The Kirk Watson Campaign Academy is designed to give students substantial exposure to practical, campaign-style politics in the state of Texas. Gov.
This is a unique summer opportunity for high school and college students to work inside a high-profile campaign. You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of modern politics as well as the important policy questions that confront state government. Daily lunch speakers will include current and former elected officials, political consultants, university professors, journalists, and state policy experts. This
is a great opportunity to help Democrats win and learn political organizing and the keys to political campaigns. The Campaign Academy is dedicated to ensuring that every student has a rewarding and challenging experience, while making a difference in the political system. Who are we looking for? Proactive leaders in their communities who are committed to Democratic ideas and principles
Smart, energetic, and fun people who are interested in gaining experience and involvement in politics
What are the benefits of the Kirk Watson Campaign Academy? An unprecedented opportunity to work day to day with top political operatives in Texas
Receive first-hand experience with professional campaigns and party organizations engaging in political activities and learning how they function
The opportunity to network with leaders in the field
A leg up in fellowships and organizing jobs in Travis County and Texas summer and fall campaigns
The Campaign Academy will run from June 2nd through July 11th, 2014. Previous campaign academies created blogs that detailed experiences on the campaign trail. Read the 2010 Campaign Academy Blog, the 2008 Campaign Academy Blog and the 2006 Campaign Academy Blog to see highlights from the prior campaign academies and learn more about what happens at Campaign Academy! Campaign Academy students learn how to campaign from political professionals who have been in the trenches and understand what it takes to be successful in the political world. They also have access to unique opportunities, like having front row seats at the 2008 Netroots Nation keynote speeches by Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi. In past years, Campaign Academy speakers included:
State Representatives Rafael Anchía, Donna Howard, and Patrick Rose
Former Lt. Ben Barnes
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman and Vermont Governor Howard Dean
US House Rep Lloyd Doggett
Admiral Bob Inman
Former Texas Comptroller, State Senator, and current Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp
City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and City Council Member Mike Martinez
Former Texas Monthly Editor and current Texas Tribune Editor Evan Smith
Matthew Dowd, Chief Strategist for Bush/Cheney '04
Center for Public Policy Priorities Senior Fiscal Analyst Dick Lavine
Bloggers Karl-Thomas Musselman, Paul Burka, and Elise Hu
State Senator Kel Seliger
Author Gail Collins
Texas State Senator Wendy Davis
Quorum Report Journalist Harvey Kronberg
UT professor and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Dr. Paul Stekler
And many others, including current and former elected officials, political consultants, journalists, and professors
How to apply:
If you are interested in participating in 2014 Senator Watson Campaign Academy, please visit http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org and Register online. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email Brian Jackson [email protected].
