Application

The Commonwealth Seminar is accepting applications for the Fall 2011 Seminar. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7TH and decisions will be announced by October 10th. The fall seminar is geared toward people who cannot take our regular seminars, which are all in the morning on work days.

The Fall 2011 Seminar will take place over five consecutive weeks beginning Wednesday, October 19, 2011 and ending Friday, November 18, 2011.

The seminar will be held on the following dates and times: Wed, Oct 19th (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - MAPC); Wed, Oct 26 (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - MAPC); Wed, Nov 2, (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p. – State House TBD); Wed, Nov 9 (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - MAPC); and Fri, Nov 18 (9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m – State House, Room B1, includes graduation ceremony).

In addition, participants are expected to come to an opening reception/conversation on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. at MAPC, 60 Temple Place, 6th Floor. Harvard University Sociology students will be presenting the results of a year-long evaluation of the seminar, and it will be an opportunity to meet one another and some past graduates.

You should be able to participate in at least 4 sessions to make it worthwhile to apply. In addition, on your own time, you will be expected to meet with your legislators or their staff members.

The Commonwealth Seminar is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the Massachusetts Legislature really works.

Top state legislators, legislative staff, media members, and administration policymakers will introduce student leaders to the Legislature and state government generally. By giving an insiders' view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service.

Who Should Apply?

The Commonwealth Seminar is a privately funded program with a mission of opening the doors of the State House. Our target audience is leaders from communities of color, immigrant communities, and others working to directly benefit those communities. You should be prepared to make a compelling argument in the application about how you fit into the target audience.

We are looking for leaders who meet those criteria and who have a proven track record of leadership in their communities. We place a high value on creating a seminar class that is diverse racially, ethnically, and geographically. Successful candidates for the Commonwealth Seminar will have a basic understanding of state government and a clear desire to use the skills learned through the seminar to make positive change.

Acceptance to the seminar is on a competitive basis, and Commonwealth Seminar staff and advisers will make all final decisions about the makeup of the seminar. We hope to make those decisions within one week after the deadline to apply.

Logistical Details

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth Seminar does not provide parking. However, there are commercial lots near the State House and Third Sector New England, and both locations are easily accessible through public transportation.

If you have special needs, either because you need language translation to participate or due to a disability, please let Commonwealth Seminar staff as soon as possible. We will do everything possible to accommodate special needs.

Application (Word)

Application (PDF)

Contact Joel Barrera at joel@masscs.org or 508-740-1078 if you have any questions.