Guidance for local, state candidates offered
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News from Montana’s Credit Unions and the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association
HELENA — Running for office is not an easy feat. No one can predict the range of obstacles candidates may face, but learning from local and national cooperative professionals can guide you to a winning campaign. That’s what the 2020 nonpartisan Co-op Campaign Academy offers to prospective candidates and campaign workers.
Montana’s Credit Unions, Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association and their national counterparts, the Credit Union National Association and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, are joining forces to host a non-partisan Co-op Campaign Academy to arm you with the tools you need for a successful campaign.
This training is beneficial to anyone considering a run for local office, (city council, mayor, sheriff, district judge, etc.), or state legislature. Even those assisting as a campaign manager or volunteer coordinator can gain useful information for the campaign they are supporting. No matter the level of office you are running for or the party you are involved with, we will provide you the proper resources to help you in your political journey.
“This academy is intended to encourage people to run for public office,” said Gary Wiens, assistant general manager of Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association. “If voters want better government, then they need choices when they cast their ballots, because good government doesn’t just happen.”
The Co-op Campaign Academy will be offered in two Montana communities: on Feb. 4 in Missoula and on Feb. 6 in Billings.
The Co-op Campaign Academy presents a variety of topics, not specific to any party or issue, making the experience unique and useful for each individual, whether they are simply interested in the idea of running for office or already committed to doing so. The topics that will be covered include: developing a winning strategy, writing your campaign plan, creating a fundraising strategy, campaign finance regulations and reporting, crafting your message and delivery, and delivery field targeting and GOTV strategy.
“We want our community to know we are here to support them in their political endeavors,” said Karen Smith, VP advocacy at Montana’s Credit Unions. “This training provides unique activities allowing the attendees to have interactive, hands-on practice they can take outside of the training and use within their run for public office.”
As Montana cooperatives, MCU and MECA have a common objective to support political action and create healthy communities around them. These organizations are committed to supporting democratic ideals and representative government.
The cost for the Co-op Campaign Academy is $55 per registrant. Lunch is provided and will include local politicians sharing their “Tales from the Campaign Trail.” For more information or to register, visit: www.coopcampaignacademy.coop.
