Aspen-Rodel Fellowship Program is Now Accepting Nominations

Former US Congressman Mickey Edwards, director of The Aspen Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership and a vice president of the Aspen Institute.

It's time again to begin assembling the next class of Aspen-Rodel Fellows -- and again we need your help. Because these young stars cannot nominate themselves, they must be nominated by those of you who know them and can vouch for them as your community or state's most respected, and most promising, leaders, on their way up in the political hierarchy.

We are willing to consider men and women between the ages of 25-45, holding office at any level of government, with reputations for intelligence, thoughtfulness, civility, and a proven ability to work with their colleagues across the political aisle. In some cases we will consider potential leaders who have not yet won public office, but who are planning to run in the immediate future -- but the competition is tough and the odds of being selected favor those who are already on their way up.

If you know of somebody who you believe belongs in this circle of top young leaders, we invite you to send us their names as soon as possible, either through our online nomination form, or by mail or fax (PDF). Tell us everything you can about them -- the offices they hold or have held, approximate age (we are looking for fellows ages 45 and under), and as much as possible about their backgrounds and reputations. We'll do the rest and we'll keep your nomination confidential.

Thank you for your help. Together we will continue to bring together the young stars of American politics and help to shape a brighter, more civil, political leadership for the nation.

Sincerely,

Mickey Edwards
Director

Participation and Funding

Participation. The Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership is a nongovernmental, nonpartisan educational program for men and women, ideally under age 45, holding elective office at the state, local, or federal level. The Rodel Fellowship program provides an opportunity for our country’s young leaders to analyze and discuss historical texts and contemporary commentaries on topics such as democracy and leadership. Political neutrality is essential to the educational mission of the program and there is no identification with any political or party viewpoint and no endorsement of legislation. No lobbyists, staff members, or outside observers are permitted to attend fellowship programs. 

Funding. The Aspen-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership program is funded solely by the Rodel Foundations. Funding is not accepted from lobbyists, governments, corporations, or special interests.