On April 22, the U.S. Public Service Academy and the Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson Foundation of Seattle sponsored a National Summit. Hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., the National Summit brought together Academy supporters, advisors, and volunteers for an intensive, one-day brainstorming and strategizing conference. It was an extraordinary success, and the day helped to re-energize the Academy movement.

Summit attendees spent the morning listening to a variety of passionate Academy supporters, beginning with former West Point Superintendent Dave Palmer and continuing with Academy leaders Chris Myers Asch and Shawn Raymond. Two panel discussions featured leaders in higher education (Barbara Jacoby and Craig Donovan), philanthropy (Cheryl Dorsey and Ariane Hoy), public policy (Patricia McGinnis and Wilson Goode), the national service movement (Rob Gordon), and student activism (Mark Pan).

The afternoon was devoted to workshops on media, endorsements, the Blueprint, and other key components of the Academy initiative. Participants not only had the chance to voice their opinions on strategy and structure, they also committed themselves to taking specific actions to help achieve the Academy’s goals. Their efforts in the next several months will help determine how far the Academy will advance.

Onward we charge!