The AU Campaign Management Institute, a program of the Center for Congressional and Professional Studies, has just completed its 2003 Winter Lobbying Session.
The center is a research, study and teaching program that focuses on Congress, the presidecy and the way they relate to each other.
"The purpose of the program is to train students in particular local, state, and federal political campaigns," said Kate Abel, assistant director of the institute. "It's an effective way to train the youth of tomorrow in campaign politics."
The center offers two-week programs or weekend classes, which are 500-level government courses.
"Political scientists and strategists speak at classes and teach students various techniques, strategies, themes and political messages," said Abel, who completed her undergraduate studies at AU and is now a graduate student.
The program has speakers give students detailed exercises, such as creating an effective lobbying plan for local and state campaigns. Each group has a speaker who acts as its mentor throughout the program.
Past speakers have included Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report, institute alumnus Rob Engel of the National Committee for an Effective Congress; and Chris Sautter of Sautter Communications.
At the end of the session, groups present their work. For the Spring 2004 semester, the course topics will be Fundraising and Political Primaries.
The institute, which is in its 21st year at AU, is led by Academic Coordinator Candice Nelson.
