PUBPOL 693 - The Management of Election Campaigns: A Primer for Government and Non-Profit Policy Makers

To be effective in any part of the public arena, it is essential to understand the process of acquiring political power. Environmental groups, community-based organizations, federal, state and local agencies all must rely on elected officials to achieve their policy goals. This class is designed for students who expect to play a policy role in their community and need to understand how campaigns for elected office are run. It utilizes some of the best campaign managers, pollsters and media specialists from across America to show how to run campaigns and to influence their outcomes as a way to promote our own public agendas. Upon completion of the workshop, students will have the knowledge to manage a legislative, city council or board of education race, run for office themselves if interested, and influence races on behalf of a non-profit or other community organization.