Activist training for 06 Elections

[tulip]

All America PAC Announces Creation of Camp Bayh Campaign Training Program

Program will Train Staff, Candidates, and Activists in Grassroots Politics


Washington, DC – Senator Evan Bayh, the chairman of the All America PAC, today announced the creation of the Camp Bayh campaign training program to help Democrats in the 2006 election.

“I got my start in politics going door to door for my father across Indiana and in places like Iowa and New Hampshire and believe the best politics is done at the grassroots level,” said Senator Bayh. “Too much of politics these days is about money and television ads. Camp Bayh will train people in grassroots politics to help Democrats in November and beyond.”

Camp Bayh will feature national and local political professionals teaching the nuts and bolts of organizing winning campaigns. The intensive weekend of training will include instruction in organizing, get out the vote, media relations, fund raising, and the latest in campaign technology.

The All America PAC will sponsor three different 2.5-day camps in Indiana:

* Indianapolis, May 12-14, 2006 (deadline for signup is May 5, 2006)
* Evansville, May 19-21, 2006 (deadline to signup is May 12, 2006)
* South Bend, July 7-9, 2006 (deadline to signup is May 26, 2006)

Camp Bayh is open to those who want to work as paid staff for a campaign, local party leaders and activists, and candidates running for office this year. Senator Bayh plans to appear at the camps and address the attendees.

“These camps are a great way to get a start in politics and public service – for a person just getting out of school, it can provide a path to a career in politics,” said Bayh.

The cost for the weekend of training is $40, which includes three meals and all training materials. Interested participants can sign up at www.allamericapac.com.

[salin]

1. glad there is such an effort to try to bolster grassroots work.

I think that is the place where change can take place.

Not so thrilled with the affiliation which gives me a wee bit of skepticism per the working for all dems vs trying to build an organization for Bayh 2008. And that is one primary candidacy that I just can't jump behind. Granted in a Bayh vs McCain election I would be behind Bayh, but I think the democratic party can do far much better for a presidential candidate that doesn't have a huge track record (that has veered right since bush was elected) that demonstrates a general (though not completely solid) vote for the corporation interests when it is a citizen vs corporate interest piece of legislation.

[tulip]

2. I'd like to see more

of this in every state. Bayh's a decent guy for putting this together. I wonder if any other states or candidates are sponsoring something similar?

I hope this is a trend we will see across the country.

As far as political ambitions of the sponsor..........they're all doing their part to get their info out. Every single one of the potential 08's are. It's politics. If they weren't I wouldn't even think of voting for them.

[hippiechick]

3. .... DFA's been at it for 3 years ...

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training.php

[tulip]

4. Yep that's right!

Yeah they have! :)

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

5. I'm considering attending the management track

as I think I could be dangerous (in a good way) as someone's campaign manager. Would never run myself, as I don't like kissing babies and shaking hands (or is that shaking babies and kissing hands?) However, the Democrats do need some schooling in "how to market 101", so I might be able to bring something to the table. My only concern would be "wanting to work for the real thing," much like Josh Lyman and Sam Seaborn on The West Wing.
Have any of you ever attended on of these? Did you find it worthwhile?
And are there any Indiana candidates you consider "the real thing" who would inspire you to change careers???

[tulip]

6. Testimonials

http://www.grassrootssolutions.com/attend_a_camp/section_index.aspx?catID=470&SelectCatID=470

Here is a spot with testimonials. I figure if you live in Indy it'd be worth it to go......especially since there are significantly more Dems in there.

I like my job alot so although I do alot of volunteer work for campaigns.......I wouldn't leave my job. I suppose this would be a good way to talk to others who have done it.

Here is the link for Indiana's camps: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/11320733sa/

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

7. Thanks, Tulip - I'm going!

Just signed up officially, so I guess I'm going! Have been presented with an opportunity to run a IN House campaign, so I'll need all the training and knowledge I can get! (haven't officially accepted the role yet, but we're meeting to discuss this weekend...)
Thanks again for the info, Tulip!
I'll report back afterwards with my thoughts...

[tulip]

8. Cool BEANS!

Hey we're all in this together. Wishing you well in your campaign!

[Jokerman]

9. Track missing from the registration site.

On the page listing the different tracks:

http://www.grassrootssolutions.com/attend_a_camp/section_index.aspx?catID=21&SelectCatID=21

"Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy teaches activists the skills necessary to plan and implement successful issue campaigns, develop a message, and work with volunteers.

Partial List of Topics Covered in this Track:

Grassroots Lobbying and Advocacy
Voter Registration
Volunteer Recruitment
Technology and Organizing"

But it's not listed as a choice when you register. Anyone know if this track has been discontinued?

[IndyOp]

10. A lot about what they are going to teach - when are they going to listen?

Nothing about stolen elections.

Good campaigning matters tremendously. So does honest vote-counting.

:(

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

11. Really glad I went; great program, speakers

This event really exceeded my expectations. It was 2-1/2 days of intense learning, but well worth it. The things I learned I can put into practice right away on our local campaign for the Legislature. These guys have got it figured out (how to win) and were really good at sharing the strategies with us. Lots of group exercises (my regards to my team mates, the Warthogs) that covered a lot of ground.
I was worried going into it that it would be just about how to promote Bayh's campaign only, but it wasn't. And the idea of putting 50 of us on the ground (paid) in the key races nationally is brilliant; why aren't the other PACs considering this approach?
Anyway, my thanks for Tulip for the intial information. I'm considering taking a second track in South Bend in July; maybe I'll see some of you folks there.
I came out of this energized and with a game plan I can implement. Thanks to Sean, Mark, Chris and everybody from AllAmerica PAC for doing this, and thanks to the local speakers like Ann DeLaney and Sen. Vi Simpson to really helping us jump-start this election.
Indiana Democrats - we've got the roadmap now, so let's WIN in NOVEMBER!
P.S. Evan Bayh's speech on Saturday was great; thanks for visiting with us!

[tulip]

12. So glad to hear

you got alot out of it. I was unable to go to the Camp but made it to the JJ dinner. Most of the Camp Bayhers where there and it sounded like it was a very worthwhile event. I'd like to go for at least one day in South Bend.......it just depends on my schedule.

All the speakers at the JJ dinner were fantastic. I thought Baron Hill was the feistiest of all! Joe Donnelly and Harold Ford were also great. Hope Donnelly knocks Chocola out of the ball park in November. This was the first time I have heard Bayh speak in person. He's not boring at all. He gave an outstanding speech. I very much enjoyed listening to Joe Kernan and I liked his comment about the empty governor's mansion and the toll road.