Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst Recap

We just wrapped up Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst with 245 participants!

What Happened at Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst?

From April 29-May 2, 245 current and aspiring campaign staff logged on to Zoom and Slack to connect and learn.

Across four days, we brought together 40 trainers and speakers to lead 47 sessions designed to meet the moment. Each day featured one to two plenaries alongside one to two breakout sessions, giving participants both shared learning and space to choose which topics to go deeper on in smaller groups.

In plenary sessions, participants sharpened their critical skills in cybersecurity and AI, drawing on insights from Defending Digital Campaigns and our sponsors, Google Civics and Quiller. We heard directly from the DNC, DSCC, DCCC, and DLCC on the cycle ahead and the strategies shaping it. And we dug into what it means to run people-centered campaigns today, exploring organizing in red states and grappling with the realities of campaigning in the wake of the Voting Rights Act’s dismantling.

Throughout all of our sessions, we wove in the Center for Artistic Activism’s visioning framework to imagine the future we are fighting for, what it will take to get there, and what it will feel like when we do.

*Lorenza and Shelby sharing the DNC’s priorities during “The Cycle Ahead” lightning talks.*

During breakout sessions, participants could choose skill-based topics ranging from SQL to creating social media videos to crafting your campaign’s brand voice to strategically budgeting to fundraising and rolodexing to working with county and state parties and more!

Here’s some of what participants had to say about these sessions:

On AI and Cybersecurity with Defending Digital Campaigns: I love that this was accessible to me, someone who does not operate in an AI space! I understood the language, and how to think about how to use AI in a campaign, and how to craft a policy .

On Creating Social Media Videos: I loved hearing practical, real solutions to video challenges that every campaign faces. Really insightful, and I enjoyed the stories that were told.

On Rapid Response: One of the most helpful sessions for me, with really helpful exercise at the end. That discussion was very helpful in thinking through what info you would need before deciding on rapid response messaging.

[images]

Who Came to Arena Academy?

Our cohort of 245 Arena Academy participants represented the full range of talent from across the country and the Democratic ecosystem: Academy graduates hailed from 42 states and Puerto Rico, 52% are women, 54% are BIPOC, and 40% are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you’re hiring, check out our Talent Bank or email careers@arena.run to get connected to top talent from this cohort.

Democratic Governors Association

Sydney Halpern

As an early-career digital staffer, Arena Academy’s Campaign Catalyst training has helped strengthen my foundation in digital paid media, from industry definitions to influencer budgets to a better understanding of how campaigns measure success online.

It’s been energizing to connect with progressive staffers from across the country. I’m excited to bring new practical solutions and creative ideas to my work!

– Sydney Halpern, Digital Fundraising Assistant at the Democratic Governors Association

Mark Warner for Senate

Katelynn Bennett

I’m incredibly grateful for my experience with Arena Academy. As a recent college graduate stepping into a full-time Digital Associate role, the training was especially valuable in building practical campaign skills—from technical terminology to crafting a strong digital voice and social media strategy. Learning organizing tips and strategies from practitioners across the country, along with the support of an encouraging staff, directly prepared me to contribute effectively in a fast-paced digital communications environment.

– Katelynn Bennett, Digital Associate, Mark Warner for Senate

The Outreach Team

Kiersten Byrd

As someone with a specific skill set in digital outreach, I came in wanting to know more about the range of specialties in this work and how to sharpen my organizing skills across mediums, and that’s exactly what I got. I was also energized hearing from professionals across the space who are actively experimenting, not just for better results and wins, but to make this field more sustainable and more welcoming to people with varied backgrounds and experience levels. The networking opportunities were just as valuable as the content itself. Connecting with peers and practitioners across the field reminded me how much knowledge and energy is out there. I can’t say thank you enough to Arena Academy for making this accessible through a scholarship. In a financially difficult time for so many of us, this offer made critical content available to the people who need it most.

– Kiersten Byrd, Digital Relational Organizing Manager, The Outreach Team

Photos

Careers Fair

A core goal of Arena Academy is to connect talent with employers and help people land jobs. That’s why, during Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst, we held a careers fair open to training participants and other political staffers. We were joined live by 17 employers and ~250 participants, and 742 people signed up to share their resumes with the employers.

Employers each had two minutes to make a short pitch about their organization and the roles they are hiring for, then job seekers could join breakout rooms to connect in small groups with the employers.

*We were joined by an incredible list of employers*

[testimonials]

Our Impact

Don’t just take it from us, here is what participants shared about the training:

I feel way more equipped to be a first-time campaign manager!
I loved Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst. It was so inspiring to hear from my cohort and Arena’s trainers that brought a wealth of knowledge to each session (plenary and track). I’m also deeply appreciative of the efforts Arena takes to foster connection and help interested staffers navigate the job market and build a long term career in politics.
The CALIBER of the presentations and trainers. I really feel like I am getting a solid education on all things campaigns/organizing that I haven’t been able to experience in my own work.
Thank you, Arena, for what you do. You’ve made what can feel like a really intimidating space, full of jargon and big personalities, feel welcoming, open, and well run. Here’s to many more Arena Academies to come.
This is my second Arena Training, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I feel like I’ve gotten so much out of everything, from the practical to the observations of trainers, staff, and other arena participants.
This was so incredibly helpful. The tools, resources, and connections are all invaluable. I’d love to do another one!

Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst Recap

We just wrapped up Arena Academy: Campaign Catalyst with 245 participants!

Who Came to Arena Academy?

Sydney Halpern

Katelynn Bennett

Kiersten Byrd

Photos

Careers Fair

Our Impact

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Google

Quiller

Empower Project