Training

Overview

This ballot measure training series prepares leaders with the skills and tools to effectively launch and manage ballot measure campaigns. The training provides both shared spaces for organizers to learn with and from colleagues and issue areas as well as specific issue area breakout rooms to allow for deeper planning, coaching, and strategizing.

Who is this course for?

• Grassroots Organizers, Base Builders, Campaigners who want to build inclusive, productive and positive work environments
• Issue-focused organizers who are, or will be receiving, C3 or C4 dollars to manage electoral programs to uplift issue-focused campaigns ie. ballot measures, pro-working class candidates, etc.
• Folks who have 3+ years of organizing experience

What will you learn?

At the end of this training you will:

• Identifying issue campaign, community partners, and tactics 
• Developing a campaign budget
• Learning and practicing how to effectively fundraise; grassroots and digital
• Developing and implementing a campaign plan and timeline, including understanding filing deadlines for issue campaigns
• Best practices for values-based messaging and how to effectively communicate the message in person and online
• Building power and growing your base
• Implementing effective voter engagement strategies, including field tactics
• Navigating and securing community endorsements; coalition building

Overview

During election campaign season, lots of folks ask questions such as: 

1. What political activities can a c3 engage in, if any?
2. How close can we get to the line and not be out of compliance?
3. In what ways can we build power? Demand change and not put our tax status at risk? 

If you have some of those questions, join us as we present a practical, principled approach to power building through the utility of c3s and c4s! This training will equip organizers to better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by working at a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization. The training promises to be engaging and informative, leaving you better prepared to achieve your electoral goals through your respective c3 or c4 organizing arms.

P.S. This will not be a legal or compliance training. Instead of telling what you can’t do, the training will focus on the distinction between c3 and c4, what the entities can do, and creative ways to move beyond the limitations to build power for your community and people. 

Who is this for?

This course is for:

• Organizers from all walks of life, from newly engaged to seasoned professionals who want to sharpen their strategy.

What will you learn?

• Equip organizers to better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by working at a 501c3 or 501c4 organization
• Focus on the distinction between c3 and c3
• what the two entities can do inside your campaigns
• creative ways to move beyond limitations to build power for your community and your people.

Expectations

This is an interactive course with live practice. We ask participants to write in the chat box, share verbally, and participate in breakout group discussion. During breakouts, all participants will be asked to practice. We encourage, but do not require, participants to turn on video at all times, and especially during breakout discussions. If you are unable or unwilling to practice during breakouts, we ask that you let our Lead Trainer know, and you will not be placed in a breakout room. While we will respect that choice, we offer that this course may not be for you as the bulk of the learning happens in the breakout practice.

Participants should set aside about 2–3 hours a week for coursework—including attending live webinar sessions, and reviewing session pre-work.