CAMP Fellowship Experiences by Category
The CAMP Fellowship Curriculum was designed to give Fellows a rigorous and comprehensive training in the Dallas political process, particularly as it relates to education politics. Over the course of the eight-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 Dallas including: leaders of non-profits, for-profit firms, current officials, media, candidates, and community organizers with decades of experience in Dallas politics and education-related activities.
Most sessions will feature a special guest presenter from the education and political landscape in Dallas including: leaders of non-profits, for-profit firms, current officials, media, candidates, and community organizers with decades of experience in Dallas politics and education-related activities.
General Campaign KnowledgeDallas Political and Educational Landscape |
Fellows will analyze the sources of support for political campaigns in Dallas, identify local organizations that impact Dallas education, and examine key current and historical Dallas ISD issues. Anatomy of a Campaign | 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 |
Fellows will explore the motivations and barriers to voting in Dallas ISD elections, while learning key voter persuasion techniques. Governance and Advocacy | Fellows will examine the role of trustees and effective means of translating community needs into policy. Social and Traditional Media | 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 | Fellows will explore the candidate experience by examining the conditions around a candidate and potential motivations for seeking elected office. Parents and DISD | Fellows will explore the parent perspective in school board and campus level advocacy. Debrief and Post-Campaign Efforts | Fellows will debrief the results of the recent campaign and examine the reasons for success of candidates. This will included best practices for preparing for the next cycle of elections. |
Specific Campaign SkillsConstituents, Advocacy, and Ethics |
Fellows will examine how elected officials and candidates engage with constituents and the regulations surrounding those interactions. Money and Mail | 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 | 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. Staff Management and Motivation | Fellows will explore methods for keeping a campaign together and motivated over a long and grueling campaign cycle. Management Structure and Procedures|
Fellows will learn how to create an efficient campaign structure along with the accompanying procedures that produce effective campaign operations. Polling and Predictions | Fellows will learn how to create surveys and use data to inform strategic decisions during a campaign. Engineering a Win | Fellows will practice creating a GOTV strategy and planning backwards in order to create an internally consistent campaign plan. |