[Cal Dems] February 18 Digest: Camp Wellstone, DFA, and more!

[Molly Green]

Hiya there wonderful Cal Dems.  Midterms are starting already (as terrible
as that is) but hopefully you all got caught up on work (or play) over this
long weekend and will make it out to the meeting on Thursday.  Last week was
awesome and thanks to all who showed.  This week we're planning on an
awesome presentation so come and learn...and have tons of fun of course.
Then join Marshall and the other SmartAss-ies at Cafe Milano for some
copy-editing of the upcoming issue.

Happy Birthday this week to Jason Teramoto, Chalan Carpenter, Vivian Chan,
Nikhil Dixit, Jennifer He, Michael Hoffman, Tieu Dao Ngyuen, John Fay,

*****************************
CAL DEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-General Meeting, Thursday 7 pm, 56 Barrows
Presentations, speakers, and fun, oh my!  Well, at least it will be
interesting.  You know you want to head over to Barrows and hang with your
favorite Cal Dems.

-Smart Ass
As I mentioned, Marshall will be having a copy-editing party at Cafe Milano
right after the meeting (about 8 pm if you can't make the general meeting).
If you like editing or just the Cal Dems, you are certainly welcome to the
fun, editing, and coffee that will ensue.

-PVC, Wednesday 7pm, 115 Barrows
As always, Morgan will have great things to discuss.  Come check out the
Policy, Values, and Communication Committee if you're interested in becoming
more involved in Cal Dems or can't make our meetings on Thursdays.

-Dues
Get them into Sarah Stoller asap!  Dues for the semester are $10.
*****************************
PROGRESSIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"If the government becomes a law-breaker, it breeds contempt for the law. It
invites every man to become a law unto himself. It invites anarchy." -US
Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis
******************************
PROGRESSIVE EVENTS:

-Campus Camp Wellstone, March 8&9, UC Berkeley campus

Cost: FREE
Lunch will be provided on Saturday.
PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible: by responding to this event on facebook and
also sending an email to Christine Smith at christinesmith at berkeley.edu

Campus Camp Wellstone is a 1.5 day training program held on college and
university campuses around the country. Our program is non-partisan, and
welcomes both seasoned activists and those who are completely new to
progressive activism.

We focus on very concrete skills, like the nitty-gritty of campaign
planning, coalition building, and message development. We also teach
students how to successfully recruit and retain volunteers and develop new
leadership.

Campus Camp Wellstone is both serious and exciting—serious because you'll
walk away with skills and tools for real-world campaigns, and exciting
because it's participatory, vibrant, and led by young trainers. Trainers are
leaders in community organizing, labor, and non-profit organizations

If you would  like to attend Campus Camp Wellstone, please email Christine
Smith by Feb. 25th at christinesmith at berkeley.edu. IF YOU CAN HOUSE VISITING
STUDENTS from other college campus around the state, PLEASE call Christine
ASAP at (916) 743-9878.

-California Democratic Party Convention, March 28, 29, 30, San Jose
Every year, the California Democratic Party hosts a convention for Democrats
and Democratic clubs (e.g. Cal Dems) from all over the state.  The
convention is made up of speakers, workshops, and networking.  It's a really
valuable experience for everyone; you get to meet a ton of Dems from around
the state, hear great speakers, and learn tons from workshops.  It's during
the last weekend of our Spring Break, but it's worth it to come back a
little early.  Just start thinking about if you're interested and ask anyone
on the board for more information.

-Democracy for America Campaign Training Academy

Sat., March 1st - Sun., March 2nd
UC Berkeley Campus, room TBA (co-sponsored by Cal Dems)
Cost: FREE for Cal Dems members!

If you're looking to get the best hands-on training in the country for how
to run an electoral campaign, join our friends from Democracy for America
for exciting campaign training! Top campaign consultants with decades of
experience will give you the skills to run a winning campaign, covering
topics such as field planning, voter contact, fundraising, and more.

If you'd like to attend, please RSVP at www.dfalink.com/east_bay_training;
if you have any questions, feel free to contact Cal student Robert Klein at
rklein at berkeley.edu.



-Resolution Peace Forum: "How the Peace Movement Can Win"

Sat., March 1st, 10 am - 3 pm
United Health Workers Union hall, Oakland CA (near 19th St. BART station)

Resolution Peace -- a network of organizations dedicated to a prompt and
complete withdrawal from Iraq as well as health and mental health care for
troops and veterans -- will be holding a forum entitled "How the Peace
Movement Can Win: Keeping the War in Iraq on the Front Burner." The goal is
to bring together representatives from a broad range of groups throughout
the Bay Area to create a dialogue  and work together to push effectively for
peace.

If you'd like to represent Cal Dems at this forum, please email Ellis at
ellisg237 at aol.com, or (925) 831.8355.

- Choosing the President Issue Panels, Spring Semester 2008

Wednesday, March 5 – The Economy and the Federal Budget
Co-sponsored with the Haas School of Business
7 p.m., Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business

Thursday, March 13 – Education
Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Education
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall

Wednesday, April 2 – Immigration
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall

Saturday, April 12 – Covering the Digital Campaign
Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Journalism
North Gate Hall, time TBA

Thursday, April 17 – Healthcare
Co-sponsored with the School of Public Health
4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall


******************************
PROGRESSIVE OPPORTUNITIES:

-Summer Campaign Jobs, Feb 21, Feb 22, Internship Fair, Cafe Milano
The Grassroots Campaign organization will be on campus on February 21
at the Summer Job/Internship Fair in the MLK Student Union
from 11-4. They will also be holding information sessions about working with
us this summer!

There is a lot at stake in 2008 and we are looking for students who want
to get involved.  Grassroots Campaigns is launching one of the biggest
field operations in history. We are teaming up with the Democratic Party
and progressive organizations like the ACLU to tackle the huge problems
our country is facing today.

I would like to personally invite your group to hear more about these
summer job opportunities.

CAMPUS VISIT INFORMATION SESSION:
Date:  Feb. 21-22
Info session times:  10am, 4pm, 6pm (No 4pm session on the 21st)
Location: Café Milano (on Bancroft near Sproul Plaza)

Or if you can't join us there, call us here to find out more:
1-888-999-8852
WEBSITE:  www.bringchange2008.org
***Seniors***
Grassroots Campaigns is hiring graduating seniors to work full time
running our campaign offices as Citizen Outreach Directors and Field
Organizers through the election across the country!  If you are
interested, please email your resume and cover letter to Sarah Marini:
smarini at grassrootscampaigns.com or visit our website
www.grassrootscampaigns.com and you can apply online.  For more
information contact: Sarah Marini, (617)338-7800.

Or join us: We are having a 7:30pm info session just for seniors at Café
Milano (on Bancroft near Sproul Plaza) on the 22nd.





-Internship with Joe Alioto's State Senate Campaign
We have acouple of internship positions open especially for students with
a technological background. This is a chance for anyone interested in web
design and formatting to get some hands-on experience in an exciting and
promising political campaign. Please inform your members of this
opportunity, and for those who are interested, please send a resume to
mike at joeforcalifornia.com. Feel free to write me back if you have any
questions!


-A new Berkeley-created Debate Forum
www.peopledebate.com

UC Berkeley is perhaps most famous for its pot-smoking hippies and its
liberal ideals, but UC Berkeley is also famous for the free speech
movement, which made sure that students and activists alike could no
longer be silenced on campus.  But what good is free speech, when the
best ideas are drowned out by the masses?  We are hoping to change
that by created a new debate forum, which allows users voice their
opinions and highlight the most important ideas on each side of any
debate.  Admittedly, we do have a "liberal bias" at the moment,
especially on the Republican side - you'll see what I mean at
peopledebate.com - but who said that liberal bias was a bad thing
anyway?  We continue to work on new features everyday, and you'll see
our site grow over time.  Check us out at www.peopledebate.com and
post your thoughts.  (We'd also welcome comments/suggestions, look me
up on facebook, or e-mail me at HenryLin at eecs.berkeley.edu).  Thanks
everyone!


-Study on election systems in the Bay Area
The Survey Research Center is conducting a large study about election
systems in the Bay Area and needs your help!  150 students are needed
to help collect data in polling places during the February 5th
primary.  This data will ultimately be used to assess how lines form
at polling places and the effectiveness of various voting machines
and technologies.  Participants will need to commit to work half of
the day during the Feb. 5th primary day and attend one training the
weekend before.  For your help, you will receive, breakfast, lunch,
and a substantive gift card at the end of the day.

For more information, contact Zach at electionstudy at gmail.com or
attend one of 2 information sessions on Wednesday, January 23rd &
30th at 3pm in the Survey Research Center conference room (located on
the southwest corner of Channing Way and Bowditch St).  This is a
great opportunity to directly observe how our elections work up close
while contributing to a study that is attempts to ameliorate the
problems inherent in our electoral system.  The California Primary
will be one of the hardest fought and exciting contests happening in
the country this season and this is your opportunity to see the
action up close and personal.



-INTERNSHIP AT THE MERRILL STRATEGY GROUP
The Merrill Strategy Group is a strategic consulting firm committed to
winning campaigns and developing successful communication strategies.
We are looking for highly motivated interns to learn and sharpen
skills in strategic research, campaign development, grassroots
outreach, organizational development and more.


*Qualifications and Skills Required
Interns should have excellent writing, research and communication
skills.  Computer literacy is a must.  Campaign or government
experience is a plus.


*Flexible Hours
Scheduling can be worked out on an individual basis.  A minimum of 10
hours per week is required.  Specific dates are arranged on an
individual basis.

*Contact

Please email or fax a detailed letter of interest, resume and writing
sample to:

The Merrill Strategy Group
1936 University Ave. Suite 191
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.883.9780 phone
510.883.9783 fax
info at merrillstrategygroup.com
www.merrillstrategygroup.com



- Capital Fellowship, Applications due by February 27, 2008.

The Capital Fellows Programs consist of four individual fellowships:

   * California Senate Fellows (www.csus.edu/calst/senate)
   * Executive Fellowship Program (www.csus.edu/calst/executive)
   * Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/assembly)
   * Judicial Administration Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/judicial)

These nationally recognized fellowships, sponsored by the Center for
California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, are an
outstanding opportunity for college graduates to engage in public service
and prepare for a future career.  Fellows work 10-11 months as full-time
staff members in the California State Assembly, Senate, Executive Branch
or within the California Court System.  They gain first-hand experience in
governing the most diverse state in the nation and a sense of personal
involvement in the leadership of California society.

 The only prerequisite for the programs is a four-year college or
university degree and a demonstrated interest in state government and
public service.  Fellows come from all cultural, political, economic,
career and educational backgrounds, and no previous legislative or
political experience is required.

 For further information please see our website
www.csus.edu/calst/programs or contact the Center for California Studies
at calstudies at csus.edu or 916/278-6906.



-City Hall Fellowship, due February 29

City Hall Fellows spend the year after college in a prestigious, paid,
full-time position within city government and also participate in our
proprietary Civic Leadership Development Program.  In 2008-2009, Fellows
will be placed in Houston, Texas and San Francisco, California.  The
program was designed with the full support of Houston Mayor Bill White and
the office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

City Hall Fellows' goal is to connect you -- the next generation of civic
leaders -- with the opportunity to make significant change at the
grassroots, local level of government right out of college

 In addition, preference will be given to applicants who have a
demonstrated connection to either Houston or San Francisco.  More
information and application materials and instructions are available on
our website: www.cityhallfellows.org.  Applications are due February 29,
2008.



-Paid Political Internship with the San Francisco Democratic Party

Are you a college student? Interested in politics? Want to get some
hands-on experience with the San Francisco Democratic Party? Apply for our
paid internship program!

As an intern you will assist the Field Organizer in implementing an
ambitious voter registration program and help Democrats win in 2008.
Duties include outreach to various neighborhoods and organizations,
coordinating volunteers, registering voters, and some administrative
duties. This internship is ideal for anyone who is seeking experience in
the local political world and wants to have fun doing it!

Requirements:
· Commitment to the values of the Democratic Party
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Works well independently and with a group
· Strong leadership skills
· Paid internships for students only
· Able to work some weekends and evenings
· 15-20 hrs/week to qualify for the stipend ($500/month)
· Must be a college student

We also have unpaid internships available and can work with you to get
class credit in accordance with your school's policies.

Email for application information to info at sfdemocrats.org or
please contact us at (415) 626-1161.


-Blackrock Associates: Spring Internship
As an intern on the Blackrock online strategy team, you will be playing a
critical support role on our team as we manage client websites, draft and
blast campaign emails, and explore new ways to use technology to engage
current and potential supporters.

Responsibilities will include:
Participating in client messaging strategy discussions
Managing and updating client websites
Managing and updating client email databases
Managing candidate profiles on popular social networking sites such as
Facebook and MySpace
Drafting copy for use on client websites or in blast emails
Setting up client email blasts and managing correspondence that comes back
in response
Brainstorming online marketing plans for list building and fundraising
Developing testing plans, analyzing results, and reporting back to clients
Exploring and implementing new Web 2.0 technologies
Creating web graphics and coding simple web pages (no previous experience
with Photoshop or HTML required)

Ideal candidates will be college students who are considering a career in
electoral politics and/or campaigning, in particular those who are
interested in the rapidly growing field of online politics. Candidates
should be familiar with online Democratic politics and committed to making
a difference for our clients -- as we are. Strong quantitative and
communications skills are required. While not a pre-requisite, applicants
with experience in graphic design and/or web programming will be looked on
favorably.

If desired, interns will be considered for either temporary (i.e. summer)
or permanent positions with Blackrock at the conclusion of the semester.

To apply: please send a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample (4
page maximum) to Mike Disharoon at mike at blackrockonline.com.
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