Session Catalog

For information on each session: See Speaker Bios

Session 1 - 10am till 10:30am

Activism Sampler

Judith Bolker, Susan Pfeifer, Sylvia Russell

Track: Volunteers

Are you somewhat new to political activism? Looking for a way that you can enjoy being effective? Then come to this session and learn about some of the ways that volunteers can have a real impact on elections! It is a wonderful sampler of 1-on-1 activism: Learn about phone banking, text banking, canvassing, postcards, voter registration, and tabling. Find the ones that feel the most comfortable with, and then be sure to practice your new skills to help win elections!

Cultivating Sustainable Volunteer Communities

Margaret McCarthy

Track: Captains, Leaders

Abstract: You’ve got great volunteers, but how do you get them to stay? This session will cover the ins and outs of volunteer management: data and record-keeping, orientation and training, engagement and retention; and accountability. You’ll leave with concrete actions you can implement to strengthen your volunteer program, however big or small.

DACA and Immigration: How to Talk to Voters

Lariza Dugan-Cuadra

Track: Issues

Abstract: The overall goal of this presentation is to provide participants with a simple breakdown of the U.S. electoral system, and the importance and role of civic and voter engagement in the creation of local, state, and national policies that either protect, or further erode, individual rights, particularly those of the estimated 11 million+ undocumented immigrants in the U.S., currently under attack by the Trump administration.

We will give a basic demographic overview of the current eligible voter population, including average voter turn-out and other basic voter demographics locally, at the state, and at the national level. We will discuss the relationship between voter engagement (being a constituent), civic engagement/advocacy, and local, state, and national policy (i.e., laws that impact our everyday lives). And we will give local, state and national examples of how voter/civic engagement has impacted local policies, including DACA, Sanctuary Cities, Universal Legal Representation and other community driven policies/laws.

Developing The Coalition’s Foundation

Linda Herman, Pat Mundy, Steve Pierson

Track: Coalition

Abstract: This session will open with background on why the Coalition Committee formed, its history and mission. Most of the session will be group dialogue to help finalize the Coalition's vision, operating principles, objectives, processes and roles, and current key initiatives: www.norcalbluewave.org and Leadership Lab. Note: this is a 2-hour workshop - it begins at 10:00am and continues through until 11:50am in the same meeting room.

Expanding the Map to Rock All 14

Doug Linney

Track: Regional Races

Abstract: Democrats need to retake 24 seats to flip the House of Representatives, and the path to that victory starts in California. There are 14 California congressional seats held by Republicans who continue to vote against the interests of the state and their constituents. Nationwide, Hillary Clinton won in 22 Congressional Districts currently held by a Republican. Winning the districts that Clinton won will not be enough; we can and must do better. It’s time to expand the map of winnable seats in California. It’s time to Flip the 14. This session will review why it is important to compete in all 14 seats, and review the "lower 7" seats and the strategic opportunities to maximize chances of winning, both short term and long term. We will also discuss how to message in Red districts, and how to build a bench for the long term.

Reaching Latino Voters

Brigitte Davila, Jose Torres

Track: Issues, Captains, Leaders, Volunteers

Abstract: CD 10 is 40% Latino; 60,000 Latino voters are unregistered in San Mateo County. State-wide, 59% of unregistered potential voters are Latinos. Why aren't Latinos voting and taking power? How can we engage with, register, and activate Latino voters?

Values-Based Organizing: Knowing Your “Why” ^

Liz Erickson

Track: Captains

Abstract: Many Americans have ideas about how to change our country for the better, but why are we not always compelled by them? It’s likely because we don’t always hear the underlying values behind why they care about the change in the first place -- their “why.” Through this training, we will help you identify your own “why,” and practice communicating it in a clear, persuasive way that allows others to connect with your ideas and story.

Why State Legislatures Matter

Stephanie Engelsen, Laura Xuereb

Track: Issues, Regional Races, Volunteers

Abstract: Over the past decade, the GOP has invested heavily in Project REDMAP to win state legislative seats, and unfortunately, it has paid off. The GOP has 26 trifecta states (where one party controls both chambers of state government, as well as the state governorship) while Democrats only have eight. In fact, Democrats lost nearly 1,000 state seats between 2008 and 2016.

With control of many state capitols, the GOP instituted gerrymandering and passed voter suppression laws. These in turn have created a vicious cycle of guaranteeing continued dominance on the state level and outsized advantages for U.S. House of Representatives seats, even when registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans. For example, in 2016 in Wisconsin, the GOP won 64 seats in the state assembly vs 35 won by Democrats. Yet an analysis commissioned by AP found that the Republican edge in Wisconsin’s assembly districts only had a 1 in 60,000 probability of occuring by chance. We must fix this imbalance before the Census-driven redistricting after 2020 locks down the gerrymanders for another decade. So come to this session to learn what you can do!

Sister District is committed to flipping or holding chambers blue by re-invigorating grassroots activists to realize the importance of state races. We’ve already help make history in the 2017 election for the Virginia House of Delegates when 13 seats we supported flipped from red to blue. This year, the blue tsunami continues with blue, down-ballot state upsets in Florida, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.

Working Session: Determining The Coalition’s Shared Values

Steve Barber

Track: Coalition

Abstract: Based upon the current reality of the progressive landscape comprising a host of issue/interest focused groups/initiatives, the scope of this session is twofold: (1) Participants will explore the principles of effective collaboration essential to the success of building coalitions. Collaboration” is not just about “talking nice”. “Collaboration” is a collection of practices grounded in behavioral principles and shared language. (2) This session will draw upon participants' individual goals as activists, to discover the shared purposes underlying our work. The output of the session will be synthesized with the output of similar sessions that have been and will be conducted at all other Rock the Congress events, to produce a robust set of foundational values for the Coalition. Note: this is a 2-hour workshop - it begins at 10:00am and continues through until 11:50am in the same meeting room.

Session 2 - 11am

Effective Listening

Liz Erickson

Track: Captains, Leaders

Abstract: In this training, we ground ourselves as listeners. In a recent study, 78% of the United States population indicated they were highly effective listeners, but only a quarter of the people polled could repeat back what was shared. This training focuses on the ability to listen for the underlying values that people try to convey when they speak, and how to build a connection based on shared ideas and beliefs. This is essential for any effective organizing work we do this year.

How to Advocate for Sensible Gun Laws

Ellen Ginsberg, Lorraine Meier

Track: Issues

Abstract: On average, 96 people in the United States fall victim to gun violence each day. This session will focus on how to advocate for the reforms needed to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Parkland, Florida in February, as well as to stop the gun violence stemming from domestic violence, suicides, and accidental shootings that make up the majority of gun deaths in the United States.

Leading Demonstrations and Rallies

Stephanie Hibbert, Catherine Klein, Liliana Soroceanu, Barry Thornton

Track: Captains, Leaders

Abstract: Protests in the street are critical to any real positive change, all the more so for what it will take to drive out the Trump/Pence regime. What is the best time, place, and manner to get your message out to the world? This course will teach you how to galvanize a powerful social movement through mass protest. Street agitators can make an enormous impact. We will discuss why permitted protests are important and why and how you can fight for your permits. Non-permitted protests are also important and you will learn why. We will also discuss how to maintain a peaceful, safe demonstration.

The panel will also discuss how to plan and execute a rally with a Member of Congress (MOC), including details on preparing for the rally, building well researched agendas, getting in touch with the office and scheduling the meeting. We’ll discuss how to reach out to the community to include a diverse group of constituents, how to get them to be active participants, how to research pending legislation and voting records, and how to use resources and experts to prepare. In addition, we will discuss the importance of post-meeting debriefing and sharing the experience with other local/national activists. Holding rallies and lobbying your MOC is an important tool for progressive change.

Major Voter Databases and Campaign Tools #

Gary Brown

Track: Tech, Captains, Leaders

Abstract: PDI (MOE), NGP VAN, and NationBuilder are the three major voter databases and associated access software available through the DNC, unions, and major activist groups. They can manage voter, donor, volunteer, and membership data for election strategy, communications, and analysis, providing automated fundraising, phone banking lists, canvassing route maps, and much, much more. Focusing on MOE, because that's the official database of the California Democratic Party, this overview, suitable for both campaigners and technologists, discusses the basic capabilities of these software packages, their access to voter lists, coordination among user groups, and the legal considerations and costs for using them in campaigns. (Founded in 1987 and based in California, PDI has built the most comprehensive voter file in California, supporting organizations such as the CDP, DCCC, Labor, and progressive non-profits. It is currently expanding to support progressives in all 50 states.)

Media Narrative and Social Media

Deepak Puri and Sarah Hardwick

Track: Leaders, Tech

Abstract: We'll show attendees how they can collect grassroots video clips, using the examples of how people feel about mass shootings & gun violence. Speakers will then explain what is a psychographic profile and how it's based on a person's values, and how one figures that out. In closing, we'll then discuss how you have to talk in relation to their 'values'.

Update on CD 10

Lucia Nuñez

Track: Regional Races

Abstract: Hear updates on the field program in California's 10th Congressional District. What are local activist groups and the Democratic Party doing regarding the race? How might the voter contact programs change moving forward? What are the various ways to be involved in this race as an individual or group leader living outside the district? This session is ideal for activists and organizers who are looking to get involved in CA-10 or who are already involved and wish to hear the latest developments. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Update on CD 21 and CD 22

Jennifer Halsing, Mary Trounstine

Track: Regional Races

CD 21 and CD 22, two potential red-to-blue congressional districts in the San Joaquin Valley south of San Jose and surrounding (but not including) Fresno, are ripe for a Democratic victory, but only if we work hard. This panel discussion will focus on the issues important to voters in the districts, the groups working to win a blue victory, and what you can do as a volunteer! Come with your questions; we expect a lively Q&A.

Voter Registration and Tabling

Susan Pfeifer

Track: Volunteers; Captains

Abstract: Visibility at public events is an excellent means to attract new volunteers, promote activities of your organization, and to register voters. There are several methods that fall under the term “Visibility”: Tabling, Canvassing, Walking around with clipboards, and setting up Voter Registration tables at events. This session will share handy tips on “Tabling,” including how and where to set up as well as best practices on how to register voters.

Session 3 - 1:40pm

CD 21 and CD 22 Update

Jennifer Halsing, Mary Trounstine

Track: Regional Races

Deep Canvassing Parts 1 and 2

Brandyn Keating

Track: Captains

Abstract: We’ll close this series of trainings (Value-Based Organizing, Effective Listening, Deep Canvassing) by reviewing proven techniques to hear shared values rather than ideological differences, thereby leading to common ground. We find these techniques particularly helpful when talking to our neighbors who are not actively involved in politics. This training will concentrate on best techniques in talking to voters - on their doorstep or on the phone - when encountering someone who does not agree with your point of view. These two sessions will include practicing Knowing Your Personal “Why” and your Effective Listening skills and prepare you for “hitting the doors” to canvass to win in 2018!

Digital Organizing with Mobilize America #

(speakers?)

Track: Tech, Leaders

District Status Reports and Coalition Planning Workshop for Targeted Districts

Linda Herman, Kook Huber, Andrew Kim, Steve Pierson

Track: Coalition

Abstract: This session will open with a report from the field on the status, electoral activity, and best practices in Congressional Districts 1, 4, 7, 10, 21. The session then will transition to breakout groups that engage all participants in the development of action plans to support each district. Note: this is a 3-hour workshop - it begins at 1:40pm but continues through until 4:30pm in the same meeting room

Introduction to Canvassing

Judith Bolker, Fran Schreiberg

Track: Volunteers

Abstract: What really works to build the Resistance and win elections? Face to Face Canvassing! Whether you are promoting a candidate, identifying voters and issues or canvassing in support of an issue, a respectful conversation at the door is the best way to engage voters. This training will cover the basics: 1. Know your candidate and know your issues; 2. Be prepared for the walk (what to wear and what to bring with you); 3. Understand the data tools (apps and maps); 4. Understand the types of canvassing and the conversations you'll have at the door. We'll talk about both classical canvassing and the metrics-driven, constantly evaluated approach used by Working America, the developers of the Deep Canvassing Technique to increase voter turnout. At the end of this session you'll feel comfortable with your first time knocking on doors to make a difference!

Leading Canvassing and Travel Coordination

Mara Baron

Track: Captains, Leaders

Abstract: Advanced training in handling canvassing, volunteer recruitment, management, and retention. Managing a travel program, including travel arrangements and handling common issues with volunteers and voters.

Overcoming Voter Disenfranchisement

Drew Ellsworth, Theresa Kolish

Track: Issues, Captains, Leaders

Abstract: The discussion will educate the audience on multiple voting suppression tactics such as gerrymandering, voter identification rules, and changes to voter registration rules in key states, and the effects these tactics have had on elections across the country. We will also highlight the tools we need to brandish to ensure voters have access to the polls going forward.

Workshop on Coalition Decision-Making

Steve Barber

Track: Coalition

Abstract: Participants are asked to bring decisions they face in working cross-organizationally to win elections. The first part of the session will be an overview of the Interest-Based Approach to Decision Making. The majority of the session will give participants an opportunity to practice applying the methodology to their upcoming decisions. Note: this is a 3-hour workshop - it begins at 1:40pm but continues through until 4:30pm in the same meeting room

A helpful PREREQUISITE would be the morning session: Working Session: Determining The Coalition’s Shared Values OR attendance at LEADERSHIP LAB 2/17/2018.

Session 4 - 2:40pm

Introduction to Phone Banking

Juli Uota

Track: Volunteers

Abstract: Phone Banks work! But they work best when you have the tools and know-how before you start. From ID to GOTV calls and understanding the goals at each point of the process, to conquering your fears of the phone and connecting with strangers - training can make you your most powerful advocate. Come learn some tricks of the trade, including: how to make effective calls, the different types of calls and tools used to make them, and why phone banking is one of the best tools available to enable you to help flip the entire country to blue.

Nevada Elections - How Can I Help?

Denise Lopez, Donna West

Track: Regional Races

Abstract: In 2018 Democrats will compete in critical races across the United States. Currently, Republicans hold power over the White House, Senate, House, and 33 governorships. This election will help determine who will take the reins and have control over our country. Nevada has been named one of the states that can help wrest control from the Republicans and restore influence to the majority of the American people. To do so, we need to win races for governor, one U.S. Senate seat, and Congressional districts 1, 3, and 4 in Southern Nevada and district 2 in Northern Nevada.

Organizing a Campaign: Strategies and Administration

Jay Carmona, Adriel Hampton

Track: Leaders

Abstract: In this first half of a two-part session, Jay and Adriel will talk through campaign administration, volunteer coordination, and recruitment, and tell you how it all fits together. They will discuss developing departmental goals and workplans, and they’ll introduce a cost-per-vote calculator for planning voter contact methods, including call banking, text banking, and canvassing.Then they’ll give you tech and administrative recommendations, some notes on campaign finance, and high-level information on helpful tools for volunteer-driven campaigns. Participants will leave with the knowledge of how to coordinate the essential functions of a grassroots political campaign.

Messaging & Strategic Communications

Emily Gittleman, Christine Wei

Track: Leaders, Captains, Volunteers

Abstract: From packaging your candidate and your campaign for voters to recruiting new volunteers, boosting event attendance, or wrangling earned media opportunities, strategic messaging helps achieve your goals and maximize your impact. This session kicks off with an overview of what good messaging looks like along with the basic elements of a communications strategy. For the bulk of the following time, we’ll drill down to best practices for social media and media relations. You’ll get a crash course on how to establish your online image, and what and when you should post on various platforms. Then learn the dos and don’ts for working with media, plus how to write press releases and pitch them.

Talking to Voters About Issues: ACA/Obamacare Changes, and The Trump Tax Scam

Susan Pfeifer

Track: Issues

Abstract: There are two issues that will have impact on the lives of all Californians - as well as most Americans - beginning in 2019. Understanding the basics on how to address these issues can help volunteers when talking to voters for the Mid-Term elections. Led by Susan Pfeifer, a Certified Enrollment Counselor for Covered California, this forum will be a general discussion on simple, basic talking points on these two issues. We’ll start with a brief history of the Affordable Care Act and how changes made by Donald Trump and the Republican congress will impact voters in 2019 and beyond. Then we’ll discuss who really benefits from the Trump Tax Scam, the impacts of the Tax Cuts on the national deficit, and Republican plans to cut social safety net programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security because of the deficit.

Session 5 - 3:40

Expanding the Map to Rock All 14

Doug Linney

Track: Regional Races

Democrats need to retake 24 seats to flip the House of Representatives, and the path to that victory starts in California. There are 14 California congressional seats held by Republicans who continue to vote against the interests of the state and their constituents. Nationwide, Hillary Clinton won in 22 Congressional Districts currently held by a Republican. Winning the districts that Clinton won will not be enough; we can and must do better. It’s time to expand the map of winnable seats in California. It’s time to Flip the 14. This session will review why it is important to compete in all 14 seats, and review the "lower 7" seats and the strategic opportunities to maximize chances of winning, both short term and long term. We will also discuss how to message in Red districts, and how to build a bench for the long term.

How to Build a Phone Bank Program

Juli Uota

Track: Captains

Abstract: You know phone banks work. You know how to make calls. Now you’re ready to take the next step and lead a phone bank. Establishing and running phone banks is more than just location, lingo, and wi-fi. In this session we will focus on: assessing and addressing logistical requirements, different types of calling tools, specifics on campaign approaches, creating a team, backup systems, volunteer management, getting lists, building capacity, and basic problem solving. Get the know-how you need so you and your team can successfully run phone banks, whether for a few volunteers or a thousand.

How To Run An Effective Meeting

Susan Shain

Track: Leaders, Captains

Abstract: The session will be focused on sharing simple and effective ways to get the best results from meetings. A few straightforward tools will be shared which can be used by meeting organizers and facilitators to set and attain desired goals. When the tools are applied, meetings will be more productive, participants will be heard and outcomes will be met. People will leave with a sense of time well spent.

The session will present the tools and give all in attendance an opportunity to practice using them. Learn and practice the strategies and leave the session armed and ready to apply them at your next meeting and event.

Organizing a Campaign: Volunteer Management and Technologies

Jay Carmona, Adriel Hampton

Track: Leaders, Tech

Abstract: In this second half of a two-part session, Jay and Adriel will discuss volunteer recruitment and management, and how administrative systems and technology can facilitate massive, volunteer-led campaigns. They’ll take you through a complete campaign engagement cycle. They’ll show how different tools and platforms fit together, and they’ll give participants a tool for building their own tech infrastructure. This is a platform-neutral workshop.

Text Banking and Postcard Writing

Amy Bayersdorfer, Jacinth Sohi

Track: Volunteers; Captains

Abstract: We often think of phone banking and canvassing as core organizing tools for volunteers. But what happens when you have volunteers who don't enjoy person-to-person contact, or who aren’t available for long blocks of time during the day or on weekends? In this session, we'll explore two initiatives that are rapidly gaining traction for volunteer toolkits: postcard writing and text banking. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn about the power of these new activism strategies and how they're being used in 2018. You’ll leave with a list of resources to run your own postcard parties and text banks. And you’ll also get to actually write postcards and participate in a text bank. Afterwards you'll be equipped to start leveraging these methods to maximize your volunteer force and supercharge your group's organizing power.

Turning Arizona Blue -- The Opportunity Next Door

Alec

Track: Regional Races

Abstract: Arizona is the largest urban Western state that is not yet reliably Democratic - and it’s right next door to California. In fact, the Phoenix metro area (the third largest metro area in the West, with nearly 5 million people) is as close to Los Angeles as is the San Francisco Bay Area.

While we are not yet where we’d like to be, Arizona is making the shift to a more progressive future. And with attention and assistance from our California neighbors, our turn will be all the faster and more stable, allowing us to hold on to the gains we are now making.

In 2016, we ended one-party Republican rule in the Phoenix metro area’s Maricopa County by electing Paul Penzone as Sheriff to defeat Joe Arpaio. In total, we ran 9 Democratic candidates for countywide offices (the most Democrats running for those offices since the 1930s), and 6 of those 9 candidates were elected. In fact, Paul Penzone won parts of Maricopa County that no other Democratic candidate has ever won. Phoenix’s Maricopa County, with over 60 percent of the state’s population, was formerly the stronghold of Republican Arizona. But that is true no longer.

In 2018, Democrats in Arizona are poised to take a U.S. Senate seat and we are likely to win the majority of our U.S. House delegation – 5 of 9 seats.

See how you can help turn Arizona blue - the opportunity with over 7 million people right next door.

Update on CD 10

Lucia Nuñez

Track: Regional Races

Update on CD 21 and CD 22

Jennifer Halsing, Mary Trounstine

Track: Regional Races

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