The NAACP Berkshire County Branch’s Political Action Committee will hold a day-long, nonpartisan training on Saturday, May 13, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street Pittsfield. Two events will occur: a registration-only training and a panel discussion that will be open to the public.
The Candidate Training Bootcamp will share the basics of running a successful campaign for political office. The NAACP has invited BIPOC leaders throughout Massachusetts to provide their knowledge and experiences with participants in an accelerated, jam-packed training day. After the training, these leaders will participate in a panel discussion about being a person of color in politics.
Speakers/panelists include:
- David Halbert, Executive Director of The Progressive Massachusetts Funders Collaborative,
- Zayda Ortiz, President of the Board of Progressive Mass & founder of Mystic Valley Progressives.,
- Kristen Halbert, Senior Associate at Black Lion Strategies,
- Lezlie Braxton Campbell, Deputy Director, of Campaigns for Educators for Excellence
Topics will include;
- overview & campaign structure,
- campaign messaging,
- fundraising,
- legislating with equity,
- volunteers, and fieldwork.
The training runs from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., ; the panel discussion is from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed on the branch’s Facebook page at facebook.com/naacpberkshires.
A free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided to all training participants and transportation to and from Berkshire Community College will be provided for training participants who need it.
Both events are free and open to all. Berkshire County youth are encouraged to participate in the training and will receive a monetary stipend. Registration is required for all who participate in the day of training, which you can do here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candidate-training-bootcamp-registration-598065599307
This event is sponsored in part by Berkshire Community College.
For more information, please email naacpberkshirecounty@gmail.com.