Annie’s List Campaign School is a unique program dedicated to politically empowering young people while helping elect progressive Democratic women in Texas. Each year, we train talented individuals just out of college at an intense week-long Campaign School and then place them on the campaigns of Annie’s List endorsed women candidates for the last 3 months of the election.

While on the campaign trail, participants receive a monthly stipend, free housing and paid travel expenses to and from the campaign. During their placement period, these trained staffers function as a full-time member of the campaign team – filling whatever role the campaign needs upon their arrival in early August. And after Election Day, Annie’s List helps to find them their next job in progressive politics.

These professionally trained staffers are an invaluable in-kind contribution to our women candidates who, at no cost to the campaign, help them reach their fundraising, communications, and/or voter contact goals. In other words, Annie’s List is changing the face of power in Texas by training the next generation of Democratic activists and electing more women to office at the same time.

The program kicks off with an intense, week-long Campaign School in Austin (July 25th – August 1st). During the day, participants learn about all aspects of campaigns—voter targeting, field organizing, fundraising, media strategy, and more— from the best political professionals in the business. At night, participants work in teams and apply their knowledge hands-on in a ‘real-world’ campaign simulation.

The day after Campaign School, the newly trained staffers are dispatched to targeted races around Texas. Because their training is comprehensive, they are able to step in and fill whatever role the campaign may have left to fill in early August: fundraising assistant, field operative, press secretary, volunteer coordinator, etc. And until Election Day, they get hands-on experience, reinforce their top-notch training and play an integral role in the campaign for an Annie's List endorsed candidate.  
 

Interested in becoming the next generation of campaign professionals? 
Download the application here and return it to Robert E. Jones before 5pm on June 25, 2009

 

Q:	How do I apply?
A:	It’s competitive. Start by emailing, faxing or mailing your completed application (available here), two letters of recommendation and a copy of your resume by the deadline. Finalists will be interviewed by phone shortly thereafter.
Q:	How do I pay for all that training?
A:	You don’t. Annie’s List picks up the tab for training and pays for gas to Austin for Campaign School and the post-election debriefing. You will also receive a monthly stipend and free housing while on the campaign.
Q:	What happens at Campaign School?
A:	Think of it as extreme job training. It’s a mixture of lectures and discussions, combined with a simulated campaign where teams compete against each other to win. Campaign School is hardcore – say good bye to free time.
Q:	How big are Campaign School classes?
A:	Not big at all. Each student will have plenty of opportunity to get to know your colleagues and instructors.
Q:	What’s it like to work on a campaign?
A:	Campaigns are a chance to gain a lot of responsibility quickly and to meet others who share your progressive ideals. Campaigns are LONG hours and HARD work and campaigns are intense, fun and energizing. With the training and experience you gain in this program, you can launch a career in politics, non-profits, business, and more.
Q:	What will I do on the campaign?
A:	You will be part of the team, working full time with the staff and candidate. Depending on what the campaign needs when you arrive in August, your position could range from being a fund raiser, field operative, communications, volunteer coordinator and more. After spending a week working closely with you at the training, the Annie’s List staff will match your skill set with the appropriate campaign.
Q:	If I’m accepted, when will I go?
A:	Campaign School then runs from July 25th through  August 1st. You’ll be sent out into the field to work on a campaign somewhere in Texas immediately after that, and work through Election Day, November 3, 2009. The weekend after the election, you will return to Austin for a ‘Post-Election Retreat’ where you will debrief the Annie’s List staff about your experience. In addition, they will work with you to update and professionalize your resume and interviewing skills and bring in prospective employers to help you get your next job in progressive politics right away. It truly is a win-win for all involved. You get help launching an exciting career while helping Annie’s List change the face of power in Texas politics.