INDIANA CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute

Empowering Leaders in Indiana’s Political Landscape

The Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute (TYSLI) is an 8-session program designed to equip Indiana residents with the knowledge, skills, and connections to navigate the political process and become more civically engaged.

TYSLI, an initiative of Indiana Black Expo, aims to amplify community voices in civic leadership and foster engagement in Indiana’s political future. Whether you aspire to run for office, serve on boards, work on campaigns, or become a more informed citizen, TYSLI provides the tools and network to help you take your seat at the decision-making table. Through interactive sessions, discussions with elected officials, and hands-on learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding of local and state government, policymaking, and community advocacy.

This program is offered free of charge to those who are accepted.

Apply Now

INDIANA CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute

Empowering Leaders in Indiana’s Political Landscape

The Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute (TYSLI) is an 8-session program designed to equip Indiana residents with the knowledge, skills, and connections to navigate the political process and become more civically engaged.

TYSLI, an initiative of Indiana Black Expo, aims to amplify community voices in civic leadership and foster engagement in Indiana’s political future. Whether you aspire to run for office, serve on boards, work on campaigns, or become a more informed citizen, TYSLI provides the tools and network to help you take your seat at the decision-making table. Through interactive sessions, discussions with elected officials, and hands-on learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding of local and state government, policymaking, and community advocacy.

This program is offered free of charge to those who are accepted.

Apply Now

Take your seat at the table—become a civic leader and drive change in Indiana!

For more information about Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute (TYSLI), email us at: TYSLI@indianablackexpo.com

TYSLI Cohort 2: Apply Today

Who Should Apply?

TYSLI is open to Indiana residents who are passionate about civic engagement, leadership, and community advocacy. Whether you’re a young professional, grassroots organizer, or an emerging leader, this program will provide the foundation to make a lasting impact in your community.

Schedule

  • May 30, Saturday | 9:30 am – 1 pm, 3.5 hours
  • June 3, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • June 10, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • June 17, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • June 24, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • July 1, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • July 8, Wednesday | 6 pm – 8 pm, 2 hours
  • July 17, Friday | 11 am – 3 pm, 4 hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a resident of Indiana
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to civic leadership and engagement
  • Must be able to commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Submit a letter of recommendation and resume with your application
  3. Applications are due by Wednesday, May 15, 2026.
  4. Finalists will be notified by Friday, May 22, 2026.

TYSLI Curriculum

1 | Foundations of U.S. Government & Public Policy

[DATE/TIME TBD]

Gain a clear understanding of how the U.S. government is structured and how power is distributed across federal, state, and local levels. This session lays the groundwork for navigating systems and understanding where decisions are made.

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2 | How Policy Is Made | From Idea to Implementation

May 30, Saturday | 9:30 am–1 pm, 3.5 hours

Explore how ideas become policy—from early development to implementation—and why some efforts succeed while others stall. Participants will learn how to identify key entry points for influencing outcomes.

3 | Power, Influence & Decision-Making in Government

June 3, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Examine how decisions are made in practice, including the roles of relationships, stakeholders, and informal influence. This session helps participants understand who holds power and how to navigate it effectively.

4 | Advocacy, Lobbying & Civic

June 10, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Learn practical strategies for engaging with policymakers and influencing change without running for office. This session focuses on effective advocacy, relationship-building, and making a clear ask.

5 | Engagement Running for Office: Strategy & Positioning

June 17, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Get an introduction to what it takes to run for office, including how to assess readiness, define your message, and identify the right opportunity. Participants will explore how to build a strong foundation for a campaign.

6 | Owning the Narrative | Who Tells Your Story?

June 24, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Explore how narratives shape public perception and policy outcomes, particularly for Black and BIPOC communities. Participants will learn how to reframe issues, navigate misinformation, and use storytelling as a powerful leadership and communication tool.

7 | Campaign Execution | Fundraising, Outreach & Challenges

July 1, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Dive into the realities of running a campaign, including fundraising, voter engagement, and managing day-to-day operations. This session highlights the strategic decisions and challenges campaigns face.

8 | Capstone Presentation Prep | Applying Strategy, Leadership & Civic Action

July 8, Wednesday | 6 pm–8 pm, 2 hours

Apply what you’ve learned by presenting a final project and reflecting on your role in civic and political spaces. Participants will leave with a clearer plan for continued engagement and leadership.

Apply Now

TYSLI is an 8-week intensive program that seeks to equip participants with a clear understanding about the fundamentals of running and winning campaign for office. In-person sessions begin Saturday, May 30 and will culminate in a graduation ceremony July 17 during Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration. Dates and times for sessions are listed on the TYSLI website. Participants are asked to commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions in-person and on-time. To graduate and receive completion award, participants may not miss more than one (1) session.

Participants who have questions about accommodations should contact TYSLI@indianablackexpo.com. Applicants of the TYSLI program must be 18 years old and residents of Indiana.

Step 1 of 5

Please confirm you have reviewed the details above and commit to attending all sessions to the best of your abilities.(Required)
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