The Staley School of Leadership, in partnership with the Staley School student ambassadors, and supported in part by the office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, hosted Caitie Whelan in October for a workshop series on public policy. More than 75 students, faculty, staff and community members participated in the events.
Whelan, a former Congressional staffer, is a policy entrepreneur who helps demystify the public policy process and how policy is made, so citizens can easily and effectively contribute to the systems that directly impact daily life at local levels.
“I think that having workshops like these are important because public policy is so much more than just rules and regulations; it’s about shaping the world we want to live in. I want to have an impact, not just for myself but for my community,” said Kiersten Schmalz, junior studying business management and marketing, with minors in leadership studies and psychology, and a Staley School Ambassador.
“We all should want what’s best for our neighbors and when we all are able to engage in these conversations, we can better learn how to create the kind of change that matters and helps everyone thrive!”
Throughout the workshops, Whelan engaged with Wildcats to highlight who the Kansas representatives are, in what areas of policy they have input, and how to best communicate with them about issues that matter most to the workshop participants.
For anyone who could not attend the workshops, Whelan recorded “Three Essential Tools to Help Shape the Laws You Live Under.” These videos are brief but packed with easy-to-understand information about public policy. Her comments are also summarized in this infographic.
“Caitie emphasized the importance of democracy being a 365-day enterprise, and that while voting is crucial, civic engagement goes beyond casting a ballot—it’s about understanding the systems that govern our lives, advocating for values, and actively shaping policies that impact our communities,” said Tamara Bauer Ed.D., director of leadership and service programs and assistant teaching professor at the Staley School.
“A workshop on creating public policy is essential for college students because it empowers them to become informed, proactive citizens. By building these skills, students can drive meaningful change and contribute to a more just and responsive society. Applied learning experiences like this are essential, and the University has tasked the Staley School with the Applied Learning Initiative for the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan. We’re proud to keep thinking creatively about ways to engage students University-wide with knowledgeable speakers like Caitie.”
Election Night Event
On election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Staley School has partnered with UPC, the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy, Alpha Phi Alpha, and others, to host A K-State Celebration of Democracy. The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. in the K-State Student Union Ballroom. This watch party for election night will include food and refreshments and provides an opportunity for all campus community members to watch election coverage, hear from speakers, and discuss taking civic action. A keynote speaker will be announced soon.
The Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service co-curricular programs, the University Honors Program, and Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. The Staley School equips learners with leadership skills and academic excellence through applied learning experiences, in-class learning, and community partnerships around the world. To learn more, visit www.k-state.edu/leadership.
