OPERATION CLEAN GOVERNMENT’S 2014 CANDIDATE SCHOOL
WILL TAKE PLACE SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
Rhode Island College will host day-long seminar on running for public office
Early registration fee is $75
“Candidate School 2014” – Operation Clean Government’s (OCG’s) day-long, non-partisan educational seminar on how to run for public office, will take place Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Rhode Island College in Providence, according to OCG President Margaret Kane. Former Congressman Bob Weygand, former Attorney General Arlene Violet, and former RI Supreme Court Justice Robert Flanders are among those who have committed to join our faculty on that day. Congressman David Cicilline is also expected to participate.
This is OCG’s seventh Candidate School, continuing an election year tradition that started in 2002. It will be hosted by the Political Science Department of Rhode Island College and is supported by several members of the community who are interested in Rhode Island’s political future. LOOKOUT RI, John Hazen White, Jr.’s non-partisan foundation, is a major supporter.
Kane said, “We need to develop new leaders and problem solvers to help address the big challenges facing the state. We encourage anyone who wants to make a difference, to RUN FOR OFFICE. Attending our school will give you a better chance to win.”
Rhode Island College President Nancy Carriuolo said, “I am proud that RIC’s professors and students strive to serve the needs of our State’s citizens. Sponsorship of training potential candidates for public office is one example of such outreach.”
On behalf of his department, Dr. Thomas Schmeling added, “The Political Science Department is pleased to support OCG’s work in encouraging broader participation in the democratic process, and happy that our students will have an opportunity to see democracy in action.”
Kane continued, “Candidate School 2014 perfectly fits the non-partisan nature of LOOKOUT RI, which is why the school received a generous donation from Mr. White’s foundation.”
John Hazen White, Jr. stated, “Since Candidate School 2014 is non-partisan in nature, LOOKOUT RI is pleased to help support the program.”
OCG’s Candidate School began in 2002 in order to broaden citizen participation in state and local government. Its goal is to provide citizens with basic knowledge needed to run a successful political campaign. The non-partisan program is designed to help first-time candidates, campaign workers, and volunteers run ethical, winning campaigns. The event is especially helpful for encouraging more women and minority groups to run for public office.
Since 2002, more than 550 aspirants for public office have attended OCG Candidate Schools, including several now well-known Rhode Island political figures.
The curriculum of Candidate School 2014 consists of a number of individual speakers on topics of critical importance to office seekers, along with several moderated panel discussions. Topics cover many phases of political candidacy, such as:
- Legal requirements to qualify and run, from filing dates to party affiliations
- Ethics and financial disclosure requirements
- What it takes to run and win; how running for office will change your life
- Organizing and staffing your campaign; recruiting and managing volunteers
- Creating your message and getting heard above the clutter
- How to get the money you need to win, and how to spend it wisely;
- How to target and persuade voters to vote for YOU; door to door campaigning
- Positive media coverage is your best advertising; how to earn it
- Developing web sites and using social media
The faculty usually consists of about 25 experts in their respective fields, with an emphasis on those who have run for office and won. A full program announcement, including faculty names, will be announced shortly.
Candidate School 2014 will take place at Rhode Island College. The program starts with an optional 7:45 AM breakfast (first session is at 8:30) and ends with a prominent closing speaker at 4:50PM. The early registration fee of $75 is valid until April 15, when it will go to $95. The fee includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshment during breaks.
Register here now by credit card or Paypal
Or by check mailed to Candidate School 2014, P O Box 8683, Warwick, RI 02888.
Please fill out the following quick information form once you are registered.
Click here to print & mail the Candidate School 2014 PDF