Events

Intentional programming shapes the learning experiences of the Public Democracy Scholars and other Drake students with an interest in politics, community leadership, public service, law, policy, or social change.

Civic Leadership Academy for High School Students

The Civic Leadership Academy is an exclusive opportunity for high school juniors to learn from scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders.

The Academy immerses 28 select high school juniors in an intensive and rewarding leadership development program that will give students the skills to stand out as student leaders. 

There is no cost to students to attend; meals, lodging, and fun evening activities will be provided. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa.

Applications for the 2024 Civic Leadership Academy have closed.

July 8-10, 2024 | Des Moines, Iowa | Drake University 

National Civility Summit for Local Government: Civility and Effective Leadership

Be the leader your community needs during divisive and difficult times. 

Click here to watch the full program.

Event Agenda: 

• Welcome and Opening Remarks - Robert Palmer, General Counsel & Director of Govt. Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
• The Context of Civility - Scott Raecker, Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
• The Role of Civility and Stability in Community Prosperity - Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
• Leadership & Civility - Secretary Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture
• Leading in Divisive and Difficult Times - Bob Andeweg, Mayor of Urbandale, Iowa, and Scott Raecker
• Conversations with a Municipal Leader and Civility Trainer - Kelley Packer, Executive Director, Association of Idaho Cities, and Alan Kemp, Executive Director, Iowa League of Cities
• The Evolving Role of Local Leaders: Combatting Hate by Leading with Civility - Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities
• Why We Do What We Do - Kerrie Lauck, Director of Education, Arkansas Municipal League
• Structure of Civility - Robert Palmer
• Creating a Culture of Civility - Scott Raecker
• A Message from Drake University President, Marty Martin
• Conclusion and Closing Remarks - Scott Raecker and Robert Palmer 
• A Special Message from Stephen Benjamin, White House Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement

This event is hosted by: 

Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy Summer Institute

Beginning in the summer of 2025, the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy will convene an intensive democracy-in-action experience focused on a contemporary issue capturing the public’s imagination. Public Democracy Scholars will work with faculty and staff from within the Institute to plan, develop, and implement this signature event (contributing to their Democratic Practice hours). These summer institutes, “Talking Politics, Practicing Democracy,” bring together civic leaders, policymakers, journalists, scientists, activists, scholars, and citizens. The summer institute will also include leadership training for high school students who will actively engage in the institute with summit participants.