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"A thriving democracy demands great leaders who “develop humility, empathy, resilience, self-awareness, self-reflection, the ability to communicate, and the willingness to take a risk because the ambition for the greater good has become more important for you than the ambition for yourself.” — Doris Kearns Goodwin

• Featured Speaker: Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose biographies of U.S. presidents are a national treasure. She has personally known and worked with multiple presidents, giving her an insider’s view. Participants will meet with Goodwin to discuss: "What do we want from leaders today?"
• Build Skills for Civic Engagement: Learn from Montana politicians, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ professors, and nonprofit leaders about what it takes for leaders to make a difference.

“Whether I'm a Democrat or Republican, frankly, I haven't even thought about it. I would probably say I'm a Conservative. So I want to conserve our democracy. I want to conserve our way of life. I want to conserve our civility.” — Marc Racicot

• Understanding the Legislative Process: Meet in Helena with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from across the state to attend a legislative session. Watch how Montana’s government works and learn how citizens can influence policy by seeing the process in action.
• Meet with Elected Leaders: Sit down in small groups with elected officials to discuss leadership and policy.
• Featured Speaker: Marc Racicot, former Governor of Montana and respected national leader, is known for his ability to bring people together, even across political divides. Throughout his career, Racicot was admired for his commitment to honesty, integrity, and public service. He also served as chair of the Republican National Committee. In conversation with author Marc Johnson, Racicot will discuss the ethical leadership of Senator Mike Mansfield.

“In the past, America has experienced a storm of unbridled individualism in our culture, our communities, our politics, and our economics, and it produced then, as it has today, a national situation that few Americans found appealing. But we successfully weathered that storm once, and we can do it again.” — Robert Putnam

• Featured Speaker: Robert Putnam, Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University, has advised numerous U.S. presidents on social capital — how our social networks, which have been declining since the 1960s, create the bonds necessary to build a stronger democracy.

Any Montana high school sophomore, junior, or senior with an interest in leadership and community service.

The program is fully funded for accepted Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, covering lodging, meals, transportation, and materials for all sessions.

The sessions will take place in Missoula and Helena, with a focus on local and state-level civic issues.

November 8, 2024.