Democracy in Action: The Seminar

THE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION SEMINAR

In 1998, the Washington Workshops Foundation was chosen by the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF) to administer a special series of one-week programs entitled Democracy In Action: The Congressional Seminar, modeled after our award-winning National Student Leadership Seminars. These programs benefit a select group of students from congressional districts in communities served by the cruise industry. Through our programs we aim to improve the civic involvement and political awareness upon which strong communities are built. It is also our hope that these students will discover their innate talents for leadership, learning, and compassion.

The Washington Workshops Foundation offers one-week experiential leadership seminars on congressional politics. Dedicated to inspiring young people to become involved in the political process, our seminars invite students to study the United States Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive agencies by meeting with Members of Congress, other government officials, and professors. Students will also visit the historical and memorial highlights of our Nation's capital.

Congressional
Frequent group meetings are scheduled on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress and their staff. Ample time is provided for student questions and answers as well as attendance at committee meetings and Congressional sessions.

Executive and Judicial
To better understand the relationship of Congress to the rest of government, you'll meet with high-ranking officials from the White House staff, Supreme Court, and independent federal agencies.

Model Congress
Each session, a model Congress is held. This includes committee work each evening, crafting legislative proposals that are submitted on the final night for debate, then voted on in a Congressional committee room on Capitol Hill.

International
Embassy visits and briefings by members of the diplomatic corps are scheduled each session to add perspective on America's role in the global community.

Academic Overview
During each session, a professor from the government faculty of a local university addresses the seminar group. These meetings explore the issues and questions raised in scheduled seminar sessions with Members of Congress.

Pentagon Briefing
Each session includes travel to the Pentagon for a special policy briefing and discussion led by Defense Department officials and military personnel.

Washington, The City
Throughout the week, the seminar program schedules stop-off visits at many of Washington's best-known monuments, museums, and places of interest.

Congressional Breakfast
A breakfast in honor of the students is scheduled on Tuesday morning and will include sponsoring members of congress as the special guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the seminar officially begin, and when does it end? Check-in and registration are from 3:00 to 5:00. The seminar officially begins at 5:00pm on the Sunday of the seminar. The seminar officially ends at 10:00am on the Friday of the seminar, although your specific flight arrangements may differ and we will provide other activities.

Can I arrange college visits while I am in town? The Washington Workshops usually will schedule a visit at least one of the many outstanding colleges and universities in the Washington area. Georgetown, George Washington, American, and Catholic Universities are all potential destinations.

What kind of clothing should I bring? When packing it is important to keep two things in mind: the dress code and the climate. For morning and afternoon dialogues in the Congress and at the Embassies, participants are required to follow a dress code. This means suits/sports jackets and ties for men, with nice dresses, suits or skirts with blouses for women. Also keep in mind that Washington’s climate, while generally mild, can go to extremes in the winter and summer. In addition, participants should bring an umbrella, especially in the summer when afternoon thundershowers are very common. Please refer to the fact sheet for more details.

How can I keep/get in touch with a participant in the seminar? Our toll-free office number (1-800-368-5688) can be used to relay messages to the participants during office hours (9:00-5:00). After hours you may leave a voice-mail message to be delivered the next day. An emergency contact procedure will also be explained on the voicemail system.

What type of supervision is provided for the students? All seminars are conducted by a Director, Administrator, and full-time staff of experienced college graduates and underclassmen, many even have advanced degrees. This staff has a full and thorough knowledge of the program, its operation, and congressional politics. The counseling staff will reside the students throughout the week. Thus, students will be chaperoned from their moment of registration until 10:00am on Friday when the seminar officially ends. A Washington Workshops representative will also escort the group to and from the airport.

Will I meet with my own Senator or Representative? The Washington Workshops will schedule meetings with your members of congress, although the busy schedule of the Hill may force a cancellation.

Will I need to bring linens and/or towels? No, the Washington Workshops will provide bed linens and towels upon your arrival. If you generally require more than one blanket, or you would like additional towels, you are of course welcome to bring them with you. It is very rare that you would need these extra items, however. Lastly, we do suggest footwear for the showers and hallways.