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Senator Wilson and Senator Tobin Selected for the National Innovation Fellowship
Juneau, AK — Earlier this week, the Future Caucus announced a nationwide fellowship for Gen Z and millennial state legislators. State Senator David Wilson, R-Wasilla, and Senator Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, were chosen as Alaska’s participants. The Innovation Fellowship is rooted in the understanding that political polarization presents new and unique obstacles to modern policymaking. The organization focuses on cultivating the next generation of national leaders with the skills to build bipartisan coalitions and pass effective legislation.
Thirty-two Gen Z and millennial state lawmakers from across the country have been selected to participate out of 1,800 legislators from their generations. Their selection is the result of their willingness to work across the aisle and their commitment to prioritizing legislative results over scoring personal political points.
Through hands-on research, interactive workshops, expert mentorship, and real-world application, the cross-partisan group of lawmakers will enhance their ability to craft durable policy solutions that adapt to ever-changing realities.
“I am glad to be part of an organization that is building up younger Americans to learn and approach policies in a bipartisan effort,” said Sen. Wilson. “To make change possible, working across party lines to achieve change and progress in our American political system is vital for success. I appreciate the Future Caucus’ efforts and look forward to what this endeavor will bring.”
The program starts with a Futures Thinking Forum on January 20, 2024, where the Innovation Fellows learn the basics of strategic foresight—a skill used by both Fortune 500 CEOs and the military to make decisions when the future is uncertain. They will leverage these new skills to apply forward-looking approaches to complex policy challenges.
The class represents 21 states and includes three distinct cohorts related to a specific policy focus: Strengthening Democracy, Energy & Environment, and Healthcare, with a particular focus on maternal health and child wellness.
“Alaska is a model for the nation on bipartisanship. For the past 17 years, in one form or another, the Alaska legislature has had bipartisan coalitions,” said Sen. Tobin. “I am excited about what both Senator Wilson and I can contribute, but also the possibilities for Alaska we can walk away with.”
Senator David Wilson was selected for the “Healthcare: Maternal Health & Child Wellness” caucus, and Senator Löki Tobin was selected for the “Energy & Environment” caucus.
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