August 22, 2007 | Bronx Community College
Ever felt like you would do a better job than some elected public officials? Did you ever want to make a difference for your community through serving in a public office? Have you wondered about yourself becoming a political candidate? Well, if these are your goals, an interest of yours or that of someone you know, come and learn how to do so at the “How to Run for Public Office in New York City” 12-hour seminar at Bronx Community College (BCC).
BCC’s Continuing and Professional Studies is collaborating with the League of Women Voters’ City of New York Education Fund to host the seminar which will take place on six Thursdays from September 6 – October 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held on the historic landmark Bronx Community College campus, located at University Avenue and West 181st Street. For more information and seminar registration, call (718) 289-5170 or (212) 725-3541.
According to Alison Alpert, Executive Director for the League of Women Voters, “The goal for the League in developing ‘How to Run for Public Office in New York City’ is to encourage more New Yorkers to become involved in the political life of the city. Alpert noted that the course was created in response to two recent developments, “The creation of the Campaign Finance Board, which allows candidates who qualify to receive matching public funds, and the institution of term limits. This has opened opportunities for those interested in running for a City Council seat.”
The cost for this special seminar is $35 for CUNY Students and $60 for the general public. Seminars will give students hands-on expertise on the basics of how to set up and run a campaign, raise money, fulfill legal requirements develop positions and endorsements, build support, participate in debates and organize election day activities. The League of Women Voters will provide instructors and materials, including the popular book, What Makes New York City Run?-A Citizen’s Guide to How City Government Works. There are limited seminar scholarship opportunities available for students. Call the League of Women Voters at (212) 725-3541 to apply for full scholarships.
Curriculum for the seminar includes:
- An Overview of How Campaigns Work: The nuts and bolts of being a candidate and running a political campaign and what happens at each stage — planning to run, gathering petitions to get on the ballot, strategy building, and getting out the vote on election day.
- Rules of the Game: Legal requirements for getting on the ballot, securing campaign funds, and running a campaign for New York City Council and New York State Legislature.
- How to Develop a Concise Message and Work With the Media: Information on working with public access television, helpful techniques for debates, developing press releases, and more. Participants have an opportunity to be involved in a mock debate.
- Election Day Strategies: What is needed to get out the vote, set up phone banks, organize campaign workers, arrange for press announcements, and work with poll watchers.
Developed by the League of Women Voters City of New York Education Fund through a grant from the New York Community Trust, the seminars are being offered at City University of New York college campuses in all five boroughs during 2007. The League of Women Voters, founded in 1919, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization that promotes informed and active citizen participation in government, and neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates.
Press, Radio, TV
Please call: Bryant Mason
Media Relations Specialist
(718) 289-5208
bryant.mason@bcc.cuny.edu
Bronx Community College (BCC) of The City University of New York celebrates its 50th anniversary of service to students in New York City in 2007. Over the past five years, enrollment has increased 20 per cent to an 8,900 student body, reflecting the reliance of the surrounding communities on it as a pathway to a better life.
BCC students from over 109 nations receive an excellent preparation to go on to four-year colleges or to advance into successful vocational careers. Programs offered at BCC include Digital Arts, Computer Information Systems, Education Associate, Nursing, Nuclear Medicine Technology, RadiologicTechnology, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Liberal Arts, Marketing, Accounting, Human Services, Media Technology and Paralegal Studies.
The College is home to initiatives not commonly associated with two-year institutions, such as the Center for Sustainable Energy, which promotes the use of renewable and efficient energy technologies in urban communities. The National Center for Educational Alliances (NCEA) is currently collaborating with South African Further Education and Training Colleges and universities to create linkages between these institutions. NCEA also coordinates the College’s international initiatives and the annual International Education Week
The Center has also facilitated a campus–wide effort to create BCC’s Center for Tolerance and Understanding. The Center for Teaching Excellence offers faculty development to promote student achievement and to stimulate discussions to keep the teaching and learning process vital and dynamic.
Take a look at BCC’s website at www.bcc.cuny.edu