See information for Premier Program April 29th, below.

In January, 2010, a new public policy institute was created at Santa Monica College and I am privileged to be its Founding Director.  This is an exciting new opportunity for civic engagement and collaboration.

The mission of the new Institute is to engage educational, government, service sector and business leaders, students, faculty and policy makers in programs and endeavors related to issues relevant to the communities of Los Angeles County, and beyond. The Institute will explore and analyze social, environmental, political and economic issues in local communities and create a center for civic engagement, community education and collaboration providing educational opportunities, public programming and continuing education.

There will be three areas of emphasis:

Community Education and Engagement.  I call this “critical thinking for voters”.  In order to engage community members, there will be a number of forums, the first one in April of this year, to bring prestigious and compelling panelists to address the community and give the participants opportunities for feedback, discussion and education.  

The Institute will also explore ways in which the community can benefit from leadership training and other forms of continuing education for professionals, as well as collaboration with policy studies being done by other entities in areas related to decision-making in local government.

Premier Program: April 29th

• Our first community education forum will take place on April 29th, from 7-9 p.m. in Room 123 of the Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive.  The distinguished panel of presenters will focus on the impacts of the state and federal budget wars on local entities and the steps local governments and other must take to maintain services and programs.  The  panel presentations will be followed by a lively audience discussion, around a number of tables, led by facilitators. There is no charge for admission or parking.  Seating is limited.  Please RSVP to 310/434-4003.

    The Panel: Moderated by former State Senator Sheila Kuehl, Founding Director, SMC PPI

    On Education: Assemblymember Julia Brownley 
        Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and former President of the SM-Malibu School Board
    On Social Services: Councilmember Abbe Land
        Co-CEO of the Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles and West Hollywood City Council Member
    On Transportation: Richard Katz
        Member MTA Board, former member California State Assembly, transportation policy consultant
    On Local Government: P. Lamont Ewell
        Former City Manager, City of Santa Monica

Coming Programs:

• In May, participate with the college on its programs built around their global theme of water.
 
• In the summer, a possible collaboration with the music department to present three Broadway songs that raise issues of public policy.  The audience will then be invited to identify the policies and discuss them.
 
• On October 4,  an exciting and engaging program at the beautiful Broad Theatre will formally introduce the Public Policy Institute to the community, the College, other academia, and local governments.  A reception will follow.
 
Student Participation.  This area of emphasis has a truly great number of possibilities for the Institute, including independent study, community internships, participation, for credit, in programs, campaigns, municipal and county offices, non-profit local projects, all with an eye to giving students insight into the many actions that go into the formation of public policy. 
 
The academic possibilities are also exciting, including the exploration of the establishment of a major, and/or a certificate program or programs in related fields.  In addition, similar to the many requests received for leadership development in the community, the Institute may be able to provide specific leadership training for students which could pique their interest in further education at a four year institution, encourage them to be more informed as voters, and give them the opportunity to consider a career in public service and public policy.
 
Service to Local Government Officials.  This will involve initial research as to the options currently available to local electeds to develop and improve the skills they need in order to effectively govern.  In some cases, local governments, regional organizations and individuals may identify ways in which the Institute can be of use to them.
 
There are many possibilities for collaboration, as well, with regional entities, other local government institutes, and other academic institutions.