The Commonwealth Seminar is a privately funded program with the mission of: "Opening the Doors of Government to Everyone". It is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the legislative process really works. Top legislators, legislative staff, media members, and policymakers introduce seminar participants to the legislative and budget processes, lobbying & advocacy, working with the press/media, and thinking critically about policy issues. By giving an insiders' view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service. Three times a year, the Seminar hosts an intensive training program in & around the MA State House that invites community leaders to learn to navigate the legislative and state budget process. The training program lasts six weeks and participants spend one evening a week in interactive seminars with Administration officials, legislators, legislative aides, media personalities, and lobbyists. The program is intended for leaders from under-serviced communities, New Americans & immigrants, communities of color, and others who directly worth with those communities. On a regular basis, the Seminar invites members of its leadership network to events designed to let them meet and know key policymakers in Massachusetts. Past speakers include: Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, State Representative Russell Holmes, State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, Former Director of Boston’s Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement Alejandra St. Guillen, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards , Boston Globe Columnist Shirley Leung, Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, and Former Governor Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.