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 building and critical decision making – CALS scholars have an opportunity to reinforce and refine these crucial skills. Completion of the program ultimately helps provide the public with highly skilled, educated and confident state leaders.

Convening October 2-6, 2021, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the nearby Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain