American Majority is pleased to announce it will be conducting a Precinct Focused Activist Training in Caldwell, TX on the evening of June 1, 2010.

The political training will take place at the Caldwell Civic Center 103 Presidential Corridor East (HWY 21) Caldwell, TX 77836 from 6:30 to  8:30pm. The Brazos County Conservatives are hosting this event.

Topics to be covered during the Training include:

• Hardwiring your Precincts for Political Success (how to lay the groundwork for a successful political, GOTV, or community engagement campaign)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your

To RSVP, or if  you would like additional information, call Andrew Kerr at 512-771-2355 or e-mail Andrew@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan political training organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

It always seems that whenever I write a post (here) I find myself layin’ the smack-down (here) focusing on things people should be doing, but aren’t or are doing, but shouldn’t (here)… Overall, it’s an M.O. I’m happy to take on.

Today is no different…

Lately, I’ve been in contact with several folks interested in running for office or who are currently running that are relatively new to the process.  Shocker, I know! Especially since I work for an organization that looks to identify and train first-time candidates!  The majority of them are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, are sick and tired with the ‘politics as usual’ and the ‘establishment’ (and understandably so).   They are inspired to their candidacy by a desire see the commonsense conservative principles of limited government, individual liberty, and a free market championed from their city hall to the Whitehouse in Washington.  These are the best types of raw candidates: principled and informed.  On top of that, they want to reflect this dedication to the principles in their campaign (and I’m all for it!).

A serious divergence of opinion develops, however, when one of these starry-eyed neophytes (terms applied lovingly) starts telling me about their grand strategy to win their election by being the “anti-political” candidate, staking out what they believe to be a pure and moral high ground to win solely on the merits of their idealism.

I’m not saying that in theory they are wrong or that this type of political positioning is wrong… quite the contrary.  Ideally we would have candidates not heavily influenced by invasive special interests or those not so obsessed to play the game of appearances that they become an empty suit having no real commitment to the issues.  We absolutely need candidates of substance.  But we also need candidates that want to win.

When a potential candidate approaches me with their scheme to be “anti-political” by deemphasizing the value of a comprehensive GOTV precinct strategy, swearing off all large donations from wealthy individuals or PACs, or even refusing to leverage the plethora of name-id tools like signs/ads/mail to promote their campaign, I obviously question their tactics, but more importantly question their actual motivation and dedication to win.

I’ve actually had a conversation go something close to this.

Anti-political candidate:  “I really want to run a campaign of the people.  I’m not raising any money (especially from PACs!), won’t be doing the whole ‘yard sign thing’, and don’t really think that door-walking makes that much of a difference.  I think I will seriously influence the debate and resonate with voters by making this statement.  What do you think?”
Me: “So… you don’t want to win then.”

Mind you, up to this point, this candidate has been a rockstar on the issues and their type is sorely needed at all levels of government.  But come out and tell me you want to win an election by not executing a strategic campaign, and all that build-up goes flat and I’m left frustrated and rolling my eyes.

Let’s be straight:  Money is a very important aspect of any political campaign.  Simply refusing to accept it from large donors or PACs out of hand is a blunder.  I’m certainly not saying one should whore their campaign for influence.  But accepting large donations from individuals and PAC organizations that represent a natural alliance with one’s principles and beliefs is a highly strategic and beneficial decision.

At the very base level, what bothers me the most about this type of anti-political candidate is not their scruples regarding donations and not even their unwillingness to run a proper campaign, it’s their obsession with enthusiastically  sacrificing such solid, principled potential in order to “make a statement” which history has shown will fall on deaf ears.

Politics is policy and the winners make the policy. If we have a true desire to influence the direction of this nation then we must win.

Conservatives in America are in need of winners not whiners.

Every elected official, from school board member to state legislator to the President of the United States plays a vital role in shaping the policies and direction of our communities, states, and nation. These offices deserve men and women who are grounded in the principles of liberty and individual freedom. American Majority’s political training is designed to enhance your campaign effort through targeted education and resources.

American Majority Texas is hosting a Candidate Training on Saturday, May 22 at 4315 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX (3^rd Floor). The training will run from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm with registration beginning at 9:30 am.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged!

Regardless of campaign experience, American Majority’s Candidate Training Program makes running for office easier! American Majority Candidate Training Seminars are designed specifically to educate candidates on every level how to run effective and victorious campaigns and prepare them to become successful elected officials.

The Candidate Training Program includes:

• Lectures* from campaign veterans, including:
  • “Your Campaign Plan to Win: Planning for the Time, People and Money to Win.”
  • “Dollars and Sense: Fundraising for What You Need, Not What You Can Get.”
  • “New Media Engagement: The New Ways to Talk to Voters and Engage Supporters.”
  • “Grassroots Action: How Ordinary People can get Extraordinary Results.”

• Personalized communications training.
• Interaction with individuals thoroughly involved with the issues confronting your state.
• The opportunity to network with other liberty-minded candidates.
• A complimentary resource guidebook full of material designed to further assist candidates.

Upon completion of this political training seminar, candidates will receive continuing education materials, access to podcasts and other presentations, communications curriculum, and suggestions to help them utilize think-tank resources.

The cost is $50 per candidate/first attendee in advance or $75 at the door and $25 for each additional attendee (spouse, campaign staff, campaign volunteers, etc.) or $40 at the door.  Space is limited.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrew at Andrew@americanmajority.org or call 512-771-2355.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

American Majority is pleased to announce that it will be conducting 2 days of Candidate and Activist Political Training from Thursday, June 17^th – Saturday June 19^th in Albuquerque, NM in conjunction with the New Mexico Conservative Summit sponsored by New Mexico Turn Around and Rio Grande Foundation.

The political training will take place at Sheraton Uptown located at 2600 Louisiana Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM.   Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Candidate training on Thursday, June 17^th will feature in-depth sessions dedicated to running a winning campaign including*:

• “The System We Face” – Understanding how we arrived at this point, and how to fix it
• “Implementing Freedom” – Running for office and the blueprint for a successful candidacy
• “Precinct Power” – Hardwire precincts to message, motivate, and mobilize for political success
• “Patriot 2.0” - Online Engagement as a powerful component of a successful campaign
• “Media Training” – Poise and etiquette with the Press

Political training for Activists on Friday, June 18^th will include detailed seminars covering the following*:

• “The System We Face” – Where we are, how we arrived, and how to fix it
• “Grassroots Action” – Building coalitions and organizing effectively
• “Precinct Power” – Hardwire your communities for electoral success
• “Message, Motivate, & Mobilize” – The keys to winning
• “Implementing Freedom” – Understanding the blueprint for a successful candidacy

The New Mexico Conservative Summit presents a unique opportunity for both conservative candidates and activists across NM and neighboring states to meet, network, and receive targeted political training on how to effectively engage and win in the political process.

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Andrew at 512-771-2355 or e-mail Andrew@AmericanMajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan political training organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

We always hear of the benefits, virtues, and civic duty (both economic and social) related to supporting our local community through patronage of local business: “Buy Local”.  I have no problem with that.  I support local business as much as the next guy, but what I don’t completely understand is why this principle of local responsibility does not translate to political participation: “Vote Local”.

Previously I had posted on the importance of winning locally and how political involvement and success at the local level directly translates to extended success at the state and national level.   Today’s post is devolution of this concept: to win locally, you must first vote locally.

Early voting has begun for the May 8th municipal elections in the vast majority of the towns and cities across Texas.  These elections represent the most direct and consequential control we have over the instruments of government that are closest to us.  Unfortunately, statistically speaking the results of these elections have traditionally been the least representative (or at best ambiguously indicative) of the people’s will simply due to woefully low voter turnout numbers.  Voter turnout in Travis County, Texas in last year’s local elections hovered at around 6% with several races and propositions being decided by 15 votes or less.
Mind you, that’s of registered voters.  Seriously think about that… theoretically it could break down like this:  In a community of 25k eligible voters where 75% of them are registered to vote and only 6% of those registered turn out to vote in their local election, only 1,125 citizens are actually participating in the process of selecting who will be making important local decisions on behalf of the entire community of over 25,000 people.

If you’re really looking to make a direct political impact in your community, educate yourself on the local issues and candidates and vote in your local election!  Relatively speaking, your vote as part of the 6% or 7% participating in a local election has far greater proportional impact than in a statewide or national election.  Additionally, by wielding your local vote, you exercise far more control over your immediate environment than you do by, say, voting for Congress… and for the most part, local elections occur every year allowing for a increasingly malleable political landscape.

Imagine if commonsense conservatives decided to take ownership of their local elections.  Encouraging good candidates to run for school board and city council, helping them campaign, and then turned out in mass to get them elected… How much of your tax dollars would be saved or spent more wisely?  How many useless ordinances would not come into existence?  How long would it be till this tradition of conservative values found its way to the State House… to Washington?

Bottom line:  Vote Local

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities. American Majority’s political training addresses these passions by providing education and resources to help you meet your goals.

American Majority Texas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Thursday, April 22nd in Fredericksburg, TX to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists.

The political training will take place at The Fredericksburg Winery located at 247 West Main Street in Fredericksburg from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Registration opens at 5:00pm.  The cost is $20 if you pre-register online by April 21st and $25 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Grassroots Action (Building Coalitions and Organizing Effectively)
• Patriot 2.0 (Utilizing New Media and the Internet to Promote Liberty)
• Precinct Power (Hardwiring Your Precinct for Political Success)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Andrew at 512-771-2355 or e-mail Andrew@AmericanMajority.org

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan political training organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities. American Majority’s political training addresses these passions by providing education and resources to help you meet your goals.

American Majority Texas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Saturday, March 27th in San Antonio, TX to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists.

The political training will take place at The Magic Time Machine located at 902 NE Loop 410 in San Antonio from 11:30am to 3:30pm.  Registration opens at 11am.  The cost is $20 if you pre-register online by 3/26 and $25 at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Grassroots Action (Building Coalitions and Organizing Effectively)
• Patriot 2.0 (Utilizing New Media and the Internet to Promote Liberty)
• Precinct Power (Hardwireing Your Precinct for Political Success)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.  Refreshments/Lunch will be available to order.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Andrew Kerr at 512-771-2355 or e-mail Andrew@AmericanMajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan political training organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

We like to say “all politics is local” and “national change truly begins at the local level”.  If this is true and if we as conservatives deign to make a national impact to change the current course of this country, we must acknowledge that it is imperative to win locally.

I can’t emphasize enough that in addition to promoting good-government, we must establish it as well.  This is why it is extremely important for everyday conservatives to become politically active at their local and municipal levels of government.
City Councils and School Boards oversee and spend millions of American taxpayer dollars. Members of these governing bodies play a critical role in local governments, and it’s time we start treating them that way by ensuring there are viable conservative voices at the tables of local government.

As citizens, our local government is the level of government we have the closest contact with and over which we should have the most direct control.

Oftentimes, however, local governments are paid the least amount of attention by voters, are the least transparent, and therefore are the least fiscally responsible.  Sadly, this trend is not an exception, it has become the norm: funding at the local levels and in school districts continues to increase and yet government waste is at an all time high as we continue to see test scores drop.
Evidently, real change is needed. We need more people dedicated to seeing the system work, and American Majority is ready to help get those dedicated people elected.

American Majority seeks to provide professional political training to commonsense conservatives interested in running (and winning) elections for local/municipal office.

If you have ever considered running for School Board or City Council in order to bring some commonsense to your local government (or know someone who would make a great candidate) please CLICK HERE. Fill out the form so American Majority can help you in this important endeavor by giving you the political training you can use to win!

In our trainings we emphasize that “small steps go far!” … well, it’s high time we begin that political march to Washington, and there’s no better place to take our first steps than from home.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people. Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities. American Majority’s political training addresses these passions by providing education and resources to help you meet your goals.

American Majority Texas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Thursday, February 25th in Sugarland, TX to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists.

The political training will take place at Sweet Mesquite Restaurant located at 4849 Sweetwater Blvd in Sugar Land from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Registration opens at 6:00 pm. The cost is $10 if you pre-register online by February 24th and $15 at the door. Space is limited. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Hardwiring your Precincts for Political Success (how to lay the groundwork for a successful political, GOTV, or community engagement campaign)

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Andrew Kerr at 512-771-2355 or e-mail Andrew@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan political training organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

Our nation was founded by ordinary citizen activists desiring a government that was accountable to the people.  Today, ordinary citizens across our nation are tired of the status quo and ready to engage for the betterment of their communities.

American Majority Texas is pleased to announce an Activist Training will be conducted on Saturday, February 20 in Austin, TX to provide citizens with the tools necessary to become effective activists

The training will take place at the Texas Capitol Extension Auditorium in room E1.004 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Public parking is available. Registration opens at 9:30 am.  The cost is $10 per person if you pre-register online $20 per person at the door.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  Lunch will NOT be provided for this training.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Topics* to be covered during the Training include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community
• Utilizing New Media to Promote Freedom
• Hardwiring Your Precinct
• Building an Effective Candidacy.

Full training materials, samples and supplements will be provided to help you apply what you learn to your organization, candidate, cause or community.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, call Andrew Kerr at 512-771-2355 or e-mail akerr@americanmajority.org.

American Majority is a non-profit and non-partisan organization whose mission is to train and equip a national network of leaders committed to individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

* Topics are subject to change.

American Majority is holding an Activist/Candidate Training in the Houston Area on Saturday, February 6th. The event will be held from 11AM – 4PM at HEP Bookstore, 11665 Fuqua, STE A-100, Houston, TX  77034. The registration table will open at 10:45 AM.

The goal of this training is to empower common citizens to make a difference in their communities by using tools of information, technology and by networking with other like-minded individuals and organizations. If you or anyone you know would be interested in attending, we would be pleased if you would join us.

The event will cost $20 for each attendee and includes resources, training and lunch.

Online pre-registration is strongly encouraged to insure that your seat is reserved! Space is limited and seats are expected to fill quickly.

Presentations that will be offered include:

• Building Coalitions and Reaching Your Community
• Utilizing New Media to promote freedom
• Hardwiring Your Precinct
• Building an effective candidacy

American Majority believes that all change begins on the local level. This training will equip citizens to be an active voice for change in their communities and the nation.

To register, please click here. For more information, please contact Andrew Kerr at akerr@americanmajority.org or call 512-771-2355.