F.L.I.P.S. Mission Statement:

F.L.I.P.S. is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where students, faculty, and staff come together to collaborate and expand on ideas for serving the public with humility, innovation, empathy, and compassion. Our mission is to create learning communities that explore and implement socially just, democratic public service.

We are committed to:

  • Critical and Creative Thinking: Encouraging innovative and thoughtful approaches to public administration challenges.
  • Effective Communication: Promoting clear and impactful dialogue within our community and with the public.
  • Collaborative Work: Building strong partnerships and teamwork to achieve common goals.
  • Embracing Diversity: Valuing and respecting diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
  • Fairness and Equity: Advocating for justice and equality in all our endeavors.
  • Powerful Advocacy: Championing the needs and rights of the public with conviction and integrity.
  • Imagining New Possibilities: Inspiring visionary ideas to drive positive change in our workplaces and communities.

F.L.I.P.S. Goals:

  1. Facilitate Networking Opportunities: Organize events and activities that allow students, faculty, and staff to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
  2. Promote Professional Development: Offer workshops, seminars, and guest lectures that enhance skills and knowledge relevant to public administration.
  3. Encourage Community Engagement: Develop initiatives that involve club members in local community projects, fostering a hands-on approach to public service.
  4. Support Research and Innovation: Provide resources and platforms for members to conduct research, share findings, and collaborate on innovative solutions to public administration challenges.
  5. Advocate for Social Justice: Lead campaigns and discussions that address issues of fairness, equity, and social justice within public service.
  6. Enhance Communication Skills: Host activities that improve members’ abilities to communicate effectively and advocate powerfully on behalf of the public.
  7. Celebrate Diversity: Create inclusive events that honor and respect the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of all club members.
  8. Foster Collaborative Projects: Encourage teamwork on projects that aim to make a positive impact in our workplaces and communities.
  9. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship opportunities where experienced professionals guide and support students in their career paths.
  10. Imagine New Possibilities: Inspire members to think creatively and envision new ways to accomplish positive change in public administration.

Our recent dinner event that took place on June 27, 2025, served as a meet, and greet to connect new Olympia and Tacoma MPA students with current and/or recent graduates of the MPA program and share our experiences in the MPA program. We served food and shared a deck-slide with information about the club, how students can get involved and we discussed succession planning. The new students were eager to hear about our experiences in the MPA program, and we discussed the potential F.L.I.P.S. can provide for MPA students.