Date: March 17-18 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 9:00am-6:00pm

To ensure Democratic victories in 2008, we have to begin work today! What better way to build a foundation than to start off with learning or improving the skills you need to contribute to a successful campaign. That's why, we are proud to announce that the DFA Training Academy is coming to Columbia, South Carolina on March 17-18. The training is being sponsored by the SC House Democratic Caucus and co-sponsored by the SC Democratic Party.

If you are interested in running for office, working on a campaign, volunteering for a campaign, organizing your precinct, or working as a community activist and you want to expand or sharpen your campaign skills, then this training is for you!

With South Carolina hosting the "First in the South" Democratic Presidential Primary, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved and put your campaign skills to work.

In addition to the standard campaign curriculum, we will focus on strategies geared toward retaining Democratic seats and building Democratic majorities in 2008 and beyond.

At the DFA Training Academy, experienced campaign professionals will cover practical strategies and tactics in everything from communications, fundraising and voter targeting to online organizing and building sustainable grassroots movements. We build the program so you can go out and actually use the skills you learn right away. Then, we follow up with you to make sure you have the support you need to organize your community.

Attend the DFA Training Academy and become a participant in energizing the grassroots and delivering victories in 2008.

Meals:
Lunches and snacks will be provided on each day of the training. An optional group dinner is being planned for the evening of Saturday, March 17. This will be an additional cost. More details will be provided in early February. Attendees will be responsible for breakfast.

Lodging:
For those traveling into Columbia, a block of 25 rooms have been reserved at the Riverside Inn for the training. The Riverside Inn is just a 5 minute drive from the training venue, and they are offering a discounted rate for a one-night stay, March 17:

Single Bed = $51.50 + 11% tax
2 Double Beds = $57.50 + 11% tax

To make reservations or for more information call toll free 1-866-988-3335 or visit them online www.riversideinncolumbia.com
Ask for the "DFA Campaign Training" group rate when reserving a room.
They are located at 111 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce.

Please check in with your local group or with Kevin Puleo at kpuleo@schousedems.org for more information.

If you can't make the Columbia training in March, check out some of the other training dates across the country:http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training
I hope to see you in Columbia!