The Michigan EPLP is designed around three major program strands – Public Policy Processes, Leadership and Skill Development, and Networking. Each of the monthly seminars and meetings are designed to address one or more of the program strands. EPLP utilizes the delivery formats described below to examine the policymaking process and the work of leaders. In addition, EPLP participants use online communication tools to stay connected between the monthly seminars and to support their collaborative work.
Through on-site seminars, workshops, and experiential activities, EPLP Fellows meet with government leaders, decision-makers, policy analysts, academic experts, and noted authorities from a variety of policy arenas to explore questions about public policy formation. The seminars also provide a forum for discussing current and emerging policy issues. Another component of EPLP is the use of individual and team development tools designed to assess and strengthen leadership styles and skills. EPLP Fellows receive expert feedback and tips for further developing their skills. The information received at the monthly EPLP seminars is transferrable to the Fellow’s work environments, with the goal of enhancing their professional endeavors.
Each EPLP Fellow participates on a learning team that is created around their learning priorities and objectives. The learning teams are comprised of 4-6 members, and they attempt to represent the diversity of the program’s participants. The learning teams work as cross boundary groups to explore topics of mutual interest. Each learning team is responsible for developing one of the seminar presentations during the program year. The learning teams use multiple presentation formats, resources and learning styles to address the topic or theme selected by the group’s members. Participation on a learning team provides enhanced networking opportunities and the development of collaborative skills.
The annual EPLP Michigan Policy Seminar focuses specifically on some of the current and emerging policy issues that are being debated and discussed by members of the Michigan Legislature and other state government leaders. This “Day at the Capitol” also introduces EPLP Fellows to some of the key players in the policy making process in Lansing. The Michigan Policy Seminar also provides another important lens for viewing the Washington policy scene.
EPLP Fellows participate in two national meetings during their year that help to build diverse learning communities at each state site, and among EPLP Fellows across all national program sites. Attendance at both national meetings is required.