CSG South’s Policy Services and Programs provide opportunities for policymakers and government staff to connect, learn, and lead. Through conferences, events, and professional development initiatives, we promote collaboration, address key policy issues, and equip leaders with the tools and skills needed to strengthen state government and public service.
Policy Services
Southern Legislative Conference (SLC)
The SLC is the largest regional gathering of legislative members and government staff. SLC boasts an array of well-established programs that focus on both existing and emerging state government innovations and solutions. These programs provide policymakers and government staff with diverse opportunities to interact with policy experts and share their knowledge with colleagues.
Southern State Leaders Retreat (SSLR)
Based on feedback from SLC, Southern leadership expressed interest in an event ideal for Southern Region leaders to convene, network, and discuss pivotal opportunities and challenges touching our region. SSLR is an invitation-only event designed to meet the interests of our Southern Leaders. The agenda will offer attendees opportunities for open discussions, breakout sessions, and networking.
CSG South 360
Through CSG South 360, we offer a full-spectrum partnership—providing strategic opportunities to engage with policymakers, stay informed through policy monitoring, and contribute to impactful state-level initiatives. Together, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure decision-makers have the tools to lead effectively.
Roundtable Series
Our Roundtable Series provides technical and learning opportunities to engage with state and industry leaders, facilitating discussions about our region’s challenges. These roundtables promote education and collaborative learning and allow all participants to share their thoughts and experiences.
Policy Masterclasses
Every fall, the CSG South Policy Masterclass Series invites members to explore the complexities of trending policy issues. Each Policy Masterclass consists of a multi-day program that offers policymakers and staff an in-depth look at key topics for state government, as well as an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers and build expertise on both regional and national levels.
International Delegations
As a specialized offering within the CSG South Policy Masterclass Series, international delegations provide state legislative leaders and staff with opportunities to explore policies, programs, and practices from around the world. Through educational sessions, site visits, and peer exchange, participants examine shared challenges, innovative solutions, and emerging trends while gaining broader perspectives that can inform policymaking and leadership in their home states.
Leadership Development Programs
Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS)
CALS embodies the CSG South mission of championing excellence in state government and providing nonpartisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. The program brings together current elected or appointed members of state legislatures and judicial and executive branches. Southern state officials from three branches of government participate in a strictly nonpartisan environment. The five-day workshop takes selected CALS scholars through activities and instruction focused on the program’s four central components: communication, conflict resolution, consensus building, and critical decision-making.
Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE)
Building upon the success of CALS and recognizing a need and desire for leadership development for state government staff, CSG South was proud to launch SAGE in Fall 2020. SAGE is a professional leadership development program for Southern state legislative, judicial, executive, and agency staff where they can develop personal and professional leadership skills and network with peers across the Southern region.
South Train
By partnering closely with state legislators, legislative leaders, and their support staff, CSG South creates customized training sessions responsive to the current political landscape. To maximize accessibility, CSG South offers in-person workshops, interactive virtual seminars, and hybrid options that accommodate the varying schedules of busy legislators. Through these efforts, CSG South reinforces its commitment to enhancing state governance effectiveness and supporting those who serve in it.
Chief of Staff Retreat (Chiefs 15X)
The Chief of Staff Retreat focuses on enhancing collaboration and strategic planning among senior staff. Participants will engage in workshops and discussions aimed at addressing key challenges faced in their role, and they will leave the program with actionable solutions. This retreat not only fosters team building but also strengthens the leadership skills necessary for effective governance and public service.
SAIL
A new standing committee of CSG South that was approved by the SLC Executive Committee in July 2022. This is a unique and new opportunity for legislative, executive, and judicial branch staff to cohesively drive informational content catered to educating staff on topics of importance in their own careers while providing opportunities to network with their counterparts across the South.