What Does The Maddy Institute Do?

The Maddy Institute was established to engage, prepare and inspire the next generation of governmental leaders and civil servants. Among our activities are those involving “Citizen Participation” (i.e., engaging citizens of all ages and inspiring them to follow Senator Maddy’s example of active citizenship), “Leadership” (i.e., preparing the next generation of leaders and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental organizations) and “Policy Research” (i.e., providing research that is relied on by elected officials and public managers because it is based on non-partisan, interdisciplinary, fact-driven analysis of the issues).

Senator Maddy best summarized the purpose of the Institute named in his honor:

“One of the things we want to do is influence young people to get involved in politics. The Institute should teach students about the complexity of a democracy at work and the passionate issues that motivate constituents and their elected representatives.” Fresno Bee, February 13, 2000.

The Maddy Institute policy is set by its Board of Directors, comprised of political, governmental, educational, civic and business leaders from throughout California. The day-to-day operations are administered by the Institute’s Executive Director and staff. The Maddy Professor mentors Maddy Scholar Interns and Costa Scholar Interns, provides guest lectures, advises the Institute in the development of its program of work and assists the Executive Director in fund raising for the Institute