Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership

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. Former Governor Mark Warner has commented that, "This organization is incredibly important. Sorensen has become the model of successful bipartisan leadership training for the nation."

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.

The Sorensen Institute has more than 1,000 graduates of its various programs. Seventeen alumni have been elected to the Virginia General Assembly, sixteen of whom currently serve— two in the Senate and fourteen in the House. Dozens more have been appointed to boards and commissions, while nearly 100 have been elected to local office. In the November 2007 elections alone, a record 48 Sorensen graduates won elections: 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats, and 12 Independents. Other alumni are serving in critical positions of leadership in nonprofits, local governments or in the private sector.