As part of the organization’s effort to continue increasing the food and agriculture sector’s presence in local, state and national government, Michigan Farm Bureau is seeking nominations for its Academy for Political Leadership.
MFB Government Relations Specialist Matt Kapp says the program is for county Farm Bureau members who are contemplating a run for public office or simply desire to develop their political skills and governmental knowledge for future leadership roles.
“We need more of our members serving in public office,” Kapp said. “They have an opportunity to bring common sense and science to the table, to improve legislative and regulatory outcomes in Lansing and Washington D.C. and prevent local government from inhibiting the success of Michigan farms and agribusinesses.”
St. Joseph County Farm Bureau leader Loren King said the program is integral for any member who wants to make a difference at any level of government, “The Academy for Political Leadership connected what I learned in school with what I saw on the news, and parts of our democracy that I had never seen before.”
Members must be nominated by their county Farm Bureau by August 31 to begin the application process. Participants will attend four Lansing-based sessions between January and April of 2023 and travel to Washington D.C. for a capstone experience.
The program curriculum provides information and resources on:
- Why we need farmers to run for office
- How to talk to the media
- What it takes to run an effective campaign
- Election law basics
- Fundraising tactics
- Social media training
Contact Matt Kapp or your county Farm Bureau to express interest in being nominated for MFB’s Academy for Political Leadership.
Since 2017 the Academy for Political Leadership has graduated 23 participants. See what past participants have to say about the program.
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