Arena Community,

The midterms are just 13 months (!) away, and it’s time to get to work. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that applications are open for not one but three upcoming Arena trainings. Learn more and apply here.

Historically, midterms are an uphill battle for the party in power in Washington. Combine that with dangerous voter suppression efforts and rampant disinformation from the right, and it’s clear we’ll have our work cut out for us next year. That means we need to start preparing now to have passionate, dedicated, trained staff ready to build winning campaigns.

Check out what’s on deck and apply, or encourage someone you know to do so.

In December, we’re hosting Arena Academy 201: Data Fluency for Campaign Leaders, a training for people with prior campaign experience who want to (or currently) hold 2022 campaign leadership roles. This training will help participants learn how to strategically integrate data throughout their work and build winning, data-driven campaigns. We’ll cover everything from building robust spreadsheets, to managing with data, to working with your data team. Campaign managers, finance staff, and RODs (to name a few) -- we’re looking at you. Apply and learn more.

In January, we’re hosting Tech to Elections: Campaigns 101 for Tech Workers. This training is designed for those who work in tech and data and want to put their skills to use electing Democrats. It’s an excellent fit for anyone who wants to take a sabbatical to work on a campaign, transition into politics full-time, or be a superstar volunteer. We’ll help tech workers understand how to translate their skills to campaigns and have an impact in 2022. Engineers, product managers, data scientists, and digital marketers: this one's for you. Apply and learn more.

In February, we’re hosting our 11th Arena Academy. Arena Academy is designed for both those new to politics and those with experience who want to learn a new role or take their skills to a new level. At Arena Academy, participants take part in an immersive five-day learning experience, selecting one of seven tracks: Campaign Management, Communications, Data, Digital, Finance, Organizing, or Organizing Director. The hands-on experience culminates with the Arena Cup, a campaign simulation in which participants work together in teams to build a winning campaign plan. Apply and learn more.

After graduating, all Arena-trained staff gain support from the Arena Careers team. The Careers team works to get graduates job-search ready and helps match them with jobs on campaigns and at progressive organizations around the country.

It’s easy to feel exhausted by our political climate right now. You might be furious about the egregious right-wing overreach on abortion access, fatigued by the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our lives, afraid that your fundamental rights are under attack, or drained by the growing effects of climate change. 

But, this is not the time to give up or check out. Too much is at stake. Getting involved and learning how you can use your skills and talents to make a difference is one of the best ways to overcome the intense feelings of this moment.

Every day I am inspired by members of the Arena Community who are giving it their all in this work, and I know you will inspire us all, too.

So, what are you waiting for? Learn more, apply to the training that feels right for you, or share this email with a friend. 

Let’s do this,

Lauren Baer

Arena Managing Partner