Our Mission
The Mission of the Political Leadership Academy, is to equip participants with meaningful conflict analysis and resolution ideas, skills, and experience to pursue more effective and peaceful political relationships, processes, and problem-solving tools.
Our Story
The Carter School Political Leadership Academy (PLA) was founded through a partnership between George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Bipartisan Leadership Project (BLP) in early 2020.
The PLA was founded with the understanding that persistent and seemingly intractable conflict has become a visible hallmark of the American political system. From the highest offices to local positions, the bipartisan divide affects governance and civics at all levels, how we engage with each other in our communities, and, ultimately, the success of our nation. Studies have shown that polarization is increasing and making cooperation between diverse parties more difficult. However, the PLA approach presumes that America greatly benefits from sharing ideas, constructive engagement, and cooperation between political parties and diverse ideas, perspectives, and individuals. Time and again, difference of opinions shows itself to be beneficial to the American government and its citizens. At the PLA, we know that conflict will and should always be present in politics but it is how we engage with that conflict that makes the difference Constructive engagement with others strengthens democracy; demonizing the other weakens democracy.
Therefore, it is vitally important for American political leaders, community leaders, business leaders, and public servants, including their staffs, and those aspiring to such positions to learn how and why to manage conflict in ways that work for the benefit of our communities and our nation and not be impaired by it. Learning conflict resolution skills promotes cooperation, more productive problem solving, and produces skilled leaders capable of focusing on American progress rather than intractable partisan division. Conflict resolution also imbues leaders with the skills and ideas necessary to listen to and represent their constituencies and their interests more effectively, and to be an example of a productive citizen for those they represent and work with.