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Monday, June 23, 2008

Politics PolitiCorps Kickoff

Posted by Amy J. Ruiz on Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM

School's out for the summer, but PolitiCorps—a national political leadership training program, or "political bootcamp," based here in Portland—is now in session. I'm on the campus of the Catlin Gabel School, just over the West Hills, where 24 college-aged future political leaders are listening to the Bus Project's Emily Kintzer, as she gives an overview of the program.

Last year, the program registered 1300 voters, canvassed for ballot measures, and recruited political volunteers—and the PolitiCorps fellows also juggled classes that taught them how to do political organizing. It's a long, tough summer: They work all day long, seven days a week, for eight weeks. The current crop, who arrived in town over the weekend, spend the night here at Catlin Gabel, crashing on the floor in this academic building.

Kintzer polls the group, to find out why they signed up for the stint: Did they like the idea of spending a summer in Portland? A few raised their hands. How about "the appeal of learning how to do grassroots organizing?" she asked. Nearly everyone raised their hand.

Watch out for this crew—they'll be out in communities around the state this summer, with an eye toward outreach about the fall election. And after the summer's over, these folks will fan out across the country—direct Caitlin Baggott is telling the group about future opportunities in political campaigns and civic nonprofits, and how what they'll learn this summer in Oregon will prepare them for those roles, if they want them.

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Comments (6) RSS

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1
This program is the real deal. As a PolitiCorps graduate, I can attest to the hard work these Fellows will be putting in, all to the benefit of greater Oregon. I have been able to apply the training from PolitiCorps over and over again this past year, and it has opened many doors to me as I was searching for jobs in politics. Best of luck to this year of Fellows, you all are going to have a great 10 weeks. Work it hard and you will do great things.
Posted by Rob Winikates on June 23, 2008 at 2:31 PM · Report
2
These folks will have 700-800 hours of hands-on political training under their belts after busting their asses for 10 weeks. Politicorps graduates have made some of the youngest campaign managers, field directors and all-around political superstars in Oregon and national politics. I'm looking forward to the next class of graduates.
Posted by Brent on June 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM · Report
3
PolitiCorps rules!
Posted by Matt Ferris-Smith on June 23, 2008 at 3:32 PM · Report
4
Well said boys. I'm sure this class will be as exciting to follow as the others have been.
Posted by clare on June 23, 2008 at 5:26 PM · Report
5
creating a new/progressive language amidst/much giggling & beer enjoy!
Posted by alexberke on June 23, 2008 at 11:12 PM · Report
6
Yes, more politicians and politics can't HELP but make the world better.
Posted by D on June 24, 2008 at 1:27 PM · Report

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