Leadership Institute

To accomplish this mission, the Institute identifies, recruits, trains, and places conservatives in government, politics, and the media. Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, the Leadership Institute (LI) teaches conservatives the nuts and bolts of how to succeed in the public policy process. The Institute strives to produce a new generation of public policy leaders unwavering in their commitment to free enterprise, limited government, strong national defense, and traditional values. Institute graduates are equipped with practical skills and professional training to implement sound principles through effective public policy. Institute programs prepare thousands of conservatives each year to: Form independent conservative student groups Publish independent conservative newspapers Manage grassroots-oriented campaigns Run successfully for elected office Formulate policy as elected officials or key staff members Succeed in the competitive field of broadcast media Communicate a conservative message using the media The Institute offers 41 educational programs and a top-notch intern program. The Institute also provides an Employment Placement Service to help place conservatives in public policy positions and in the broadcast media, at no cost to employers or jobseekers. Leadership Institute graduates work in all areas of public policy, government, and the news media. At least 555 current state legislators are Leadership Institute graduates and at least 91 graduates of LI’s Broadcast Journalism School currently work in television news. The Leadership Institute is the center of conservative activist training. No other organization provides more training to conservative activists each year.