Political Conference breakout sessions on Saturday
Below are descriptions of the Saturday sessions at the 2011 Education Minnesota Political Conference:
8-9 a.m.
Activating Retirees to Campaign for Education
Retired educators bring experience, passion and the gift of their time to campaigns for everything from a local levy to the governor’s race. Learn how to organize, train and activate retirees for your campaign.
Education Minnesota Republican Members: Getting Involved
The involvement of Education Minnesota Republican members in education policy is important in building and strengthening our union. Discuss the importance of Republican members’ involvement in education policy, building relationships with legislators, and recruiting other Education Minnesota Republican members.
I’m New to Politics
What’s involved in taking political action? We’ll discuss where to find the opportunities and how to connect your commitment to education to campaigns, from school board to the statehouse.
Playing a Lead Role in a Legislative Race
Electing a pro-public education majority will be a big priority in 2012. This session will teach you how to take a lead role in serving as a campaign treasurer, fundraiser or campaign manager in a local race.
Recruiting Women as Candidates and Committed Campaigners
When women run, women win elections, extensive research shows. In a union rich in women’s membership, Education Minnesota has plenty of talent and expertise in education. Learn how we can tap this talent more fully, both encouraging pro-education women to run for office and organizing women to campaign for education-friendly candidates. Find out where women would-be candidates can get training and support in Minnesota.
9:10-10:10 a.m.
Making Messages That Matter
Learn how to develop thoughtful, targeted, effective messages about your campaign issues to move voters and get media attention.
Squeaky Clean
Campaigns, from school board to Congress, are governed by election laws on conduct and fundraising. Find out how to keep your campaign clean and in compliance.
Targeting Tools to Identify Activists in Your Local or Chapter
There are several tools available to help you identify members who are more likely to volunteer, support particular efforts, and take leadership roles in your local. Learn about these tools and how they can be used to maximize engagement in your local.
Tax Policy and Education Funding
Why does the state face the budget decisions it does? How has that affected education funding? What does the future hold in terms of deficits and continued shifts?
The 2012 Legislative Session and Effective Testifying
Join our lobbyists as they look ahead to the 2012 session and discuss the bills we can expect to see. A large part of this session will focus on preparing members to effectively lobby on behalf of Education Minnesota. Learn how you can be the most effective voice on behalf of educators.
10:20-11:20 a.m.
Caucus and Convention Training
If your district has a contested race for an endorsement in a legislative or congressional race, one of the best ways to help our recommended candidate will be to become a delegate to his or her convention. Learn how to navigate the convention process and ensure success for your candidate.
Communicating With Your Colleagues about Politics at School and Online
Hear from other educators about successful strategies they have used to discuss politics with colleagues and advocate for public education online. How do we best use social media and local/chapter websites? What are ways to get colleagues involved in political efforts?
Community Organizing and Your Local or Chapter
Learn about new strategies and approaches to build long-term relationships and power in your community.
Leverage for Local Elections
Does your district need a more responsive school board? How can you create a winning levy campaign? This session gives you results-oriented strategies that work to elect allies on the school board and convince your community’s voters to adopt levies.
New Strategies for Winning the Ground War
A winning campaign depends on recruiting, organizing and mobilizing pro-education voters. Learn how to identify and recruit volunteers who will be effective advocates for education.
September 19, 2011