The League of Young Voters is putting on a series activist trainings around the state geared towards arming young people with the skills they need to be successful activists and organizers in their local communities. The League believes that providing young people with these skill sets will guarantee that the progressive movement will continue to flourish in a professional and effective manner.

The next training in the series will take place at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME, on April 5, 2009.

WHAT: The League of Young Voters: Activist Training

WHEN: February 15, 2009, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: USM Portland Campus, Luther Bonnie Hall, Rooms 326, 327, 302, 303, 310

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Workshops include:

“Lobbying Your Elected Officials” This is the workshop to participate in if you want to learn the skills and tools needed to effectively lobby your elected officials.  It is a hand-on, interactive workshop where you will actually get to practice your skills.

“Framing a Message” There are many moments when we need to stop and think about what we’re saying—especially when it comes to talking to the media! Come to this workshop, and learn how to properly talk about the work you do to the newspaper, television, and online media sources around you. We won’t be writing a press release—we’ll be discussing and workshopping what the true message of a press release should be! Examples include: how to properly frame your message for the media; the difference between telling a fact and framing a statement; and how to respond to opponents via the media.

“Building The Base T0 Win: Volunteer Management 101” After the 2008 election, no one in the political world doubts that the youth vote is a force to be reckoned with.  But behind the victory are everyday people giving their time and energy to make our shared vision a reality.  This workshop goes through the basics of volunteer management with a particular focus on how to build the networks and relationships that will move your cause forward.

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TRAINER BIOS:

Jill Barkley is a Lesbian Feminist Activist who works in the Domestic Violence Movement in Maine. When she's not working to end relationship violence of any kind, Jill can be found organizing within her local community in Portland - most notably the Portland Dyke March, which she co-founded. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration in the Program on Domestic Violence from the University of Colorado-Denver. In her spare time, Jill supports the work of tremendous non-profit organizations like the League of Young Voters and Equality Maine.

Katie Diamond has been organizing within the Greater Portland and Boston communities since 2004. She uses her skills as a graphic designer and illustrator to create visual collateral for nonprofits and businesses throughout New England, and is currently working full-time as the League of Young Voter's Communications Director. At the League, Katie uses her graphic skills, web talent, and traditional media resources publicize and promote the organization throughout the state of Maine.

Jenna Renee Vendil was born and raised in San Francisco. Her interest in politics grew from understanding that power concedes nothing without demand. Her motivation to organize comes from a desire to build an inclusive political system for marginalized voices and perspectives. Jenna graduated from Bates College in 2006 with degrees in Political Science and American Cultural Studies; her research explored how poetry writing became a vehicle for women of color to challenge societal barriers inherent to identity politics such as race, gender, sexuality, and class.  Over the last six years, she has organized successful field efforts on electoral and issue-based campaigns in Maine.  Her work history includes Maine People's Alliance, Opportunity Maine, and currently she serves as the Vice-Chair for the Southern Maine Worker's Center.  Jenna is the Maine State Field Director for The League of Young Voters.