Edward M. Kennedy Institute's Inaugural Young Leaders Network Concludes with Retreat at UMass Boston

BOSTON, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (EMK Institute) concluded its pilot "Young Leaders Network" with a two-day retreat on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston and an appearance by State Sen. Richard Moore.  The program is a collaboration between the EMK Institute and other congressional centers across the country, including The John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress, The Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership & Public Policy and others.

As part of its mission to inspire the next generation of leaders, the EMK Institute and its partners launched a pilot program for congressional interns—both in Washington, D.C. and in Boston—entitled the "Young Leaders Network." The Program engages Capitol Hill summer interns through weekly round table discussions with policy experts, public servants and current and former government officials.

Noted guests for the discussions in Washington included: House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD.), Senate Historian Donald Ritchie, former Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) former Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.), Paul Kane of The Washington Post, Susan Davis of USA Today, Chuck Babington of AP and Scott Ferson of the Liberty Square Group.

The program concluded with a two-day retreat at John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at UMass Boston. There, students took part in panel discussions and simulated Senate debates on the issues of health care and immigration.

State Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) helped lead the students in a simulated Senate experience focusing on health care legislation.

"Where Massachusetts remains at the forefront of advancing civic education, it is very appropriate that the EMK Institute is located right in our backyard," stated Sen. Richard T. Moore, the lead advocate for strengthened civic education in the Massachusetts Senate, and chair of the state's Special Commission on Civic Engagement and Learning. "Beyond preserving the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy, the Institute will provide a meaningful experience for students to learn about an important part of our democratic process, while providing teachers with valuable resources to strengthen their civics curricula."

"It is a privilege to work with congressional centers around the country in developing the Young Leaders Network. We are delighted to co-host these bright young students in Washington and on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston. This program is at the heart of our mission here at the Institute," said Nell Breyer, director of programs at the EMK Institute. "Connecting interns with congressional leaders, policy experts and other young students across the country and hearing their perspectives on public is a vital part of our work and will be a central focus of our programs as we open to the public next spring."

"We are very pleased and proud to be working with the EMK Institute to support these opportunities for our students and those from other campuses," said UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley. "And look forward to the Institute's opening and working with our colleagues there to provide additional educational opportunities for young people."

Students participating in the Young Leaders Network in Washington and Boston, represented nearly 40 states, more than 50 congressional offices and 30 other private and public sector employers.

About the EMK Institute:

The Institute will open to the general public with a formal dedication in March of 2015.

Housed in a beautiful facility on the UMass Boston campus, the Institute will be a dynamic center of learning and civic engagement.  It will use technology to convey the history of United States Senate and its pivotal role in America's development and governance.

The heart and soul of the Institute is a full-scale representation of the U.S. Senate Chamber with viewing gallery - a vivid expression of Senator Kennedy's abiding commitment to public service.  Inside the Chamber, a one-of-a-kind Senate simulation experience will enable visitors to debate, negotiate, and vote on legislation. Through this educational immersion and other programs, participants will learn about the legislative process, as well as the value of public debate, deliberation and civic engagement.

Contact: Daniel Reilly
[email protected]
617-740-7000

SOURCE Edward M. Kennedy Institute