Family Policy Foundation’s® fourth-annual Statesmen Academy℠ was held this summer in Atlanta, Georgia. Twenty-eight elected officials and aspiring political leaders gathered for a week of rigorous training from national issue experts, historians and experienced Christian statesmen.

This fourth-annual event was a huge success, perhaps summed up best by Austen Schauer, a state representative from North Dakota: “Just outstanding! The terrific speakers, excellent information, devotions, worship, relationship-building and outstanding accommodations all exceeded my expectations!”

The 2019 Statesmen class hailed from 14 states and a variety of elected offices and careers, including state representatives and senators, city and county commissioners, pastors and law enforcement officials. They gleaned from returning stalwart speakers Dr. Wayne Grudem of Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Matt Spalding from Hillsdale College, Clarke Forsythe of Americans United for Life, Retired Senator Dr. Tom Coburn from Oklahoma, and Former Indiana Speaker Pro Tem Eric Turner.

In addition, the 2019 class had the opportunity to hear from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, UC Berkley graduate Isabella Chow, radio host Erick Erickson and several other policy makers and shapers from around the country. They also engaged in dynamic panel discussions on hot-button issues including the LGBTQ agenda, parental rights and Heartbeat legislation.

When the Statesmen Academy launched in 2016, its mission was to provide politicians and promising legislative leaders with rigorous training to equip them for effective, Christ-centered public service. Our mission remains the same today, and it is now being realized through our 105 Statesmen alumni.

Since graduating from the Academy, these passionate men and women have carried the water on a plethora of pro-family bills, many of which have been signed into law by governors across the country. Most recently, their legislation has included dismemberment abortion bans, chemical abortion reversal notification, born-alive infant protection, medical professional conscience protection, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Student and Educator Religious Freedom Act, Adoption Protection Act, and many more. Several Statesmen Academy alumni have been elected to higher office, including one to U.S. Congress.

These results would not be possible without the army of Family Policy Foundation supporters and friends across the country. Thank YOU for making these outcomes possible! We believe the return on your investment is strong and promising.

If you would like more information about the Statesmen Academy, or have questions about how you can be involved, please email us at [email protected].



The Family Policy Foundation Team