Women's Campaign Forum
March 28, 2007
Women’s Campaign Forum
Toolbox Training Overview
April 20-22, 2007
Washington, DC
Whether you are thinking about running for local, state or federal office, WCF’s spring training provides a balanced introduction to the basics – the toolbox. WCF has gathered some of the most well respected figures in politics today to help train the next generation of women leaders. Below please find all of the key details for this weekend-long event.
Daily Schedule:
Friday, April 20
6:00pm to 7:15pm Opening Panel: The Decision to Run
A cross section of elected women will share their thoughts on the campaign process from getting started to living the public life.
7:15pm to 8:30pm Welcome Reception
An opportunity for networking and community building.
Saturday, April 21
8:30am to 12:30pm Morning Sessions: Core Curriculum
Please see detailed session descriptions below.
12:30pm to 2:00pm Luncheon Plenary: How to Work with the Labor Community
A panel of national labor union leaders will discuss how candidates can work with unions in their campaigns.
2:00pm to 6:30pm Afternoon Sessions: Core Curriculum
Please see detailed session descriptions below.
Sunday, April 22
8:30am to 9:30am Breakfast Plenary: Labor Issues Briefing
A panel discussion on issues of importance to the labor community.
9:30am to 12:30pm Leadership Sessions
Please see detailed track session descriptions below.
12:30pm To 1:30pm Afternoon Plenary: Choice Issues Briefing
Learn about how to talk about choice and prevention on the campaign trail.
1:30pm to 2:00pm
Toolbox Training Wrap-Up
Core Curriculum
Morning Session Break Down
Fundraising
Learn the basics of how to raise the funds you need to compete. Topics include:
· Planning your budget
· Effective fundraising tools
· Making the “ask”
Field and GOTV (Get Out The Vote)
At the end of the day, what matters most is identifying your voters and getting them out to the polls. Topics include:
· Cutting-edge methods of voter contact
· Strategic planning
· How to turn out your voters for election day
Work Life Balance and Politics
Talk to women who have been there and find out how to:
· Make decisions around personal and campaign time
· Build additional support networks for your family
· Identify priorities and stick to them
Messaging and Managing the Media
Political success often rests on how you articulate and deliver your message. Learn about the following valuable skills:
· Targeting your audience and expressing your message
· Packaging your message for news media interviews and handling tough questions
· Delivery techniques for broadcast interviews
* Labor Women – WCF will provide you extras on how to develop a message based on your labor roots!
Core Curriculum
Afternoon Session Breakdown
Polling and Technology
Getting your message out to the right people is a critical necessity. In this session you will learn how to:
· Identify your target voters through polling
· Tailor your message to the proper audience
· Use technology to your advantage
Online Politics
Harness the power of the internet for your campaign. Topics include:
· Making your website work for you
· Blogging
· Online fundraising
Paid Voter Contact
There are many tools available to talk to voters. Learn about options such as:
· Paid phone banks
· Direct Mail
· Canvassing operation
Paid Media
Learn the basics of getting your message out with paid media. Topics include:
· Identifying the consultant that meets your needs
· Communicating your voice in the media
· Examples of what works and what doesn’t
Sunday Leadership Curriculum
Breaking into your local Party structure
· Building a network within your local Party
· Local Party leadership options
· Running for local Party office
Getting appointed to a political position
· Political appointment landscape
· Increasing the number of women appointed
· Positioning yourself for appointment
Using your activism as a platform
· Tips for writing op eds that get published
· Getting connected with your local media program
· Media activism interviewing skills
Special thanks to our sponsors - SEIU, NEA and IBEW!!