Leadership Institute News

Scooter Schaefer: LI Helped Me Progress in Each Stage of My Career

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Scooter Schaefer is on the front lines fighting liberal bias in the media every day.  His turf: the internet.  His work: communications marketing coordinator for the Media Research Center (MRC), a leader in documenting, exposing, and neutralizing liberal media bias.

Scooter’s special focus at MRC is a new project, which he describes as “a major drive to demand fair election coverage of the 2012 presidential election.”  He added, “One key component to our fair election coverage campaign will be social media, which is where I come in.”

Scooter is a graduate of four LI trainings, two of which were focused on new media.

“I can attest that the Leadership Institute training I received is first-rate and has had a direct impact on my professional development,” Scooter explained. 

“While all of the classes have benefited me in one way or another," Scooter said, "the Comprehensive Online Activist School and New Media Workshop provided me with the training and tools I needed to take the next step into a career in social media and politics.”

Scooter continued, “The training that LI provides is unique in that they offer real and effective political training by conservative leaders in the movement. There is no better place to receive interactive, hands-on political training from experienced conservative leaders than the Leadership Institute.”
 
“As a young activist hoping to break into conservative politics in Washington D.C., the Leadership Institute provided me with practical and useful training as well as access to leaders in the conservative movement,” Scooter said.

Of course, Scooter did not always dream of a move to Washington, D.C. and a career in politics.
 

The Leadership Institute Mourns the Loss of Eugene H. Methvin

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Eugene H. Methvin, a member of the Leadership Institute’s Board of Directors for 10 years, passed away at his home in McLean, Virginia on January 19, 2012.

Gene dedicated his life to fight against the evils of communism, crime, and corruption. Over his 42-year career, Eugene contributed more than 100 articles to the Reader’s Digest on topics ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court, civil liberties and constitutional law, the U.S. defense posture, Kremlin politics, and U.S.-Soviet relations.  

His articles on organized crime in Reader’s Digest led to the passage of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970.  In 1983, President Ronald Reagan appointed Gene to the President’s Commission on Organized Crime as one of its 19 members.  Eugene directed the commission’s investigation and hearings on labor-management racketeering.

Starting in the mid 1960s, he was a great personal mentor of Morton Blackwell, who founded LI in 1979.

Gene was author of Rise of Radicalism, one of the Leadership Institute’s Read to Lead books.  In the book, Eugene examines what might be called the fundamentals of leftism: propaganda, confrontation, organization, and violence.

“I consider myself fortunate to have been allowed to play the piccolo in the great parade of American democracy for nearly half a century,” Gene wrote before his death. “During that time, the American people defeated and brought down two evil empires: the Teamsters Union and the Soviet Union, and I and my piccolo had a hand in both. That is enough for me.”
 

Naples Councilman: LI Training Is Essential For Success In Politics

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

City Councilman for the City of Naples Sam Saad, III brings a wealth of experience with him to the job: attorney; business entrepreneur and owner; former presidential campaigner; and political appointee for the Department of Labor, among others jobs working for Members of Congress and a governor.

“We have wonderful people and wonderful potential in our town,” Sam said.  “It is my goal to ensure that Naples remains THE premier place to live, work, and raise a family—today and tomorrow.”

Sam’s main focus, he says, is economic development in the downtown area. “Specifically, I am working to reduce fees, permitting times, and zoning issues so that Naples is a more attractive place to invest.”

Sam took LI’s Campaign Leadership School in November of 1995.  

“Going to the Leadership Institute’s Campaign Leadership School was the jumping off point from volunteer to professional campaigner,” Sam said.  “I use those skills to manage my business and my political office.”

When asked about the Institute’s programs, Sam said: “LI training is INVALUABLE.  It is essential for success in politics whether an elected official or an activist.”

LI�s Grassroots Coordinator Brennan Ward -- Trains 856 students in 9 Months

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Brennan Ward joined the Leadership Institute’s Grassroots department in April 2011, and on Tuesday was recognized by LI President Morton Blackwell as “Employee of the Quarter” at the all-staff meeting.

“Brennan has helped to design several campaign training exercises which has given the Grassroots and Political Training departments a creative way to teach and engage students,” said Morton. “He has been willing to take on any task given to him and has been a great asset to the team.”

Brennan managed 20 different trainings ranging from Grassroots Activism to Campaign Management to Fundraising workshops.  In nine months Brennan trained 856 students, giving up many a weekend for the road where he traveled weeks at a time.

“I’ve seen parts of the country you’d otherwise never be able to see,” Brennan said. “I’ve trained conservatives from the Redwoods of Oregon to the coastlines of California to the cornfields of Iowa.” 

LI’s Grassroots Activism School is the program closest to Brennan’s heart because it allows him the opportunity to interact closely with voters and learn their viewpoints while networking with leading conservatives in the movement.

“Grassroots activism is the building block for anyone preparing to pursue a career in politics,” Brennan said.
 

Andrew McIndoe Educates Young People in Conservatism

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Andrew McIndoe’s commitment to conservative principles has been years in the making.

Andrew, as a young twenty-something, has a resume with experience at Grove City’s Center for Vision and Values, the Leadership Institute, Young America’s Foundation, the Heritage Foundation, The Fund for American Studies, Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation’s Associate Program, and the Bill of Rights Institute, where he is currently a director of development.

“Attending my first Leadership Institute’s Youth Leadership School in 2002 led to my first job as a youth campaign coordinator in the most expensive congressional primary race in 2004,” Andrew said. 

“My first experiences in Washington, D.C.," Andrew said, "came to fruition because of my internship at the Leadership Institute. That summer served as a springboard for me in many ways.”

What Recruiters Want: Tackling the Toughest Interview Questions. By Laci Lawrence

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

You made it.  Your resume and cover letter were perfect, and now you are sitting in the hot seat at the office of your dreams.  No pressure, but things can all go south in a matter of minutes if you haven’t prepared for difficult interview questions.

Ron Nehring, California Republican Party Chairman (2007 - 2011) � LI�s Graduate and Faculty of the Week

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Hailing from the Golden State, the former California Republican Party chairman works to advance conservatives in leadership throughout the state, country, and world because he knows the value of liberty. The only child of German immigrant parents who experienced the Cold War, Ron appreciates the light and delight that the “City on the Hill” brings to the world.

As California Republican Party (CRP) chairman, Ron and his team raised more than $73 million, permanently retired more $4 million in debt, and instituted a wide array of management and financial reforms in his four years before stepping down earlier this year due to term limits.  

“Leadership Institute training dramatically improves the effectiveness of any candidate, campaign staff member, or activist who attends.  Every day I take the principles we teach at the Leadership Institute and put them into practice,” Ron said.

“The Leadership Institute had a direct and very positive impact at every level of my career, starting with the very first LI training I attended as a 19-year-old College Republican in 1990,” Ron said.

“While I studied political science in the classroom, the Leadership Institute taught me the value and importance of organization and communication, and how those skills directly contribute to individual success, as well as the advancement of the conservative movement,” Ron said.
 

LI�s Grassroots Training Staff on the Road Half the Year�180 Days�and Trained Record Numbers

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Leadership Institute’s grassroots department of four men trained 4,127 conservatives in 103 trainings across 33 states this year in activism and candidate/campaign training.

The grassroots department offers seven types of training: Campaign Management School; Communications Workshop; Custom Workshop; Fundraising Workshop; Future Candidate School; Get-Out-The-Vote Workshop; and Grassroots Activist School.

“As I have traveled the country this year, I’ve gotten to meet so many great candidates running for office,” said Robert Arnakis, senior director of domestic and international programs. “They truly appreciate what our organization does in preparing them for effective leadership and activism.”  
“My best memory this year was working with my staff," Robert said. "Their energy and dedication to LI speaks volumes. Having traveled more than 180 days, this year was real tough, but my staff kept focused and their positive attitude got us through the months were we saw a hotel room more often than our homes.  Working together we met every goal we set for 2011. This next year—2012—will be an interesting year for our department.  We intend to stay very busy as the election approaches.”

Record Breaking Conservative Students Trained Across America in 2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In 2011 the Leadership Institute’s Youth Leadership School, known as the “boot camp of politics,” trained 1,042 young conservatives – setting an all-time LI record for this department.

This two-person YLS team trained 1,042 students in 33 trainings across 21 states this year.

The Youth Leadership School is an intense, two-day training that teaches students to organize and lead mass-based youth efforts for the candidates and causes of their choice. The flagship training of the Institute launches more careers in politics than any other LI program. Notable YLS graduates include Senator Mitch McConnell; Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity; and Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa.

The record-breaking year for the YLS department is thanks to LI’s generous donors who support these programs and volunteer faculty who travel on weekends to share their expert political knowledge.

“The YLS can be life-changing,” said Kent Strang, Youth Leadership School director.  “I’ve seen former students elected to office, featured on print and broadcast media, run successful campaigns, and become colleagues.  These success stories make every weekend away from my family well worth the effort.” 

Frank Scaturro�s �Natural Progression� to New York Congressional Candidate

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Frank Scaturro is no ordinary candidate.  Born to an Italian immigrant who made the American Dream reality as an entrepreneur, his son Frank knows the value of hard work and high ethics.  

These principles drive Frank to restore freedom back to the citizens and businesses of Long Island and away from the federal government. Conserving liberty is why Frank is running for Congress.

“In New York, it’s still early in the campaign season, so I will typically make lots of phone calls to actual and potential supporters during business hours when I am not handling case work or attending an event,” Frank said.

Frank is active in his community, and one can often find him distributing clothing and supplies to veterans or talking to seniors about the Constitution or speaking at Kiwanis clubs, chambers of commerce, historical-preservation groups, or Republican women’s clubs.  When the weather warms, Frank is out knocking doors and greeting voters.

In August 2008 Frank attended LI training in St. Paul, Minnesota where he learned grassroots lobbying and campaign management tactics, such as: campaign plans, messaging, voter ID, and debating.

Frank’s campaign Communications Director Akeem Mellis is also an LI graduate, taking a Grassroots Communications Workshop and a Campus Action Workshop.

“The Leadership Institute provides the kind of training that is indispensable to winning a competitive election,” Frank said.  “There are so many impressive policy think tanks out there that deal with policy, but the Leadership Institute is unique in devoting itself to process—a dimension of education that is necessary for us to be in a position to build a better future through public policy.”

For Frank, Congress isn’t something new; this legislative body captivated him at age seven.
 