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Training a New Generation of Illinois Leaders | |||||||||||||||||||
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Curriculum
CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Overview: The IWIL curriculum is designed to meet several goals. The most obvious goal is to teach Delegates the fundamental techniques of conducting effective campaigns. We incorporate programs offered by leading experts in the field dealing with fundraising, direct mail, polling, targeting, media, message and presentation.
A second goal is to further the Delegates’ understanding of institutions of government and of public policy. Delegates interact with participants in the political system—elected officials, appointed officials, lobbyists, etc.—to learn about their career path and the responsibilities and challenges they must meet in fulfilling their roles. Understanding public policy debates and possessing knowledge of critical issues facing society is important to those interested in public service. Therefore, IWIL introduces Delegates to individuals and organizations with expertise and experience in a variety of public policy arenas, i.e. fiscal policy, labor policy, etc.
Thirdly, IWIL offers programs which allow Delegates personal growth opportunities, intended to make them more effective in their preparation for a career in the political realm. From tips on building effective support networks to strategies for reducing stress, experts offer Delegates insights and guidance to set them on the path to success.
Finally, Delegates have the opportunity to learn from those who have been there. Some of the best lessons to be learned are offered by those willing to share their personal experiences. Delegates have had the good fortune to meet with such leaders as U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and former Illinois State Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch, among others. The generosity with which these individuals share their insights and the “lessons learned” from their experiences make these sessions some of the most valuable programs IWIL offers.
The following pages will provide a glimpse into the program that 2005 Delegates were offered. The list is not all-encompassing, as there were many others who, along the way, provided impromptu input—as did U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, the first woman in Democratic leadership in the U.S. Senate, when we met her in the Senate dining room in Washington.
Campaign Techniques: Media/Communications, Organization, Fundraising
Campaign Organization/FundraisingAnn Liston, EMILY’s List Regional Director A Standing Ovation: Public Speaking TrainingChristine Jahnke, Positive Communications, Inc. Media TrainingJasculca/Terman and Associates Working Smarter, Not harder: Effective Use of TargetingLinda Hawker, Secretary of the Illinois Senate The ABC’s of Campaign Finance DisclosureBarbara Mason, Former Director of Campaign Disclosure, State Board of Elections Direct Mail TechniquesPete Giangreco, The Strategy Group Current Trends in Poll DataJosh Ulibarri, Lake, Perry, Snelling & Associates The DNCChristy Agner, The DNC Women’s Vote Center |