CPL Michigan is helping build the foundation for the next generation of progressive leaders. By running a variety of programs that focus on identifying, recruiting, and training emerging leaders, CPL Michigan is helping reshape the politics of the state.

Civic Engagement Academy - Calling all emerging leaders! Do you care about your community and want to know how to be most effective in making the changes you want to see a reality?  Do you have ideas and opinions you want to implement to make your neighborhood or city better?  Have you gotten a taste of the power of community organizing and political action through volunteering on a campaign, rallying, or protesting and want to do more?  If you are ready to take the plunge from wanting community change to making it happen, this is the program for you!

CPL is teaming up with MOSES (Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength) to put together a comprehensive Civic Engagement Academy for religious and non-religious progressive activists. We are excited for this partnership and to continue building alliances throughout the community as we work for social justice.   

Through 50 hours of training over 5 months, as well as Peer Coaching, Networking, and Community Engagement Projects, you can build a foundation of essential organizing and leadership skills that will help you shape your community and enhance your leadership by:

• Developing a broader understanding of the political landscape in Michigan, including who holds power in your community, where your power comes from, and how to influence those with power.
• Learning more about the issues and policies that most impact your communities, as well as how these intersect with other communities.
• Deepening your awareness and improving your ability to collaborate across issues and communities.
• Strengthening core leadership skills to engage more fully in organizing, advocacy, issue and electoral campaigns. 
• Identifying long-term leadership goals and developing a clear plan to increase your political involvement.
• Feeling empowered and equipped to take on a greater leadership role in your community.

Weekend Workshop Training Topics include:

• Progressive Values, Inclusion in Leadership, Storytelling
• Personal Strategic Planning and Peer Coaching
• Michigan’s Political Landscape and Government 101
• Methods of Change, Organizing for Power, and Legislative Processes
• Messaging and Narratives
• Collaborative Leadership, Sustainability, and Group Coaching

The Civic Engagement Academy will be offered in Detroit for the first five months of 2012. The dates for this training are Jan. 28th-29th, Feb. 18th-19th, March 24th-25th, April 28th-29th, and June 2nd-3rd. Participation in all weekend workshops is essential. Trainings are typically from 9am-5 pm on Saturdays and 1 pm-5:30 pm on Sundays.

Individuals from across the state are encouraged to apply. The cost of the full 5 month training, including lunch and materials, is just $200, though partial scholarships are available based on need. To apply for a scholarship, fill out the CEA application (which can be found on this site) and indicate in that application that you need a scholarship. The deadline to apply for the January-May 2012 CEA is Jan. 8, 2012.  If you have any questions, please email Dessa:  Dcosma@progressiveleaders.org.

Michigan Progressive Local Candidate and Campaign Manager Training - 
Calling future progressive candidates and campaign managers!  This program is designed to help individuals develop the skills and resources they need to promote progressive change through local elected office.  

Through three comprehensive weekend-long trainings, this program provides the nuts and bolts of putting together a winning campaign for local office, as well as developing the leadership qualities necessary to advance progressive change effectively.  Through lecture, guest panels of elected officials, small group work, peer-partner work, and individual work, participants will learn about, discuss, and practice the following:
 

• Communicating Your Vision & Values through storytelling
• Peer Coaching
• The Nuts & Bolts of Being an Elected Official
• Issues Affecting Progressive Candidates
• Campaign Planning - Preparing to Win and Staying on Track
• Fundraising & Cultivating Donors
• Campaign Financing
• Message Development and Delivery
• Voter Contact

2012 Weekend Training Dates are March 3-4th, April 14th-15th, and May 19th-20th. Participation in all weekend workshops is essential. Trainings will be held in Metro-Detroit.

We will begin accepting applications for this program in January of 2012.  Please direct any questions to Dessa Cosma, dcosma@progressiveleaders.org.

Michigan Political Leaders Fellowship - In 2009, a select group of promising state-wide leaders will spend 9-months participating in leadership coaching, group workshops, networking and mentoring.

• Meet the 2009 Michigan Fellows

Partnership Trainings - CPL Michigan is currently looking for partner organizations, communities and groups across the state who are looking to provide leadership training, resources and skills for their own members or staff.

• If you are interested in working with CPL Michigan to develop a Partnership Training, please email us to discuss possible opportunities.

We also rely heavily on the support and help of leaders across the state. If you are interested in helping CPL in Michigan, there are a variety of ways you can get involved, including:

• Nominate exciting leaders for CPL programs
• Become a mentor or a trainer
• Partner with CPL
• Help spread the world about CPL MIchigan

If you are interested in getting involved with CPL Michigan or have any questions about our upcoming programs, email us at michigan@progressleaders.org or call (248) 399-2053 .