Far too often in our society these days, folks believe that ethics and politics are in opposition to one another. As someone who’s running for office, I’m often told that I will not be able to get very far unless I compromise my principles or ethics in one way or another, and that even the most altruistic of us eventually becomes corrupted or leaves the process.
The Sorensen Institute (which is affiliated with the University of Virginia) seeks to change that. Per their about page:
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to bring together diverse individuals with a passion for politics and public service. All have a wide variety of viewpoints and backgrounds but want to work together for the common good. Our non-partisan mission is to strengthen and enhance the quality of government at all levels throughout Virginia.
Through a variety of programs—for high school and college leaders to first-time political candidates and influential business and community leaders—the Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system.
At the heart of every Sorensen program are three central themes: ethics in public service, the power of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues.
This past weekend, I had the honor of attending their Candidate Training Program, which is a four-day program geared toward folks who are running for office, or have an interest in running. It’s open to folks regardless of political persuasion and background, and even offers financial aid to ensure that the ability to pay for admittance isn’t a barrier.
The program covered the nuts and bolts of running a successful campaign, but it also covered some of the lesser-known aspects of running for office; the role of spouses and family members, dealing with negative and attack materials, etc.
Everything covered, however, was wrapped in what isn’t offered by most other programs out there like this — ethics and a proper code of conduct. Throughout the program, we were taught an ethical structure through which to view our conduct as candidates and office-holders, and at the near the end we were tasked with drafting a Code of Ethical Conduct for our campaigns.
One look at the list of alumni will tell you why I consider it an honor to have been among this year’s graduating class.
I could very well end this diary here, but there’s one last important piece — the camaraderie that was developed among those of us who attended, and even with the instructors and presenters. Even though we all spent only four days together, we formed life-long bonds that will carry us well beyond the next few campaign cycles. We come from all parts of the Commonwealth, but now we feel as if we carry those parts with us as well.
No matter political persuasion or background, I felt a kinship with everyone there, and I know that we have a brighter future ahead of us once these folks get elected.
Here are some more pictures!