “It's not what you know, it's who you know.” But how many of us have really thought about the legitimacy of that statement? Throughout our years of schooling, we have been trained to believe that our education is the most important asset in our future careers. We are never taught to connect with other students or adults, especially while in high school. Since being in DC this summer, I have realized just how important it is to network, especially if you want to eventually work in politics. And even if you don't want to pursue a career in politics, you will be amazed at how people have connections to prominent businessmen and women all around the nation. So, why is networking important? The obvious reason is it can help you get a job. But it goes deeper than that. You never know how the person you meet today will help you tomorrow. From helping you secure a job, to helping you find a good physician in your new place of residence, to giving you a ride at 3:00 AM, your network will always have something great to offer you. How do you network? Christopher Malagisi, the director of CPAC, is the master networker. He has developed a fool-proof process of networking that is guaranteed to help any person who is struggling with meeting people to become one of the greatest networkers around. First step, develop a game plan. What are you trying to accomplish? Where do you want and need to be in order to meet people? Who do you need to meet? These are questions that are very personal for each person. One person may want to meet fellow interns at the Young Republicans meeting every other Tuesday in order to make more friends for the summer. Another person may want to meet prominent political activists at the Heritage Foundation every Friday night in order to get a job in the future. Whatever the reason behind your desire to network might be, develop a game plan. Even if you are just interested in making friends, that's fine! Meet different people, and get introduced to even more people. You never know if these people will be helping you in the future.Second step of networking: Make contact! You have 30 seconds to make a good first impression. Utilize those 30 seconds to not only make the conversation about you, but figure out who the person is and how you can connect with them on a more personal level. When you make someone else feel important, they will be more willing to open up to you and establish a great connection. Some tips for making contact: #1 Network by Sector (Capitol Hill, Think Thanks, Media, Government). #2 Develop a goal (I will get 5 business cards tonight, and I will set up lunch meetings with each of those 5 people). #3 Write the day, the place, and a couple interesting facts about the person that can help you in the future. (I met a lady in church the other day, through another person in my network, and I wrote on the back of her card where I met her, where she works, and what day I met her. And after meeting with her, I will include a couple more notes that will help me make a stronger connection with her in the future).A really impressive and important date I would try to obtain when networking is the other's birthday. Use that date to call them, email them, or send them a birthday card! They won't expect it, and you will stand out! The last step to networking is the follow up. The first thing you do when you get home that night, or into your office the next morning, is add your new contacts to your address book. You can maintain your contacts in Outlook, Gmail, an Excel spreadsheet, or an old fashioned rolodex. Make sure you include their name, number, email, address as applicable, and a couple notes you can use in the future. Email your new contact within 48 HOURS of meeting them. If you met someone who is very prominent and can help you beyond what you can expect (VPs of a company, a well-known activist, etc.) write them a personal note that you can send in the mail. People always love receiving personal mail, and you will stand out beyond the hundreds of other people they meet on a daily basis. Definitely write a “Thank You” letter after the follow up interview/meeting! So, now you are equipped to get out there and start networking and making great connections! Your DC internship, your job search, and your overall relationship building is about to get better! Just use these tips, and you will be on your way to a building a successful and strong network! >

June 14, 2011, Arlington, VA—In a society where technology relays messages in a matter of seconds, it is critical to actively control and structure the political images portrayed. “Your message is what your image is,” explained Blain Rethmeier, senior vice president of public affairs at the American Insurance Association, to an eager crowd of close to 40 students at the Leadership Institute's three-night Public Relations School. “You must mold your digital footprint.”For Jennifer Lundy of Areva Enrichment Services, efficiently managing social media is becoming increasingly important. “I have worked in politics a lot, but not in social media and crisis management. This school gave me a better outlook on social media and showed me what can be done better in a crisis situation.”As Lindsay Mask, communications director for Congressman Howard P. McKeon, said, “Perception is reality and crises management is critical—come out fast and clean, short and sweet.” She went on to conclude that “the minute something happens, technology won't hide it.”Students also learned the importance of utilizing social media professionally. “Social media does not change the business process or the organization's goals; it allows follow-up, awareness of what people are saying, and the ability to respond immediately,” said Abigail Alger, director of digital communications at LI.“Learning ways to track traffic and better use Facebook and Twitter was helpful and new to me. Also, it was good to learn how to better use the information on these sites,” explained Heather Rameau of the Inspector General's office.The practical and informative nature of the talks resonated with many. “Hearing an actual press secretary apply concepts to real life circumstances made everything more relevant,” commented student Grant Miller. “The quality of the presenters was unparalleled and their willingness to engage and assist students in their professional pursuits is exemplary.” >

When it comes to online communities, Facebook is the social network. For Katie Harbath, it's the next step in a successful career of online campaigns and communications. Katie joined Facebook as its Associate Manager of Policy in February 2011. There her goal is to help elected officials and politicians use Facebook to directly reach constituents and voters. She started her career in Washington, DC at the Republican National Committee, where she managed the party's website, GOP.com. Since then, she's worked for the DCI Group's Online Services division, as Communications Director for a Congressional campaign in Ohio, as Deputy eCampaign Director for Rudy Guiliani's 2008 presidential campaign, and most recently as the Chief Digital Strategist at the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). While at the NRSC, Katie returned to the Institute to teach at the same school she took in 2005: the Internet Activist School. "LI training is like a crash course in anything you may want to know more about in running a campaign or being an activist," she explained. "The Internet Activist School is taught by people who are working in the field and know first-hand the best tools and strategies for accomplishing your goals." Katie is a notable graduate of the Leadership Institute and has gone on to give back to LI with her teaching and to advance campaign technology and tactics in social media. We welcome Katie as LI's Graduate of the Week.

Internships are the best way to get introduced to a professional job setting. One is able to learn proper business etiquette and protocol. An internship helps one realize what is and is not acceptable in an office setting without the fear of being dismissed for one minor fault. Internships are filled with great learning experiences. You might wonder, “When is the right time to start applying for and accepting internships?” Speaking from personal experience, the summer right after your freshman year of college is the best time to start interning. Employers are really impressed with a job seeker who is motivated enough to pursue internships so early on. Even if you are not necessarily interested in the field in which you are interning, you will always learn valuable lessons that you can apply to your professional life in the future. You may ask, “Is it ever too soon to intern?” I believe it is a case by case basis. Personally, if you just finished high school, and haven't lived on your own before, internships can be a little difficult, especially if they require you to move away from home. There are local internships that allow a new high school graduate to live at home and slowly get introduced to the professional world. If you are fresh out of high school, and if you have not had experience being on your own, you may want to look into internships that are close enough to home so that you can commute. I am so glad that I chose to apply for, and accept my internship at The Leadership Institute. In the first two short weeks of being here, I have learned many new things, I have made mistakes, I have realized what it means to live on your own, and I have made friendships that will only continue to grow. When given the choice between an internship, and, say, working at Applebee's for the summer, definitely go for the internship. Not only will you be marketable in the future, but you will also grow more as a person, and have experiences that you will never get in the local hang out. >

While other kids my age put themselves through college by tending bar or waiting tables, I spent my formative years selling men's suits back in my native England. Years spent selling formal apparel have taken their toll, and now I cast a critical eye on the sartorial judgment of job-seeker and interns.Do clothes matter in this age of open-necked shirts and casual Fridays? Put simply, yes. Granted, captains of industry, and even some politicians like to dress down (step forward, Barney Frank) but when you are at the bottom of the pile, you have to look like you are heading for the top. Even if the business you are hoping to work for has a casual dress code, only those who look polished will likely get the attention of management. If you dress like you are applying for a job in Buffalo Wild Wings, do you know where you'll probably end up working? You guessed it, Buffalo Wild Wings. If you are looking for employment, you should dress as if you are ready to start your dream job. If you are interning or just embarking on a new career, you should dress as well as, or better than, your boss. These are not personal preferences, but established strategies for advancement. With that in mind, here are ten quick tips to give your image an important makeover. There are many more pointers for success, which is why I urge you to attend the Leadership Institute's Intern Workshop and Conservative Career Workshop – perfect finishing schools for people looking to embark on a successful career in the nation's capital.1) Own at least one good suit. And take note guys, the navy blazer and khakis combo is not a suit, it is the uniform of the perennial intern. You need an outfit with matching jacket and pants. Try and find a suit with a neutral color with which you can match many different shirt and tie combinations (if you are a guy) and different blouse and jewelry combinations (if you are a girl). 2) Learn to love Goodwill, or any other Charity Shop where you can pick up a nice outfit for little money. Washington is full of well-paid lawyers and lobbyists who cast away last seasons' garments without compunction. You should be ready to cash in on their mistakes. Looking for a job, and interning, can be a long process which requires frugality. A trip to Goodwill will not only bolster your wardrobe but provide some much needed retail therapy. 3) When picking your shirt and tie combinations, following the Two-out-of-Three rule. You can match a striped suit with either a patterned shirt or patterned tie, but not both. On the other hand, feel free to wear a patterned shirt and tie, but only if the suit you are wearing is plain. Two out of the three components of your outfit can have a stripe or pattern, but never, ever all three. Trust me, your outfit will be so loud the interviewer won't hear a word you say during the job interview. 4) Ladies, when putting together an outfit, you don't have to dress like your grandmother. But you do have to dress like you are about to go visit your grandmother. Washington is full of seedy politicos with bad intentions, so to be taken seriously, dress seriously. 5) And don't forget the 13-point rule, girls. That is, from the waist up your outfit should have (at most) 13 points of interest. For example, if you wear a jacket with three buttons in the middle and two on each sleeve (for a total of 7 points) you have 6 points to use on jewelry. A necklace is worth 2 points, as is a pair of earrings. Of course, you don't have to reach 13 points, many women don't, but you should never go above this magic number. Like the poor guy wearing too many stripes, your outfit will be louder than a Michael Bay movie. 6) Wear outfits of that show off your skin tone at its best. People with olive and dark skin look great in light colors, and people with pale skin look good in dark colors. Women, wear makeup by all means, but please remember point number four. 7) Here's one I wish I had know during my adolescence: guys, cologne is intimate apparel. If anyone other than your wife or partner tells you how nice you smell, it is not a compliment. You've put on too much cologne. 8) A note on shoes. Ladies, getting to the metro sometimes takes a lot of walking, and cabs can be pricey, so wear something that reflects this reality. Guys, rest assured, girls look at your shoes. So when next you head home without getting that girls number from the bar, take a look and see what you've got on your feet. You don't need to wear white patent leather next time you go watch the Caps play, but make sure you're wearing something that matches the new suit you just bought. 9) Happy Hours and other events where you can meet the next potential employer are a minefield of potential social faux pas. With so many people in town with big egos and even bigger stories about how they have President Obama's cell phone on speed dial, you might be surprised how far a handshake and a smile can get you. When starting conversation, stick to something non-controversial, like transport or the weather. From these tentative beginnings, you can take the measure of the kind of person you are speaking with. 10) Lastly, a note on bearing and how you present yourself to others. Looking for a job can be soul-destroying, but keep a positive attitude at all times. People are far more inclined to support a job seeker who keeps upbeat. If you look like someone who is going places but who happens to be without a job, you will be treated like someone who is going places. If you instead use the local happy hour or worse, facebook, twitter, and gchat to complain about how the world is against you, don't be surprised if offers of support start to dry up. People don't want to spend their valuable time helping Debbie Downer. Dan Whitfield is a faculty member for the Leadership Institute and a copywriter at Eberle & Associates, one of America's largest conservative direct mail fundraising agencies.>

When Mike Meier finished his last Leadership Institute training in 2002, Twitter was something birds did and the epicenter of social networking was a coffee shop, not Facebook. Despite the revolutionary changes since then, Mike has published a well-received business book and founded a consulting business with help from the skills he learned at Institute trainings. "LI showed me how to capitalize on meeting new people, keep in touch with them, and organize those contacts," he explained. Mike attended five LI trainings in 2002: Broadcast Journalism School, Capitol Hill Writing School, Effective TV Techniques Workshop, Public Speaking Workshop, and LI's flagship Youth Leadership School. He also received the Institute's Balance in Media Grant. Only a month after graduating from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois with a degree in Mass Communication, Mike was hired as a sports anchor and reporter. "I did that for about six months, and then gave it up," he said. "I landed the ‘dream job,' but later found out it wasn't my dream!" Instead he pursued an MBA degree at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, and with the degree under his belt, he traveled to China, living and working there for a year. He drew upon his experience there and upon his return, he developed 14 business tips for those seeking to do business in China, which are published in his book— A Focused Pursuit in China: 14 Business Tips To Know Before You Go. Mike also used his experience to launch his own consulting business, Focused Pursuit LLC., which "helps clients achieve their personal and professional goals," ranging from general consulting to public speaking training. He also hosts "seminars for small and large companies alike about Chinese business culture." Mike recently finished working one year in South Korea, and just signed a contract with a Korean technology firm. Mike will never forget his LI training. "I would describe attending LI [trainings] to first timers [as a] great opportunity to meet smart, driven individuals that want to change the world. For me, going to school in the Midwest and coming to DC for a weekend is a treat in itself. It's one of the greatest cities in the world, and that's why I returned four more times!" Learn more about Institute training and register online for an event near you.

"We have found a world with limitations," said Doug Bandow to a crowded room of conservatives and Leadership Institute supporters this morning.Bandow, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, spoke to the Leadership Institute's Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfast. His topic was foreign policy -- in particular, how US foreign policy should change in the wake of Osama bin Laden's death.In his speech, Bandow traced the history of the United States' involvement in foreign affairs, from World Wars I and II to the modern "tendency for superpowers to naturally get involved" in humanitarian efforts overseas.Now, Bandow argued, the United States faces increasing restrictions on its military efforts overseas: spending, the risks of war, and the cost of lost American lives. "There are consequences to all actions," he said to the crowd. "Recognize there is a cost."The Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfast is held every month at the Institute's Steven P.J. Wood Building. It is an excellent opportunity for friends of LI to meet leading speakers and hear their thoughts on current affairs.Register online now for the next breakfast, Wednesday, June 6, with Al Cardenas, chairman of the American Conservative Union.>

Learn how to stand out at your summer internship with the Leadership Institute's free Conservative Intern Workshop on Thursday, June 9. The free, full-day workshop will teach you how to contribute to your organization, how to stand out to staff, and how to advance your careers. Last year, more than 26 organizations sent 93 interns to attend.You will learn:how to write an effective resumehow to build a network in D.C.how to secure a full-time positionhow to dress for a professional officehow to manage your financesYou'll also receive a complimentary lunch, refreshments, and a networking dinner, so you can make connections with other interns as well as LI faculty, who are established political professionals. Register today at http://bit.ly/jQImSr!The Conservative Intern Workshop is an opportunity to advance your professional development at no cost to you. There's no better way for you to start your career in Washington, D.C.! >

Yesterday the Leadership Institute welcomed Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols, an LI graduate, as the Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfast speaker. The breakfast, an Institute event, is held on the first Wednesday of each month."I learned a lot here [at LI] about technology, and technology is what got me there," Commissioner Echols explained as he described his winning campaign.The commissioner was elected to his seat in November 2010; it was his first political campaign. Previously, he had worked for 15 years at nonprofit organizations, founding the Family Resource Network and TeenPact, a youth training organization.Much of the commissioner's talk focused on increasing the efficiency of nuclear waste management, which he called "one of my hallmark issues."But Commissioner Echols also discussed his winning campaign. His three primary opponents had significant experience, having been elected to the State House, State Senate, or both. He credited his "upset primary" win to timing, technology, tireless effort, press savvy, precision messaging, and providence."Something else I learned here [at LI] was working with the press," Commissioner Echols explained. He told several anecdotes of his work to befriend the media. Why? "Then they'll be nice to you." The crowd appreciated that.You can join the Leadership Institute for next month's Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfast on June 2. The speaker is Doug Bandor, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute.The breakfast is an excellent opportunity for friends of the Leadership Institute to meet leading conservative speakers and hear their thoughts on current affairs. Register online now to reserve your seat.>

"Campaigns can easily fall into old habits of how they did things, instead of focusing on what they want to accomplish," wrote Julian Haigh, a Leadership Institute graduate, in the cover story of Campaigns & Elections magazine. "Social media can lead to better organization and connectivity with your volunteers and the Internet allows you to be more agile in you coordination of resources." Julian, a Canadian citizen and campaign veteran, is the co-founder of D2D Campaign Solutions. The company, based in Vancouver, describes itself as a "volunteer management solution that provides election campaign managers unprecedented power in mobilizing door-to-door campaign volunteers, identifying vote-swinging issues, and growing candidate support at the grassroots level." Earlier this year, Julian attended LI's Campaign Management School and Advanced New Media Workshop. He said the school covered "the full gambit of skills required for a winning election. Beyond this, the network of professionals and experience to learn from, [the school] has invigorated me and given me the tools required to pump me up to be more active." Julian added, "The program was such an eye-opener and [it] makes me so much more positive about the future." You can still register for the Institute's next Campaign Management School, which begins this Monday, May 2. You can also review LI's 2011 calendar to see upcoming trainings of interest to you.