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Campus Camp Wellstone (a program of Wellstone Action), the Student Public Interest Research Groups (the Student PIRGs), and Campus Progress are teaming up to bring you a day of grassroots political skill building!
Wednesday, June 27th 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM The Center for American Progress 1333 H Street NW, 10th floor Washington D.C.
Learn the skills you need to build a grassroots campaign from the ground up from some of the premier youth organizers in the United States.
Sessions include:
Recruit and Retain Young People for Action
Campaign Strategy: The Foundation of a Victory
Developing an Effective Message
Building Respectful and Inclusive Coalitions
Running a Successful Event
Field Organizing the Wellstone Way
Introduction to Grassroots Lobbying
Working with the Media
This event is free and open to all young people interested in turning their progressive values into action!
Space is very limited, so sign up today!
National Student Grassroots Organizing Training Agenda
9:00 – 10:30 Recruit and Retain People for Action Presented by: Wellstone Action Generation apathy? We don’t think so. This highly interactive session, led by some of the best youth organizers in the country, will debunk the myth of apathetic young people and teach you how to help your fellow students engage in the political process. Learn the core of relational organizing - how to have a “one on one” conversation, practice with others, and leave ready to build power and create social change.
10:45 – 12:00 Breakout sessions:
Lobbying for Social Change Presented by: Student PIRGs Nothing can replace face-to-face time with your campaign target. The greatest organizing will prepare you convince Congress to adopt your plans, but clear, concise, and effective lobbying on your issue is often what will take your campaign from idea to law. Learn and practice the basic skills of lobbying with some of the advocates that do it effectively every day.
Developing an Effective Message Presented by: Campus Camp Wellstone We’re bombarded with messages everyday. In this session you will learn how to develop a sophisticated, value-based message that cuts through the advertising clutter, gives credibility to your campaign, reaches your target audience, and engages new people in your efforts.
Leadership Development Presented by: Campus Camp Wellstone In order to build a long-term movement for social justice—and not get absolutely burnt out in the process—we as young progressive activists need to learn how to be good leaders and pull out the leadership potential in others. Come learn concrete strategies from campuses around the country about how to best use our skills, spend less time wrapped up in our own egos, and ensure that those around us shine.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 Campaign Strategy: The Foundation of Victory Presented by: Student PIRGs Social change doesn’t just happen – it’s planned. The strategies and tactics you use to implement your goals is the difference between success and failure, and there is an approach to developing your strategies in the right way. Learn the steps to developing a campaign strategy that takes you from good ideas to real social change.
2:30 – 3:45 Breakout sessions:
Building Respectful and Inclusive Coalitions Presented by: Wellstone Action Building strong coalitions is essential in campus organizing. Learn the basics of coalition structures, how to trouble shoot common challenges, and how to frame and pitch your issue to a group and ask for support. And as always, you’ll get a change to practice before you leave this session.
Running a Successful Event Presented by: Student PIRGs Making an impact on campus requires events that capture the attention of the entire student body. They have to be the thing people notice for the day, they’ve got to be the thing people talk about that night. Learn the systems that make campus events successful and discover the tricks that have made campus events successful in the past.
Media Boot Camp: Getting Your Message Out Presented by: Campus Progress / Center for American Progress You’ve got your campaign, your goal, your message, and all, but how do you get people to listen? Learn about how to convince the print and electronic media that you have a story worth covering. Hear about what works and what doesn’t in making your blog substantive and popular. Discuss how to make your posters cool, your swag snaggable, your website pop and your video viral.
4:00 – 5:30 Field the Wellstone Way Presented By: Campus Camp Wellstone and Student PIRGs The late Senator Paul Wellstone put this style of electoral campaigning back on the map. Now, 16 years after his first election to the US Senate, “grassroots” is a political buzz word and field driven campaigns are popping up all over the country. Learn the basics of grassroots field campaigns from targeting to direct voter contact and much more! You’ll leave ready to apply these skills on electoral campaigns this fall!
Sign Up for the National Student Grassroots Organizing Training
!
