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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Fall 2016
22
A Non-Partisan Party
with a Purpose
By Sarah Alderson
The second President of the United
States, John Adams, once wrote a letter
to his wife about his “fear that in every
assembly, members will obtain influence
by noise, not sense.” At the same time, he
opined that if political leaders did not act
with civility the country would eventually
fall apart. He believed that respect needed
to be practiced at every level of government.
Adams wasn’t the only President—and
Founding Father—to feel this way. George
Washington wrote a book when he was young called the “Rules of
Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation.” In this
publication he introduced 110 rules on civility. Washington insisted
that practicing good manners was the key to good government.
In today’s political climate, and in this upcoming Presidential
election in particular, it would appear that civility—especially when
it comes to politics—is now a dying art. That’s why the Sorensen
Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia believes
that its work is more important than ever.
Since its founding in 1993, the Sorensen Institute’s focus has
been to foster trust, civility and respect in politics. To that end, this
non-partisan organization is dedicated to identifying, educating and
training emerging community leaders. Their mission is to strengthen
and enhance the quality of government at all levels throughout
Virginia.
Sorensen sponsors various programs and events during the year
across the Commonwealth. And there are three central themes at
the heart of everything they do: ethics in public service, the power
of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues.
These days, it could be said that their work is needed to actually
restore those qualities to our political discourse.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can get
involved, the next big event on Sorensen’s schedule is their 4th
Annual Autumn Gala on Friday, November 18 at The Ritz-Carlton
in Pentagon City. It’s a high-profile fundraiser that started four
years ago and now typically attracts at least 250 to 300 attendees.
The purpose is not only to raise funds and recruit new participants,
but also to build new partnerships in Northern Virginia and provide
more visibility for Sorensen in the region. And it has become a very
popular networking opportunity for everyone who attends.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Sorensen Institute, this is the perfect
occasion for you to get a first-hand look at what they do. You can talk
with and get to know alumni and fellows of its programs to find out
directly what they learn while they’re there. You can gain a deeper
insight about the political process and help others do the same in a non-
partisan environment. And you can better understand how Sorensen
ultimately serves the Commonwealth. You may even consider applying
personally or suggesting that an interested friend apply.
Even if you’re already familiar with what they do, the gala is a
great time to meet and mingle with other individuals and corporate
partners who believe in promoting good governance.
The gala includes a reception, dinner and program. This year’s
program will include an in-depth analysis of the 2016 Presidential
election byBobHolsworth, one ofVirginia’s leading political analysts.
Holsworth is the author of five books and numerous articles on public
policy and American politics. He was the Founding Director of both
the Center for Public Policy and theWilder School of Government and
Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. His comments
on Virginia politics as well as national politics have appeared in the
Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and
other prominent newspapers throughout the country. He has also
been interviewed on most major American television networks as
well as the BBC.
A Congressional Panel consisting of the winning candidates of
Virginia’s Congressional races will also be discussing the prospects
in Congress and the future of the Commonwealth itself.
All of the proceeds from this event benefit the Sorensen Institute
and its participants. Although it’s housed at the University of
Virginia, Sorensen relies on donations and grants from individuals,
corporations, and foundations to fund its programs.
Currently, there’s plenty of room for everyone who would like
to participate, and many sponsorship opportunities are still available.
However, with this being an election year, ticket sales and table
reservations will likely be in higher demand than ever.
Individual tickets are $300. Tables for ten can be reserved for
$5000, half-tables may be reserved for $2,500 and supporters tickets
for two are $1,250. Partnerships are created with those who reserve
tables in advance. Higher level sponsorships are also available
for anyone who may be interested. Please contact Colleen Smith,
Interim Executive Director and Director of Development, for more
information and/or to become a sponsor. Her email address is colleen.
, and her phone number is 434-982-4910.
If you can’t attend, but would like to make a contribution to
the Sorensen Institute, you can do so online at
sorensen. Every gift helps to underwrite the direct costs of their
programs. It also makes a big difference to each and every class.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in one
of their programs, the Political Leaders Program application window
opens Monday, September 12 and closes on Monday, November
14. The Candidate Training Program deadline to apply is January
31. And the High School Leaders Program application window will
open on Thursday, December 1, with an early application deadline
(guaranteed interview) of Tuesday, January, 31; and a final application
deadline of Tuesday, February 28.
Ultimately, supporting the Sorensen Institute is a great way to
actually promote civility and invest in good government. And that’s
something that is needed more than ever today at every level of
government across the country.
Most recently in a speech in Illinois, the 44th President of the
United States railed against today’s low-brow political discourse and
called for a “modicum of civility” to be returned to politics. President
Obama’s message to all candidates running for office was clear. “We
should insist on a higher form of political discourse that is based on
respect.”
John Adams, George Washington AND the Sorensen Institute
couldn’t have said it any better themselves.
For more information regarding purchasing tickets or sponsoring
a table, contact Colleen Smith at 434-982-4910 or email her at
, .
Sarah Alderson is an award-winning freelance writer who also
works in the Senate broadcast control room during sessions and
the Capitol Studio throughout the year. She can be reached at
888-729-7428 • •
V