Purpose

The Western Legislative Academy (WLA), an annual three and a half-day intensive training program, is an opportunity for Western state legislators in their first four years of service to sharpen skills needed for effective lawmaking, building support for the legislature as an institution and giving legislators from different states the opportunity to learn from each other.  The WLA reinforces CSG-WEST’s mission to provide opportunities for western state legislators to share good ideas across state borders.

Class Members

The WLA is a scholarship program, and admission is competitive.  In 2007, the WLA received 92 applications for 39 slots.  In 2008, the Academy received 73 applications for 39 WLA slots.

Faculty

The WLA maintains an impressive faculty that includes leading academic authorities on state legislatures, U.S. Air Force trainers, experienced legislative leaders and national experts in communications, leadership, time management, ethics and negotiations. 

 Location

The 9th WLA will be held November 17-20 '08 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the El Pomar Foundation generously donates the historic Penrose House and its meeting facilities as the campus.

Accomplishments

WLA is highly ranked by those who participate and by the bipartisan legislative leaders of the West who support the Academy.  Since its inception in 2000, the WLA has graduated 300 alumni from 13 Western states, who have exceeded our goals in making a difference in their legislatures. 

Nearly 70% of the 243 WLA alumni now serving in western state legislatures are in chamber, caucus and committee leadership positions.  Two alumni are now serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and two are serving in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.  WLA alumni have also gone on to state-wide elected offices and cabinet positions, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the Academy.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Participants pay for their own travel.  With support from the private sector, foundation funding and state dues, CSG-WEST provides training, housing and meals.  The WLA is an invitation-only event.  Besides the legislator class members, faculty and staff, only sponsors are invited to observe the program and join in the social events. The WLA is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to interact with carefully selected members at the beginning of their legislative careers.  For further information, contact Cheryl Lee Duvauchelle at 415-330-0312 or cduvauch@csg.org.