You Asked for Better Candidates – That’s Why We Created the Statesmen Academy

Last week, 30 up-and-coming policy leaders from around the nation converged on Colorado Springs for the second annual Statesmen Academy, sponsored by Family Policy Foundation.

Most of this year’s Statesmen are new state legislators — serving their first or second term in office — while a few are planning to run in the near future. But all of these outstanding men and women were selected because of their leadership potential for advancing pro-family principles in the public square.

This year’s Statesmen heard from veteran pro-family lawmakers like former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, State Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka of Minnesota, and former Rep. Eric Turner of Indiana.  They used principles and countless examples to encourage attendees to stand strong in their beliefs, but also to conduct themselves winsomely and prudently.

They also heard from authorities on America’s founding principles like Dr. Matthew Spalding of Hillsdale College, as well as issue experts like Clark Forsythe of Americans United for Life.

This year’s class came from every corner of the country, but their reactions by the end of the week were strikingly similar.

• Northeast legislator commented: “That was easily the best conference I’ve ever been to.”
• A newly elected state lawmaker from the Southeast remarked: “I can’t even begin to convey all the benefit I gained in the experience.”
• “Excellent content and organization,” said a young lawmaker from the Pacific Northwest.
• Meanwhile, a candidate-to-be from the desert Southwest summed up the powerful impact of the week in a single word: “Incredible!”

Learn more about the Statesmen Academy — and how you can support this investment in better lawmakers and better policy.