Where Conservative Leaders are Made
Leadership Institute training makes all the difference for conservatives like you to triumph in the historic battles to come.
NETWORK
Leadership at Every Level
Empowering the next generation
from campuses to communities to capitals.
Learn how to win real victories for what you believe in.
The Leadership Institute turns conservatives into leaders – empowered to defend and advance the founding principles our country was built upon.
Through training and mentorship, the Leadership Institute is the first and best organization focused on creating conservative leaders who make a difference today and for years to come.
Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton Blackwell, the Leadership Institute increases the number and effectiveness of conservative leaders in the public policy process. More than 300,000 conservatives have become leaders through Leadership Institute training.
The Institute’s track record of helping conservatives become successful leaders – from state legislators to members of U.S. Congress, from college students to journalists and heads of organizations – is unparalleled.
Our organization’s legacy is built upon the countless stories of individuals who dedicated themselves to championing conservative principles and making an impact in their communities, states, and our nation.
The Leadership Institute is where conservative leaders are made.
America will stay free only with a steady flow of conservatives who rise up to lead.
While many organizations exist to increase the number of leftist activists, few similar organizations exist to serve conservatives. Because conservatism tends to focus on the power of ideas, most conservative organizations are think tanks that focus on policy or legislation.
But those policies won’t get enacted without conservatives in positions of leadership to drive them forward.
That’s why the Leadership Institute takes conservatives – who believe in free enterprise, limited government, strong national defense, and traditional values – and turns them into powerhouse leaders who advance these principles in places where they can make an impact.
Today, the philosophical gap between conservatives and leftists has widened more than ever before in our lifetimes. The left is using its positions of influence to change our economy, our culture, and our entire American way of life.
At the same time, the political contests for the future of America are decided by some of the narrowest margins in history.
The Leadership Institute gives conservatives the edge to prevail in close contests – where skilled leadership makes the difference between triumphant victory and agonizing defeat.
The Mission
Effort is admirable. Achievement is valuable.
The Leadership Institute equips you to take the lead and make a real impact for your principles.
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The reason
Conservatism as a Force for Good
The Leadership Institute’s is guided by the profound belief that conservatism isn’t just an ideology; it’s a force for the good, a path to a better world.
Championing Ideas
Activism
Leadership
Networking
Civic Engagement
Where it Started
Unwavering Commitment to a Better America
From the beginning, Leadership Institute has been guided by a profound belief: conservatism isn’t just an ideology; it’s a force for good, a path to a better world. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to uphold and champion the timeless values that make our nation exceptional.
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1979 Leadership Institute is Founded
In 1979, Morton C. Blackwell founded the Leadership Institute with the goal of increasing the number and effectiveness of public policy leaders by identifying, recruiting, training, and placing conservatives in politics, government, and the media.
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1983 First Student Publication School
In 1983, with the help of The Dartmouth Review's Will Cattan and staff, Morton created the Student Publication School. Morton sought to train students in methods to produce and publish successful conservative student newspapers on campus.
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1984 Launch of Internship Program
In 1984 Leadership Institute hired its first intern, Hames Pfaff. Pfaff was hired to intern under the direction of then Executive Director, Fred Schnieder.
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Timeline
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