Group IX – National Seminar

Leadership Wisconsin (formerly called WRLP-Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program) ‘s fifth seminar was the National seminar to Washington, DC, March 17-23, 2001, chaired by Al Anderson, Director of the Center for Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and JoAnn Stormer, Executive Director, Leadership Wisconsin Program.

Participants learned how the federal government functions in a variety of ways. They focused on policy making process at the federal level and how citizen leaders and organizations can influence formulation and implementation of policy. In addition, they also gained an appreciation for how the executive and legislative branches are involved in shaping policy.

As a tool to learn about the federal government, participants examined US policies related to energy in many forms, including oil dependency, electric deregulation and alternative fuels. In particular, they examined US energy policy around the issues of agriculture, transportation, foreign policy and the regulation/deregulation of electrical utilities.

Brian Knudson presenting a certificate of appreciation to David Sedney, Deputy Director of the China Desk, US State Department. Mr. Sedney talked to the group about US foreign policy in Asia. Earlier in the week, participants had a chance to meet with a representative from the People’s Republic of China Embassy as a forerunner for their upcoming international seminar to China in April, 2002.