Camp Carnahan 2026
Our next Camp Carnahan Campaign Training will be January 31st- February 1st, 2026!
More details and sign up information will be posted in the coming weeks!
Come Join Us at the Camp Carnahan Campaign Training Program
Educate-Organize-Win!
Please join the Missouri Democratic Party at Camp Carnahan to help you develop the necessary skills to win elections this fall. Camp Carnahan is perfect for you if you are looking to get your start in Democratic politics as a campaign professional, run for office yourself or if you are looking to win on an issue, such as the upcoming abortion rights ballot initiative.
WHAT IS CAMP CARNAHAN?
Camp Carnahan will conduct 3 specialized tracks of training. Each track will consist of 9 lectures and up to 5 simulation exercises. Campers will choose their tracks and be divided into teams. Throughout the weekend we will have competitions and the winning teams will be awarded prizes at the end of the camp on Sunday.
Camp Carnahan Tracks include:
- Track 1: How to be a Better Candidate
- Track 2: Introduction to Campaign Management for Future Paid Professionals
- Track 3: Issue Advocacy and Organizing
CANDIDATE TRAINING TRACK
The Candidate Training track will be an introduction to and preparation for a run at elected office. We encourage everyone thinking about running for office in 2026 to attend this training. Participants in the Candidate Training program will have the opportunity to be mentored by elected officials and some of the top political consultants in the country.
ISSUE ADVOCACY AND ORGANIZING TRACK
This track introduces the strategies and tactics necessary for building a successful issue advocacy campaign or program. It helps individuals develop the skills to create and carry out successful issue campaigns including message development, community outreach, working with volunteers, grassroots lobbying, leadership development and building effective coalitions. Attendees will sharpen their grassroots organizing abilities and learn about building a sustaining effective issues advocacy effort.
CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT TRACK
The Campaign Management track will be an introduction to the fundamentals of political campaigns. You will learn the basics of fundraising, field organizing, press relations, advance, volunteer coordination, GOTV, targeting, candidate relations and modern technology. Attendees will be divided up into teams and will be responsible for writing and presenting various campaign exercises during this intensive two-day program.
