*New Dates: April 17th; April 24th; May 1st; May 8th.*
Exercise your right to run.
Candidate Academy is now accepting applications.
BE IN IT TO WIN IT – DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION
Click here for the full schedule and list of panelists.
Most people wouldn’t commit to running a marathon — or any other type of race — without undergoing the proper training. Yet, when it comes to running for elected office, many candidates go in without really understanding the reality of what they’re signing themselves up for. Driven by a passion to serve, many candidates have to figure out the process as they go. The Candidate Academy is designed to educate, inform and prepare potential candidates on the realities of running for and serving in public office. This non-partisan seminar series will provide a wealth of training and resources, and allow participants to interact with business and civic leaders. Participants will receive training on how to develop a platform; set up a campaign team; develop a message; secure endorsements; and identify important regional issues. The Chamber has put together a program whose panelists include a who’s-who of local campaign experience and political know-how from across the aisle, including current and former elected officials, leaders from both major political parties, campaign consultants and other strategists. The idea is for participants to graduate from the Academy with the tools they need to hit the ground running. “Those who wish to run for office need to know what it really takes to do that successfully,” said Toni Padron, the Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. “We want them to be prepared.”
Francine Busby, board member of the San Diego County Democratic Party and one of the many panelists who will participate in the Candidate Academy, said she believes people who are running for elected office should undergo some type of training. She added that to her knowledge, while the individual parties have campaign training for their candidates, there is no other similar campaign-training program locally. “Without training, most people go in with unrealistic expectations,” Busby said. “They see candidates giving campaign speeches and putting up signs and that’s all they know,” she said. “There’s much more to it than that.”
Tony Kvaric, chairman of The Republican Party of San Diego County, who will also be a panelist at the Candidate Academy, said campaign hopefuls can benefit from participating by getting a taste of what it takes to run for office and be better informed before “taking the plunge.” For example, during his session, Kvaric will explain how a political party works, what they will do and won’t do for a candidate and how candidates can earn the endorsement of his organization.
Padron added the Candidate Academy fits well into all of the five “Core Competencies” that the Chamber’s offerings should fall within: building a strong local economy, promoting the community, providing networking and professional development opportunities; representing business before government and political action.
Thinking about Running?
The 2018 Candidate Academy begins sessions will take place from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Students must attend all sessions to graduate, unless prior approval is obtained. The Graduation Reception will take place after the last session. The cost of the program is $149. This fee is due with the application.*
Click here for the full schedule and list of panelists.
REGISTER HERE AFTER COMPLETING APPLICATION
(*Application fee refunded in full if not accepted.)