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 Skill Building

 
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:

• Motivating and Mobilizing Young People for Action
• Campaign Strategies and Planning
• 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
• Get Out The Vote

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

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 Campaign Strategies and Planning
Presented by: Student PIRG

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.

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 2:15 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 PIRG

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.

Developing an Effective Message
Presented by: Campus Camp Wellstone and Student PIRG

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.

2:30 – 3:45 Breakout sessions:

Field the Wellstone Way
Presented by Campus Camp Wellstone

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!

Lobbying for Social Change
Presented by: Student PIRG

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. 

Media Bootcamp: 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 GOTV and Beyond
Presented By: Campus Camp Wellstone and Student PIRG

Turning out young people and winning elections all comes down to energizing your base come Election Day.  Learn the planning, canvassing, phonebanking and visibility skills you need to mobilize students and your community to get out and vote this November. And what happens after the elections? Social change requires an ongoing vision and a long-term plan. We’ll explore ways to build your base of supporters, sustain your activism and empower new leaders for lasting success.

Space is very limited, so sign up today!