Mar 5, 2007

Equip yourself with the proper tools with Camp Millie


It has been more than a week since the Michigan Democratic Party Convention in Detroit’s Cobo Hall in Detroit concluded. I, and many, other Democrats left Cobo energized and ready to save and defend the state we call home by working and electing Democratic candidates.

But how do we accomplish that?

In the main hall in Cobo there were many fliers and papers lying on the chairs. One of them was a yellow sheet advertising The Justice Caucus’ Camp Millie. This is a perfect way to equip yourself with the tools to change things. Camp Millie is a weekend intensive training program based on Camp Wellstone.

Camp Millie is a 2-day weekend intensive training program designed to give Democratic activists the tools for effective progressive political action in your community. A faculty of experienced political organizers and activists share their expertise on a wide range of topics that grass roots activists, campaign managers and candidates must know to succeed. Attendees will get first hand knowledge on framing your issues, message development; volunteer recruitment; Democratic Party structure, techniques and strategies to Get-Out -The-Vote, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking; fundraising and Campaign Finance Law compliance. Sessions include hands-on practice exercises so you can hone your new skills. Your $35 tuition fee includes training materials and box lunches on Saturday and Sunday.

I attended this training in Monroe last spring, and it was invaluable. The take home print outs and handouts alone was worth the money.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring a session in their area simply contact the organizers. The training draws activists from all over the state. Call Fran Brennan at (734) 330-5225 or e-mail campmillie@justicecaucus.org to sponsor a session.

Camp Millie is named in honor of the late Millie Jeffrey, a long-time Justice Caucus Board Member. She was a champion of social and economic justice for workers, women and minorities. Millie was the co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus, and she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 2000.

The Justice Caucus Mission is to promote the cause of progressive democracy within the Democratic Party, in government and in the legal profession.

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