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Bill White to Speak at Democrats Club Meeting
July 21

US Senate candidate Bill White, the current Mayor of Houston, has confirmed his speaking appearance on July 21, 2009 at the Victoria Democrats Club Meeting.
All local Democrats are invited to attend.

Another Victoria Democrats Club Member Elected To City Council

Victoria Democrats Club Member Denise Rangel is sworn in as the first Hispanic City Councilwoman after winning a runoff election for the District 1 position. Rangel defeated a well funded opponent utilizing a strong grassroots volunteer effort coupled with the strategic use of Democrats' VAN (Voter Activation Network) database.

John Sharp Addresses Victoria Democrats

2010 is Coming!

2009 Campaign Academy

The Texas Democratic Party’s Campaign Academy is a program designed to train young, talented campaign workers and help with job placement for the 2010 election cycle. This program will provide advanced training in various areas of campaigning, including fundraising, communications, field and campaign management.

UNDERSTANDING THE ADMISSION PROCESS

Applicants should fill out the application and return all required paperwork to the TDP office by either the Early Acceptance or Regular Acceptance deadlines. Applying to the program does not guarantee acceptance. After submission, all applications and necessary paperwork will be reviewed for approval by the Texas Democratic Party.
Cost: Free
Deadlines:
June 1, 2009 for Early Acceptance – Applicants will be notified by June 30, 2009
July 1, 2009 for Regular Acceptance – Applicants will be notified by July 15, 2009
How to Apply: Go to http://www.txdemocrats.org/grassroots/campaign_academy to fill out an online application

ACADEMY DETAILS

All those accepted into the campaign academy are expected to complete the full course, which includes:
· Attend 1 TDP Mini-Camp covering campaign basics. The TDP will host several mini-camps across the state that will cover the fundamentals of campaigns, such as messaging, fundraising basics, campaign plans, targeting and using VAN as a tool. The mini-camps will be a day and half long and likely on a weekend. Mini-camp locations include Austin, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
· Attend 1 specialized Campaign Academy training. There will be also be a full day of training through the Campaign Academy, where the applicant is expected to focus on a targeted track: communications, field or finance. The training will offer advance guidance on these subjects, such as writing a GOTV plan, writing press releases and developing a finance plan. There will only be two offered and both will be in Austin.

Dates are to be determined, however, all trainings will be held between July and November 2009.

It is recommended that the applicant attend a mini-camp before attending the Campaign Academy training so that he/she develops some basic knowledge of the subjects. Courses will be taught by experienced political professionals, providing not only the opportunity for students to learn, but also to network. Additional networking opportunities will be provided in a social environment throughout the program. Applicants will also be offered techniques and tips for political resume building.

TIPS FOR APPLYING

· Only serious applicants who want to work on a campaign for the 2010 election cycle should apply.
· Job placement is not guaranteed, but all those who complete the requirements will receive assistance.
· Include all politically relevant activities in your application or in your resume.
· Invest time in acquiring letters of recommendation – so start asking a Democratic Elected Official or Party leader now.