Arena Community,

As a native Floridian, I’m excited to share that for the next Arena Academy we’re teaming up with Ruth’s List -- an organization dedicated to helping Democratic pro-choice women run for state and local office in Florida. The Academy will be online, but we’re placing an emphasis on training aspiring campaign staff who live in, or want to work in, Florida.

Why? If we’re going to buck the negative trends in Florida politics, we’ve got to get to work today.

The next Arena Academy will be held online September 23-27. Apply or spread the word. Although applicants who live in, or want to work in, Florida will take priority, applicants from all across the country are encouraged to apply.

If you have questions about the application or Arena Academy, we’re hosting a virtual info session this Thursday, June 24, at 6 pm ET. Register here.

The 2022 midterms will be critical for Florida’s future. We have an opportunity to elect a Democratic governor for the first time in two decades, oust Marco Rubio, and regain U.S. House seats in Florida 26 and 27 -- which were each lost by about 10,000 votes in 2020. We even have a chance to make some gains for Democrats in the Florida State House.

As a former Congressional candidate in FL-18, I know firsthand that electing Democrats in the Sunshine State can be an uphill battle. I also know that Floridians are ready for change.

Real change doesn’t happen overnight or in the few months leading up to an election. It happens when we build and invest in long-term political infrastructure.

That’s why we’re starting now, 16 months ahead of the 2022 midterms, in partnership with Ruth’s List, to train as many people as we can to build winning Florida campaigns. If you’ve been thinking about getting into the arena or know someone who is, today’s the day.

Apply to the September online Arena Academy or forward this email to someone who should.

Let’s do this!

Lauren Baer

Managing Partner, Arena