In August, we partnered with the Inatai Foundation to conduct a two-day candidate training for 29 of their staff in conjunction with partners from the Empire Health Foundation. While some of the staff expressed interest in pursuing public office, the primary goal of the training was to enhance their understanding of power. This knowledge aims to enable them to allocate their funding more strategically, supporting grantees dedicated to building long-term power through the electoral arena.
The training served as an opportunity for our team to update our curriculum, which has been in use since the Wellstone and New Organizing Institute era. We integrated modern updates that directly address the lived experiences of our participants and the current political landscape and pandemic challenges we are all navigating.
“I really enjoyed the training and it was structured in a way where I felt like I learned content and had the chance to practice what I learned and I know this will help me retain all the information. I found it especially helpful that all the trainers pushed the folks in the training to use critical thinking / scenario mapping as it helped me absorb and practice applying the information. I’d love to participate in future trainings from this group if possible!”
Inatai Foundation training participant
Throughout the training, participants immediately applied their newly acquired skills by engaging in a mock scenario. They were organized into teams to manage a fictional candidate campaign and present their campaign field plan, showcasing their learning on various topics covered.
Incorporating new facilitation techniques and methods, we aimed to inject dynamism and spaciousness into the training environment. This involved eliminating a strictly time-bound agenda and integrating team-building activities and icebreakers. These additions helped alleviate the intensity and information overload experienced throughout the day.
“Just a really well-prepped and high quality training. You all were able to take really big concepts and make them digestible to the group. So appreciative of everything you all did. I continue to hear nothing but excellent feedback from colleagues about the training. Not only has it increased folks’ understanding and knowledge of campaign planning, but it has also spurred folks to action.”
Inatai Foundation training participant
