Progressive Candidate Training Program Begins October 29, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX--- Since 2007, Planned Parenthood Arizona, the Arizona Education Association and the Center for Progressive Leadership have hosted a comprehensive six-part training program to help progressive candidates and campaign staff put together winning campaigns. Over the last four years, 32 participants have run for office from school board to U.S. Congress.  Forty percent of those have run have had winning results and are currently in office. And, many more are currently running progressive campaigns including, Jonathon Rothschild, Tucson mayoral candidate.

“The candidate training program was started with the financial support of the Wallace Foundation,” says Michelle Steinberg, Planned Parenthood’s Public Policy Manager. “Initially, the program focused on training progressive school board members, but it was expanded to include all progressives running for any office in 2009.”

The program finished its fifth round of candidate workshops on July 17 with 26 progressive candidates and campaign staff in attendance. 

“The information presented in this workshop is essential in understanding the fundamentals of running for public office in Arizona,” says Jim Forbes, future candidate from Chandler.  Topics, such as the development and delivery of a clear and concise message, the development of a campaign, and fundraising methodologies, will provide a solid skill set to novice candidates in managing a successful campaign.”

The next Progressive Candidate Training Program is scheduled to begin October 29, 2011. More information can be found at http://www.ppaz.org/, under “Get Involved” or by calling, 602.263.4226.

“Being part of the Progressive Candidate Training has changed my life,” says Pedro Lopez, future candidate from Phoenix. “I feel motivated and prepared to run for school board at the age of nineteen.”

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n the community for 76 years, Planned Parenthood Arizona is the leading sexual health organization in Arizona. The organization provides health care, education and outreach services to more than 90,000 men, women, teens and parents annually. Planned Parenthood Arizona operates health center locations statewide in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott Valley and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.ppaz.org.