STRATEGIC PLAN
250 & Beyond
Politics is an opportunity to connect people across differences. For over 20 years, the Dole Institute has modeled the values of bipartisanship, civil discourse, and public service - all inspired by the legacies and contributions of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. This strategic plan embraces these values but orients them firmly to the needs of the next generation, invests in perspective-expanding educational opportunities, and connects them to a broad community of support eager to foster their future leadership.
From the Director
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“Now, more than ever,” is a phrase I’ve heard repeated time and time again by supporters, board members, campus community and beyond about the necessity of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and our mission.
Unprecedented interconnectivity and lightening fast communication has already remade our society, and only will continue. While we must adapt—as a country and as an Institute, we won’t leave our institutional values behind. They are the foundation not only of participatory self-governance, but of human relationships. They shape the quality of our politics for the better, but their practice is up to us alone.
This strategic plan embraces the values we have held here at the Dole Institute of Politics for over 20 years, but orients them firmly to the needs of the new generation, invests in perspective-expanding educational opportunities not found anywhere else, and connects them to a broad community of support eager to foster their future leadership.
Bob Dole believed in the power of individual agency, and he loved connecting with people to build towards a shared cause for the betterment of all. Our liberty, freedom, and aspirations for full participatory democracy depend on these essential human elements.
Join us in this 250th anniversary era as we commemorate, evaluate, and move our country forward by cultivating principled leaders equipped to navigate tomorrow’s challenges. Connections, conversations, and experiences are our building blocks.
Crucially, we don’t have to think alike to build a shared future. We just have to commit to the shared project.
Now, more than ever.
Audrey Coleman
Director, Dole Institute of Politics
Who are we?
Since its dedication in 2003, the Dole Institute has served the KU community and the public at large by providing a forum for civil, bipartisan discourse. As we enter our third decade, the Institute remains committed to this ideal and seeks to broaden our impact in our culture and society.
Vision
Politics is an opportunity to connect across differences.
Mission
Promote a new era of leadership that uses politics to bring people together through opportunities that emphasize bipartisan cooperation, public service, and civic education and engagement.
Legacy
Inspired by the leadership and service of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole and the enduring civic contributions of the Greatest Generation.
Values
Bipartisanship connects across political difference.
- Diversity
- Civility
- Respect
- Persuasion
- Compromise
Public Service inspires shared investment in our communities, state, and nation.
- Unity
- Collaboration
- Purpose
- Patriotism
Civic education and engagement build strong foundations.
- Representative Democracy
- U.S. Constitution
- Intellectual Honesty
- Critical Inquiry
- History
Strategy Pillars & Goals
I. New Generations of Leadership
Undergraduate students engaged at the Dole Institute represent diverse political and interdisciplinary perspectives through membership in our Student Advisory Board (SAB), participation in civic engagement initiatives, and partnerships with external departments and organizations. Many SAB alumni follow in the footsteps of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole by committing to careers of leadership, politics, or public service.
Additionally, the Dole Institute provides inspiring and engaging opportunities that meet challenges to civic literacy and engagement. Each year, anchored by our fully-endowed flagship Youth Civic Leadership Institute, thousands of K-12 students participate in our interactive programs on-site, online, or in their own classroom.
Engage more students with signature opportunities.
- New partnerships with campus programs and departments, and external organizations
- More variety in opportunities, such as expended fellows engagement, archival research, exchanges, and podcast/technology platforms
Enhance statewide network for K-12 education engagement.
- Partner with organizations which have a compatible mission and existing audience
- Refine signature content reflecting unique Dole legacy
II. Foundations & Legacy
The Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archives and Special Collections are the foundational inspirational resources of the Dole Institute and one of the largest congressional archives in the nation. The collections are a critical resource for education about the democratic and political institutions, processes, and conversations that underpin our nation’s governance and civic vitality.
Through research, exhibits, programming and special projects, researchers and visitors of all ages from around the world learn about the expansive Dole legacies and their leadership example. We leverage national partnerships, such as the NEH-funded American Congress Digital Archives Portal, to exponentially grow access and reach.
Support student programming articulated in Goals 1a and 1b.
Cultivate external research projects focusing on the Dole Legacy and 20th century conservatism.
Reimagine collections infrastructure, including digital, gallery, and programming spaces.
III. A Vibrant Community
The Dole Institute’s legacy of leadership is significant in Kansas, Washington, D.C., and across the world. We engage leading partners nationally and internationally to grow a civil political culture and maintain our leading reputation as a forum for bipartisan discourse and critical resource for students of all ages.
Additionally, fellows, program guests and honorees, Board members, Dole Alumni, Student Advisory Board Alumni, Friends of the Dole Institute, community members and staff ambassadors all comprise a vast network of mentors and supporters committed to maintaining the Dole Institute’s national profile and our future-oriented mission and values.
Support student programming articulated in Goals 1a and 1b.
Establish an annual programming presence in Washington, D.C. in spring seasons.
Grow corporate and alumni outreach.
Programmatic Priorities
Political Diversity.
Cultivate right of center perspectives and topics that bridge urban-rural divides, and arrange bipartisan pairings.
America 250 Commemoration.
Participate in the celebration of the United States Declaration of Independence in 2026 by focusing on history, value, and potential of American institutions of government.
Innovation.
Develop programming that highlights technology, governance, democracy development, and civic participation.
Operational Priorities
Establish financial development plan identifying sources and goals for external revenue streams and future projections.
Evaluate program engagement and strategize for continuing impact.
Evaluate physical maintenance and space needs.
Thanks
Dole Institute Staff
Dole Institute Board of Advisors
Dole Institute Student Advisory Board
Friends of the Dole Institute
Senator Elizabeth Dole
KU Chancellor Douglas Girod
KU Endowment Association
KU Alumni Association
Acknowledgements
This strategic plan was developed in consultation with Dr. Joseph Jones, a member of the Dole Institute’s Board of Advisors and Chief of Staff at Des Monies University. In loving memory of Senator Robert J. Dole.
The Dole Institute is committed to universal accessibility in all programs and resources. We are in the process of making all of our web projects fully accessible. An accessible version of the material represented on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact us at doleinstitute@ku.edu to request the material be made available in an accessible format, or for general assistance.