The short answer is ‘no’. Capitol Leaders does not require participants to hold specific political affiliations or policy positions to attend or engage with our programming. Nor do we instruct or encourage participants to support any particular political candidate.

As part of Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational organization, Capitol Leaders operates as a non-partisan initiative. While we are firmly rooted in a set of principles, such as empowering individuals, removing barriers to opportunity, and advancing freedom and equal rights, we are always transparent about where AFPF stands on key policy issues.

Our goal is not to demand allegiance to a political party, but to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to drive principled, people-centered reforms.

Capitol Leaders is powered by a network of experienced professionals—including policy experts, former lawmakers, current and former legislative staffers, communications consultants, grassroots organizers, and leadership coaches—who are committed to helping participants succeed.

Each event is thoughtfully tailored to the needs of the audience, meaning facilitators and subject matter experts may vary depending on the policy focus, leadership goals, and unique dynamics of the state. This ensures that every training is practical, relevant, and aligned with the challenges and opportunities facing your chamber.

As a state legislator, you face increasingly complex challenges, from balancing budgets and driving economic development to navigating caucus dynamics, mastering legislative procedure, and effectively serving your district. Yet few comprehensive leadership development programs exist to help lawmakers meet these demands at every stage of their public service.

Capitol Leaders was created to fill that gap.

Unlike one-time trainings, policy reports, or conference sessions, Capitol Leaders offers a comprehensive, year-round approach to developing principled, effective leadership, supporting lawmakers from their first day in office through their full careers and beyond.

Our programming covers critical areas such as decision-making frameworks, media and communications training, coalition-building, legislative strategy, staff development, and in-depth policy roundtables. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to the real-world challenges legislators face, providing the tools and support needed to lead boldly, govern wisely, and build a lasting legacy.

FORMAT:

Capitol Leaders primarily offers live, in-person programming to maximize engagement and real-time interaction. However, virtual sessions are also available throughout the year to accommodate busy legislative schedules and provide ongoing support.

CONTENT:

Training through Capitol Leaders is designed to be customized to the needs of each audience. Whether the focus is on foundational knowledge, sharpening leadership skills, or advancing policy expertise, each event is tailored to match the experience level, priorities, and policy environment of the participants.

Our three core tracks include:

New Legislators: Foundational training on legislative processes, leadership skills, communications, and principled governance.

Legislative Staff: Targeted sessions on policy research, constituent services, communications, ethics, and operational excellence.

Existing Legislators: Advanced policy deep dives, strategic messaging workshops, and leadership development to sharpen influence and drive reform.

Topics may include areas such as vision-driven leadership, coalition-building, media engagement, legislative strategy, budget essentials, and persuasive communications. Content is thoughtfully tailored to the real-world challenges and opportunities lawmakers and staff face in each state. For more information or a sample of available training topics, please contact us via our form (linked).

Capitol Leaders is designed not just to build skills, but to build strong, lasting relationships among principled leaders. Participants can expect a variety of valuable networking opportunities, including:

• Networking Events: Many Capitol Leaders’ trainings include informal receptions, Ask Me Anything panels with lawmakers, or happy hours designed to foster deeper connections among legislators, staff, and speakers.
• LinkedIn Community: Participants are invited to join the Capitol Leaders LinkedIn community, where they can access updates, share ideas, and stay connected with peers and leadership coaches across the country.
• Access to AFPF’s Policy Experts: Capitol Leaders participants gain direct access to Americans for Prosperity Foundation’s policy specialists, communications advisors, and grassroots experts who can serve as trusted resources beyond the training room.
• Peer Connections: Participants engage with a nationwide network of Capitol Leaders alumni, including legislators and staff who share a commitment to removing barriers and expanding opportunity in their states.
• Online Resources: Capitol Leaders provides exclusive access to digital materials, webinars, and on-demand policy briefings, offering continued opportunities to collaborate and strengthen networks beyond in-person events.

Capitol Leaders isn’t just a training program, it’s an opportunity to become part of a broader movement of transformational leaders working together to create meaningful, principled change.