The Campaign School

The Campaign School is for those wishing to learn what it takes to win elections as candidates or campaign team members.

This program is ideal for those who wish to run for office themselves as candidates, along with those who wish to serve as campaign managers or better trained campaign team members. This is a good program for people who've never run as a candidate or been on a campaign team before as well as those looking to significantly improve their skills.

This program is completely nonpartisan and we encourage participation from people registered with all political parties to attend and learn. The curriculum is nonpartisan as well and applies to key electoral contexts in Delaware (e.g. school board, city/county councils, and the General Assembly).

This intensive program immerses participants in the fundamentals of strategy, communications, resource generation, 21st century tools, and tactics.

Past speakers have included guest elected officials, campaign managers, and former candidates (e.g., school board, city/county council, General Assembly, and state-level).

Selected participants will develop their skills through group workshops, campaign simulations, and working with guest speakers. Through out-of-class assignments (e.g. readings, videos, and exercises) participants will hone their ability to be successful candidates.

Participants will also work in groups to generate example campaign plans and actually practice implementing. The programs ends with final presentation of campaign plan results before a panel of campaign professionals.

Meets every other Thursday nights from 6pm to 8pm starting on the first Thursday in February. The program costs $0 to $500 (Sliding scale fee, donate what you can. We want anyone interested to join).

Apply by January 15th!

This program covers 21st century political organizing methods, with a special emphasis on the process to create a grassroots political culture. Through this course, participants will be able to:

• Articulate why they are interested in running for office or support a candidate for office.
• Decide whether they have the capacity and commitment to run in an election  
• Discuss key principles of effective political campaigns  
• Discover how to motivate their voter universe and/or constituency
• Classify the main methods to create a “Win Number”
• Articulate the primary evidence-based tools to increase voter turnout
• Identify a compelling message and press strategy
• Prepare a well-rounded fundraising program
• Develop strong ties to political constituencies

• 5 session program
• Meets every other Thursday nights from 6pm to 8pm starting on the first Thursday in February
• $0 to $500 (Sliding scale fee, donate what you can. We want anyone interested to join)

Apply to the Campaign School by January 15

• Do I have to be a candidate to participate?
  No! This program is open to both prospective and current candidates, and also team members/campaign managers. 
• What if I have to miss a session?
  Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged, however if you need to miss a session please let the program managers know in your interview.
• What financial assistance are available?
  Full and partial financial assistance is available. Please note in your application
• Who can apply?
  Anyone is encouraged to apply!