DFA Training Academy Makes a Stop in Sacramento

by Bill Lackemacher [courtesy of Blog for America]

Click here for a slideshow from the Sacramento DFA Training Academy.

The DFA Training Academy made a stop in Sacramento this past weekend.  Arshad Hasan and his team of trainers provided a two-day intense, educational experience.  I think it's safe to say that everyone came out of this weekend with a greater understanding of what it takes to support, and eventually run, a winning campaign!

A wide variety of "students" attended our training.  We had everyone from complete beginners who have never worked on a campaign all the way up to experienced campaign volunteers and former (and future) candidates themselves.  We had a pretty decent turnout, despite the fact that the California Democratic Party Executive Board was also meeting this weekend in Sacramento.  A few people were even able to go back and forth between the two events.

Although we accomplished a lot of work in only two days, we still had time for some fun!  Over 25 of us gathered at the Old Spaghetti Factory after Saturday's session to tip back a few cold ones, catch some dinner, and chat for a few hours.  A few people continued the party by heading down the street for a little karaoke.  I won't tell you which trainer ended up behind the microphone, but perhaps it will show up on YouTube some day.

The weather was fairly cooperative this weekend (luckily for those from out of town) and we didn't even hit 100 degrees ;o))  Unfortunately, the air conditioning in some of the rooms did not cooperate with us on Sunday, so the breakout room temperatures nearly matched the 90+ degree weather outside.  Despite this setback, the training continued with some trainers moving outside under the trees and others sharing the main room.

Sacramento for Democracy would like to thank DFA, Jim Dean, Arshad Hasan and Matt Blizek for allowing us to host another training event.  We would also like to thank the trainers who literally came from all corners of the country to share their knowledge with us this weekend.  And a big thank you to all the volunteers who worked to put this event together and pull it off. 

We look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor come to fruition in the three elections that CA has in 2008!!  Northern California now has the knowledge, lets put it to use and move the Progressive Movement to the next level!!!

Cheers,

Bill

Ps: Click Here for pictures of some of the incredible trainers...