Blackburn Institute

Community Member Spotlight: Mike House

February 8, 2011

Many students are drawn to the Blackburn Institute because of their desire to make a change in the state of Alabama.  The Institute’s call to action resonates with many as they try to understand and impact the state.  Mike House has carried out that call to action for many years.  He has had innumerable experiences all over the state and has spent roughly the last 30 years in Washington D.C. He is currently the director of Hogan Lovells legislative group and concentrates on legislative and regulatory issues before the U.S. Congress, White House, and various departments independent of the executive branch. When asked, however, what was his greatest and most exciting accomplishment, without hesitation he responded with his involvement in Alabama’s judicial reform that began in 1973.

The excitement of the reform not only centered around the actual passage of a document that had been worked on so diligently by so many, but the energy that surrounded the entire process.  He described the environment as one of social change and directedness.  Many people who had never been involved in any type of activism or politics were now working together.  Everyone felt as if they were a part of a movement, something bigger than themselves.  He described it as something almost tangible in the air, the feeling of being proud of what was accomplished.  There were over 15,000 people, from all walks of life, who contributed to making this constitutional amendment a reality.

With so many organizations and groups that stand out and want to make a difference, the Blackburn Institute is different to Mr. House because of its unique approach in leadership training.  After being involved in Washington D.C. for over 30 years, he sees an ever increasing need for strong leadership.  This leadership needs to manifest itself not only in D.C., but in all societal levels.  We need to focus on developing community leaders that are necessary in all facets of our state and country.  The University of Alabama is a great place and time to develop leaders.  This is one of the few times that people can focus on leadership and the community without many of the other priorities that will compete for time later in their lives.  Another unique aspect of the Blackburn Institute is the idea of networking through the generations.  Mr. House put an extra emphasis on the importance of younger generations.  By allowing older generations to work side by side with younger students, it brings a new energy and renews ideas to old or out-dated systems.  Young people have not yet been as jaded by life experience, so they do not approach situations with a cynicism, but instead attack problems with vigor and excitement. 

Mr. House emphasized that Blackburn’s call to action is something that must be impressed upon our younger generations.  Not everyone must go to college, become a policy maker or a lawyer to create change.  Instead, we can focus on the areas where we do excel and see results even on a seemingly small scale.  We cannot discount work in communities, on PTA boards, in local hospitals or in classrooms.  Instead of students taking on the world, take on the community.  Blackburn uniquely equips students with knowledge and leadership abilities.  With this knowledge and renewed leadership experiences, students can then go out and develop more leaders and the signs of progress will be written all over the state of Alabama. 

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