In January 2007, the Center launched Agenda 2008 to help prepare the new President to confront critical issues facing the country. For this project, the Center worked with key Members of Congress, members of past Presidential Administrations, leaders in the business and non-profit sectors, scholars and policy makers to develop a series of cross-cutting recommendations on these key challenges.
In January 2008 Center President David Abshire published A Call to Greatness: Challenging Our Next President. As the driving force behind Agenda 2008, this book draws on successes and failures of past U.S. Presidents and offers specific proposals to help overcome the many challenges our nation faces. This combination creates an introspective look into our nation's past, present and, most importantly, our future.
Currently, the Center is building on a proposal in A Call to Greatness that called for a comprehensive net assessment of the major issues the nation must face. This effort, called the Strengthening America's Future Initiative (SAFI) focuses on cross-cutting issues and synergies across the different areas of urgency. On March 27, 2009, Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Frank Wolf hosted the release of the first report generated by SAFI on Capitol Hill. Entitled Saving America's Future: A Challenge to the American People, it examined the nation's challenges and offered recommendations for how to successfully remedy these critical issue areas.
Through the expert analysis put forward by the various issue teams of SAFI, the Center will continue to be a resource for President Obama, his Administration, Members of Congress and the public.
In November 2008 and March 2009, the Center also hosted the European Exchange Program, an opportunity for rising members of European governments and policy communities to travel to Washington and meet with individuals with involvement in past Presidential transitions. Participants were able to learn more about the American government, which differs from many European governments.
Staff Contact
For more information, please contact Thomas M. Kirlin, Ph.D., Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer, via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 202-872-9800.
