August 9-12, 2023 | Indianapolis, IN

Each summer, Future Caucus hosts Future Summit, the nation’s largest bipartisan convening of young state legislators. Over the past five years, hundreds of legislators from across the country have set aside party differences and joined together to collaborate, share policy ideas, and gain insight from experts. Future Summit serves as a central location for policymakers to highlight their efforts and explore innovative solutions to address our country’s most pressing challenges.

Featured Speakers

Sen. Tonya Anderson — (D) Georgia’s 43rd District

Austin Berg — Co-Founder & CMO of Iron Light

Destiny Carter — Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures

Amy Dacey — Executive Director, Sine Institute

Ben Eikey — State Training, Levin Center for Oversight & Democracy

Reed Elkington — Workforce Advisor, Transfr

Rep. Jeremy Gray — (D) Alabama’s 83rd District

Sen. Andrea Hunley — (D) Indiana Senate District 46

Rep. Dawson Holle — (R) North Dakota’s 31st Distrcit

Rachel Janfaza — Journalist

Jo Jensen — Co-Founder & President, Iron Light Labs

Julie Jensen — Founder & Co-CEO, Jasper Advisors

Dr. Ted Johnson — Senior Advisor, New America

Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld — Sr. Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Speaker Kim Koppelman — Ret. Speaker, North Dakota House of Representatives

Hunter Kurtz — Vice-Chairman and Founding Partner, Gate House Strategies

Dr. Thom Little — Director of Curriculum Development and Research, Legislative Leaders Foundation

Emily Mooney — Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures

Steven Olikara — Founder and Former CEO, Future Caucus

Corey Schrodt — Government Relations for Climate Policy, Niskanen Center

Xander Schultz — Executive Director, The Future US

Kristin Sharp — CEO, Flex

Golnar Teimouri — Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures

Rep. Casey Toof — (R) Vermont Franklin-8 District

Stan Wilcox — Executive Vice President, NCAA

Holly Wise — Solutions Journalism Network

Detailed Schedule

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

6:00-8:00 PM: Welcome Reception & Opening Keynote

Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S Meridian St

Speaker: Sen. Andrea Hunley

Join us at Slippery Noodle Inn to kick off Future Summit 2023 and network with other legislators while enjoying a local Indianapolis favorite.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

7:00-7:30 AM – Morning Meditative Walk Along the Canal

Meet at the entrance to Homewood Suites

We will lead interested participants on a group walk down the canal walking path and will return to the hotel when done.

9:00-9:20 AM – Welcome Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Theatre

Speaker: Layla Zaidane

President & CEO Layla Zaidane welcomes lawmakers to Future Summit and casts a vision for how Gen Z and millennial leadership will transform American politics in the next decade.

9:30-10:30 AM – Plenary: Small Actions, Big Results

IUPUI Campus Center Theatre

Speakers: Steven Olikara, Amy Dacey, Rachel Janfaza, and Rep. Dawson Holle

The theme of Summit this year is Small Actions, Big Results. The small choices we make have ripple effects and contribute to something much larger. We’ll discuss how young people in politics are making a change for the better.

10:45-12:00 PM – Leadership Development: Bridging Differences

IUPUI Campus Center Theatre

Speakers: Dr. Thom Little, Fmr. Speaker Kim Koppelman, and Sen. Tonya Anderson

This interactive leadership development session will equip lawmakers with the knowledge and skills to navigate political differences to increase cross-partisan policy making.

12:00-1:00 PM – Networking Lunch

Get to know the other lawmakers attending Future Summit.

1:15-3:00 PM – Policy Breakout Sessions

Session A: Energy and Environment

IUPUI Campus Center Room 305

Speaker: Corey Schrodt

This policy session on Energy and Environment will delve into sustainable solutions for a greener future. Lawmakers will explore strategies to promote renewable energy, address climate change challenges, and discuss policy measures to ensure a cleaner and more resilient planet.

Session B: Housing

IUPUI Campus Center Room 307

Speaker: Hunter Kurtz

This policy session on housing will explore the pressing issue of affordable and accessible housing for all. Lawmakers will explore innovative approaches to addressing housing inequality, discuss strategies to promote affordable housing development, and examine policy measures to ensure safe and stable housing options.

3:15-4:15 PM – Keynote: Building the Democracy We Deserve

IUPUI Campus Center Theatre

Speakers: Dr. Ted Johnson, Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, Rep. Casey Toof, and Holly Wise

This session will explore ways to strengthen civic engagement and promote a more inclusive and representative political system. Through interactive discussions and expert insights, lawmakers will examine strategies to enhance transparency, protect voting rights, and empower marginalized communities in the decision making process.

4:20-4:30PM – Closing Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Theatre

Speaker: Rochelle Colburn

Staff will share highlights from the day and attendees will complete a survey for the day before departing for the evening reception.

5:00-7:00 PM – Reception: Taste of Indy

Salesforce Tower, 111 Monument Circle

Sponsored by EdChoice

Explore the tastes of Indiana’s most popular dishes while checking out the sites of the city. Experience a live demo of workforce development VR and pack a bag to help survivors of domestic violence transition into secured living through a partnership with Coburn Place.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

7:00-7:30 AM – Morning Meditative Walk Along the Canal

Meet at the entrance to Homewood Suites

We will lead interested participants on a group walk down the canal walking path and will return to the hotel when done.

9:00-9:10 AM – Opening Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Rochelle Colburn

Staff will welcome attendees and provide a broad overview of the day’s schedule and events.

9:15-10:30 AM – Plenary: AI and the Future of Work

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speakers: Kristin Sharp, Xander Schultz, and Reed Elkington

Lawmakers will explore opportunities and challenges presented by AI technologies and discuss strategies to ensure a fair and inclusive workforce transition while examining policy measures that harness the potential of AI while prioritizing human welfare.

10:45-12:00 PM – Leadership Development: Systems Thinking for Social Change

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speakers: Courtney Wright and Ben Eikey

This session will explore the power of holistic approaches to address complex societal issues. Through interactive discussions and case studies, lawmakers will delve into the principles of systems thinking and how it can be applied to create lasting sustainable social change.

12:00-1:00 PM – Networking Lunch

Get to know the other lawmakers attending Future Summit.

1:15-2:30 PM – Plenary: Criminal Justice Reform

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speakers: Emily Mooney, Destiny Carter, and Golnar Teimouri

Sponsored by Arnold Ventures

Lawmakers will learn about pressing criminal justice problems and evidence-based solutions in the prisons, reentry, and fines and fees policy spheres and discuss opportunities to reform practices in their own state.

2:30-3:00 PM – Networking Break

Get to know the other lawmakers attending Future Summit.

3:00-4:00 PM – Keynote: Empathetic & Effective Leadership

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speakers: Stan Wilcox, Rep. Jeremy Gray, and Layla Zaidane

This session will explore strategies to bridge divides, foster constructive dialogue, and find common ground in a polarized political landscape. Through engaging discussions and practical insights, lawmakers will examine ways to overcome partisan resistance, promote empathy, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and compromise.

4:05-4:15PM – Closing Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Reed Howard

Staff will share highlights from the day and attendees will complete a survey for the day before departing for the evening reception.

5:00-7:00 PM – Evening Reception

Taxman Brewery, 310 S Delaware St

Sponsored by Arnold Ventures

Join us at one of Indianapolis’ most popular breweries. Attendees will be able to enjoy networking with others while enjoying good eats and great brews at Taxman Brewery.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

7:00-7:30 AM – Morning Meditative Walk Along the Canal

Meet at the entrance to Homewood Suites

We will lead interested participants on a group walk down the canal walking path and will return to the hotel when done.

9:30-9:40 AM – Opening Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Brandon Mitchell

Staff will welcome attendees and provide a broad overview of the day’s schedule and events.

9:45-11:00 AM – Brunch and Branding

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Julie Jensen

Lawmakers will dive into the art and science of building strong and impactful brands. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, we will explore the key elements of branding, including brand identity, positioning, and storytelling.

11:05-11:35 AM – Increase Your Impact: Storytelling for Positive Results

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speakers: Austin Berg and Jo Jensen

Sponsored by Iron Light Labs

In a world bombarded with information and short attention spans, the ability to craft captivating and compelling stories is essential. This session will delve into the art of combining powerful imagery and narratives to create a lasting impact on audiences.

11:40-12:15 PM – Making the Future Caucus Work for You

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Blaine Volpe

Through discussions with experienced caucus members, we will provide practical insights on navigating the political landscape, building coalitions, and utilizing the caucus platform to advance your priorities and make a lasting impact on the future.

12:15-12:30PM – Closing Remarks

IUPUI Campus Center Room 450

Speaker: Layla Zaidane

President & CEO Layla Zaidane brings Future Summit to a close by sharing examples of positive policy impact driven by the Future Caucus network and the power of young lawmakers collaborating across lines of difference.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

2023 FUTURE SUMMIT SPONSORS

Highlights From Last Year’s Summit

About MAP

The Millennial Action Project (MAP) has an audacious mission: activate young leaders to bridge the partisan divide and transform American politics. We work to convene and provide resources to build the capacity of young and innovative legislators committed to working on the issues facing millennials and future generations.

Contact

For legislator application questions, contact Courtney Wright at [email protected].

For sponsorship questions, contact Amaia Stecker at [email protected].

For press questions, contact Alexa Whaley at [email protected].