Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Informed and engaged individuals are the foundation of strong communit-
ies and a vital democracy. Community-wide participation is essential; no
one should be left out.
•
Ignorance, cynicism, and apathy are persistent threats to our democratic
system of government.
•
Gaining the knowledge and practicing the skills necessary for civic and
community involvement are lifelong commitments.
•
One person
can
make a difference.
FOR OVERACHIEVERS—CAMP WELLSTONE
Oops! You went to a Close Up Foundation program and now you want to run for
political office. Consider a visit to Camp Wellstone, a three-day traveling crash
course on the nuts and bolts of political advocacy and grassroots organizing. Camp
Wellstone is run by Mark and David Wellstone, sons of Paul Wellstone, a pro-
gressive Minnesota senator who was killed in a 2002 plane crash while running
for reelection. Camp attendees apply the skills they learn with hands-on exercises
like delivering a one-minute stump speech, developing a sample campaign budget,
and participating in a simulated press conference. Since it began, Wellstone Ac-
tion has sponsored Camp Well-stones in 27 states, training about 8,000 people in
the essentials of effective political action. And since 2004, more than 110 Camp
Wellstone graduates have won elective office and thousands of others have worked
on campaigns or issue-organizing efforts. Camp Wellstone's courses are offered
year-round on the weekends for $100 (or $50 for students and low-income parti-
cipants), including meals. You can find the locations and dates on the website.
Camp
Wellstone,
821 Raymond Avenue, Suite 260, St. Paul, MN 55114, 651-645-3939,
www.wellstone.org.
