1,700+
Graduated Seminar Alumni
91%
Grads from BIPOC communities
67%
Of our alumni are women
Three times a year, the Seminar hosts an intensive training program in & around the MA State House that invites community leaders to learn to navigate the legislative and state budget process.
Our unique training program lasts six weeks and participants spend one evening a week in interactive seminars with Administration officials, legislators, legislative aides, media personalities, and lobbyists. The program is intended for leaders from under-serviced communities, New Americans & immigrants, communities of color, and others who directly work with those communities.
On a regular basis, the Seminar invites members of its leadership network to events designed to let them meet and know key policymakers in Massachusetts.
Notable past speakers include: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, MA State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Representative Russell Holmes, State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven, General Manager for Television at GBH Liz Cheng, Boston Globe Columnist Shirley Leung, GBH, NPR Reporter Phillip Martin, and Former Governor Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Access to decision-makers has rarely been more important than now.
More than ever, the Seminar needs your support to help us bring equity of access to our underserved communities.
Become a part of the Commonwealth Seminar Family with an alumni base of over 1,700!
Our Seminar Alumni are making positive changes in their communities around the world.
Check out some of their stories and accomplishments on "Our Students" page.
Want to be a part of the Seminar? Sign up for our Newsletter, and be one of the first to know when applications are available!
Vanny Huot
"I feel duty-bound to fight for those (including myself) whose voices have been denied or undermined at decision-making levels. The Seminar challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and empowers me to take on or assert my leadership skills in spaces that are traditionally exclusive."
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Winston Pierre
"The Commonwealth Seminar provides an empowering learning experience that propels [one] to action. It inspires participants like me to know that they have a fair chance in politics."
Christian Arthur
"The Seminar puts you in a room with some of the most intelligent, passionate, and socially active community members across the state, stimulating cross-dialogue. The Seminar is an incubator for emerging civic leaders and an incubator for the diverse future of Massachusetts."