Arena Academy FAQ
You’re in the right place!
Arena Academy is an in-person training to give you the skills, knowledge, and tools you need to build winning campaigns and movements. If you’re considering working on a campaign in 2020, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Arena Academy.
1. Who is the Academy designed for?
We’re considering applicants at all levels of campaign experience. We’ll teach you everything you need to get started, or to level-up your skills and achieve a new role. In the process, you’ll get to know people from around the country who are hungry to get involved, and you’ll learn from seasoned campaign experts.
2. What happens at the Arena Academy?
To get a good sense of the full experience, read stories from our previous Arena Academies on our blog:
Here’s a video recap from our first Arena Academy in Des Moines, Iowa:
3. When should I plan to arrive and depart?
Our full Academy (e.g. Houston, TX) starts at noon on Friday and runs through 4:00 PM the following Tuesday. Our regional Academy (e.g. New York, NY) starts at noon on Thursday and concludes on Saturday evening. Please plan to be at the Academy for its entire duration. Leaving early may deprive your Arena Cup team of an essential role.
4. How much does the Academy cost?
The full cost of registration for our five-day Academy is $300, which is hundreds and even thousands of dollars less than other comparable programs. It does not cover for the actual cost per trainee to Arena, but it does offset our overall investment in the Academy program, and helps to cover our venue costs. We have offered need-based scholarships to 66% of our trainees to date.
To apply for a scholarship, just let us know you’d like to be considered by checking the box on the application. Your response to this question will not impact your eligibility.
5. Which track should I do?
Our five-day intensive training program focuses on equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in a specific role. But regardless of the role for which you’re training, all of our curriculum includes a heavy emphasis on management, leadership, and digital and data literacy. You’ll pick from one of seven training tracks, including:
- Campaign Manager: This track is for you if you are looking to manage a state legislative or congressional race, and have at least one cycle of prior campaign experience.
- Communications Director: This track is for you if you are looking to step into a role crafting a campaign’s core messaging, running the press shop, and directing rapid response.
- Finance Director: This track is for you if you like the idea of building high powered networks and managing their capacity to fund a robust campaign.
- Organizing Director: This track is for you if you are looking to step into a role managing the organizing program of a campaign. You’ll learn how to target voters, build voter universes, establish metrics and goals, and manage a team of organizers to persuade and turnout voters.
- Digital Director: This track is for you if you are already working on campaigns but are looking to become savvier in your approach to digital. You will learn the latest in digital strategies used to communicate and mobilize voters, volunteers, and donors.
- Data & Analytics Director: This track is for you if you are looking to step into a role in helping campaigns use data to develop people-centered programs. You will learn about the technical skills needed to analyze large data sets, and how to translate data into programs used in campaigns to talk to voters.
- Organizer: This track is for you if this is your first campaign cycle, and you are interested developing and managing teams of volunteers to amplify the campaign’s message and move voters.
6. I can't make this Academy! How do I hear about the next one?
7. Academy 201 trainings
What are the technical requirements?
You will need a computer with a working camera and microphone and a connection to the internet to attend these trainings. We recommend you download Zoom ahead of time.
When will I hear about whether or not I’ve been admitted?
You’ll receive an email no later than the Monday before your training is set to begin. Admissions will also happen on a rolling basis.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are due the week before your training of choice is set to begin.
I’m not sure I can commit to the full training. Can I attend part of a training?
We prefer that participants attend the full training. These sessions are interactive, and we want to create a sense of community. We can only do that by dedicating time and being fully present.
How much do Arena Academy 201 trainings cost?
These trainings are completely free, though limited by space.
What’s the schedule?
For the most part, trainings run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturdays. Each training will include between 2 – 3 sessions. We’ll have ample breaks between sessions and for lunch.
Will we receive the materials we use in the training?
Yes. Slides will be made available to participants after the course. You’ll be asked to join Arena Careers in order to have access. You can do so ahead of time by creating a profile here.
I have a disability / need support or an accommodation.
We are committed to supporting all participants in their learning experience. If you need accommodation or support of any kind, please let us know on your application form or write to julia@arena.run.
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Paid for by Arena Summit, a section 501(c)(4) organization, and Arena PAC.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.