Upcoming Events

Sen. Gary Cammack and his colleagues in the South Dakota Legislature look forward to hosting their state and provincial legislative colleagues from the Midwest for the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference. The meeting is scheduled to be held July 11-14 in Rapid City, S.D. The MLC Annual Meeting is the only event planned by and designed for the Midwest's legislators. It offers numerous learning and networking opportunities for state and provincial policymakers. The meeting features expert-led policy…

Each year the ELA brings together a class of 30 selected state officials for five days of intensive training with experts in communications, government, and policy development. Created in in coordination with the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, the program includes lectures with award-winning Penn faculty and hands-on workshops in media relations, negotiation skills, and public speaking. The program is carefully tailored to help each class of public officials take their leadership skills to the next…

Mark your calendar for the 74th CSG West Annual Meeting to be hosted September 28 - October 1, 2021 in Colorado Springs. Our 2021 CSG West Chair, Representative Jeni Arndt and the host committee are working to develop an engaging meeting schedule allowing everyone to, once again, gather and learn together. Be sure to check back soon for additional details. Annual Meeting attendees are primarily western state legislators and legislative staff. Other attendees include the private sector, academic and nonprofit organizations,…

The BOWHAY INSTITUTE for LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (BILLD) is the only leadership training program designed exclusively for Midwestern legislators. BILLD helps newer legislators develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders, informed decision-makers, and astute policy analysts. The program offers a unique opportunity for lawmakers to improve their leadership skills and explore the issues of the day with nationally renowned scholars, professional development experts, and legislative leaders and colleagues from across the region.

CALS embodies the Southern Legislative Conference of The Council of State Governments' mission of championing excellence in state government and providing nonpartisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. In addition to developing and enhancing leadership skills, the program provides participants a unique opportunity to foster connections, engage in conversations and take part in sessions designed to explore individual boundaries and perceptions. Through activities and instruction focusing on the program’s four central components – communication, conflict resolution, consensus…

The Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE) is a professional leadership development program for Southern state legislative, judicial, executive and agency staff. In addition to developing their personal and professional leadership skills, participants have the opportunity to build a network of their peers from across the Southern region. Government staff work daily and diligently, often behind the scenes, to fulfill their duties to support the myriad functions of state government. While elected and appointed officials may leave their post at the end…