CAMP Fellowship Experiences by Category
The CAMP Fellowship Curriculum was designed to give Fellows a rigorous and comprehensive training in the Austin political process, particularly as it relates to education politics. Over the course of the five-month Fellowship, Fellows will be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively support elected officials and candidates seeking office that are aligned with our vision.
Most sessions will feature a special guest presenter from the education and political landscape in Austin including: leaders of non-profits, for-profit firms, current officials, media, candidates, and community organizers with decades of experience in Austin politics and education-related activities.
The sessions, with the exception of the first one on 6/20/20, will be no longer than 2 hours and will take place on Saturday mornings and (some) Wednesday evenings. The dates are below for your convenience.
Most sessions will feature a special guest presenter from the education and political landscape in Austin including: leaders of non-profits, for-profit firms, current officials, media, candidates, and community organizers with decades of experience in Austin politics and education-related activities.
The sessions, with the exception of the first one on 6/20/20, will be no longer than 2 hours and will take place on Saturday mornings and (some) Wednesday evenings. The dates are below for your convenience.
General Campaign KnowledgeAustin Political and Educational Landscape | 06/20/20 (Session 1)
Fellows will analyze the sources of support for political campaigns in Austin, identify local organizations that impact Austin education, and examine key current and historical Austin ISD issues. Anatomy of a Campaign | 06/24/20 (Wednesday PM) Fellows will examine the basic structures of a campaign, their significance, and the role of staff in supporting a candidate to victory. The Voting Brain | 06/24/20 (Wednesday PM)
Fellows will explore the motivations and barriers to voting in Austin ISD elections, while learning key voter persuasion techniques. Governance and Advocacy | 06/27/20 Fellows will examine the role of trustees and effective means of translating community needs into policy. Social and Traditional Media | 07/11/20 Fellows will analyze cost-free methods of reaching voters and supporters through traditional and social media. This session will include best practices for online communication. The Candidate Perspective | 08/01/20 Fellows will explore the candidate experience by examining the conditions around a candidate and potential motivations for seeking elected office. Parents and AISD | 07/25/20 Fellows will explore the parent perspective in school board and campus level advocacy. |
Specific Campaign SkillsConstituents, Advocacy, and Ethics | 10/07/20
Fellows will examine how elected officials and candidates engage with constituents and the regulations surrounding those interactions. Money and Mail | 07/15/20 (Wednesday PM) Fellows will discuss the motivation and barriers to financial contributions to political campaigns as well as how to raise money, budget, and allocate funds. Fellows will also explore the process of creating and sending direct mail to voters. Data and Strategy | 07/18/20 Fellows will examine campaign data and learn how to use that data effectively to reach voters. This session will include best practices for using data to influence the campaign strategy. Management Structure and Procedures| 08/08/20
Fellows will learn how to create an efficient campaign structure along with the accompanying procedures that produce effective campaign operations. Polling and Predictions | 09/05/20 Fellows will learn how to create surveys and use data to inform strategic decisions during a campaign. Engineering a Win | 09/09/20 (Wednesday PM) Fellows will practice creating a GOTV strategy and planning backwards in order to create an internally consistent campaign plan. |