Word is Bond’s Spring Leadership Forum is a seven-day leadership trip to Washington D.C. focused on public policy and college exploration. It is a government civics class brought to life in real-time where ambassadors engage community members, elected officials, and public servants to shape public policy. During their visit to the Nation’s Capital, ambassadors visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to learn about college opportunities as well as their historical significance.

Ambassadors spend six weeks prior to the trip developing a public policy proposal on a topic of their choice related to a social issue here in Portland. Along the way they learn the foundations of government, and how the various institutions work to pass laws and govern our country.

Once they land in D.C. ambassadors visit lawmakers on Capitol Hill to present their policy proposal and receive feedback, they meet with the leadership of the D.C. Police to discuss community safety and host workshops with students at local high schools to discuss shared experiences and challenges facing their generation. The Forum concludes with a community presentation back in Portland on the final draft of their policy proposal and what outcomes they hope to achieve.

The Forum is free to all participants and includes airfare, lodging, and all meals for the week. Participants must complete year one of Rising Leaders in order to be eligible. Other highlights of the Forum include a visit to the National Museum of African American History, attending a play at Ford’s Theatre, and a day trip to Philidelphia to visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed.