MPLP Session IV: Simulation, Stump Speeches, and So Much Growth
This past weekend marked Session IV of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP), and our cohort gathered in Ann Arbor for a packed agenda of learning, connection, and real-time experience.
We stayed at The Graduate Hotel, which felt like the perfect setting for our now-familiar group to regroup and dig in. I carpooled again with Kasi Meyers (we’ve got a solid routine at this point!), and roomed with Ashley Hails, which made the weekend feel even more like a meaningful reunion than just another training session. We’re definitely getting more comfortable with each other—and it shows.
Pictured is Allyson Faulkner, Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and Ashley Hails at the Graduate Hotel.
Friday: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
We kicked things off Friday evening with dinner and a presentation by Bill Mayer, Senior Vice President of Entrepreneur Services at Ann Arbor SPARK. It was a powerful reminder of how regional economic development connects directly to policy and leadership.
Afterward, we enjoyed a casual reception that, as always, helped cement friendships and conversations that continued late into the night. A few of us headed to “Down the Rabbit Hole” for some dancing. The best part for me is the “club” was playing the same music from my college days just with remixes. So I think that means my era is timeless or that I’m old enough that the songs I listened to are now “classics” Growing up is weird and I’m so grateful because it certainly beats the alternative.
Saturday: Simulation and Stump Speeches
We started bright and early with breakfast and then made our way to Weill Hall at the University of Michigan for a full day of action.
The morning was dedicated to a policy simulation led by Dr. Elisabeth Gerber, who somehow makes complex policy mechanics feel both accessible and energizing. It was incredibly collaborative. I walked away with a better understanding of how real-time decisions and shifting alliances shape outcomes—and a deeper appreciation for the leaders doing this work every day. But also really bummed, because it really felt that issues get so divided along party lines vs. using logic. I can see how someone can get addicted to the challenge and power.
Bonus: I also learned that we have quite a few talented actors in our cohort! During the simulation, we each had to play a legislator, and we had more than a few laughs over how committed some folks were to staying in character. The nuances, the mannerisms—it was all part of the learning, and the humor made it that much more memorable.
After lunch, we had a simulation debrief and then stepped into one of the most exciting parts of the day: delivering of more campaign stump speeches. We heard some really great speeches! Our next speech is going to be on issues. I’m sure it will be so much fun!
