Nebraska Democratic Party: Blogging from Camp Connealy

Blogging from Camp Connealy

Jun 26, 03:04 PM CST

I’m blogging from Camp Connealy, where we’re finishing up the weekend’s training sessions. We had a great camp this year: a record number of attendees, great speakers, and lots of energy. It was great to see Nebraska Democrats learning the skills needed to rebuild our Party and win back Nebraska. Check out what the Omaha World-Herald wrote about the camp.

The camp was broken down into three tracks: an intro track, a candidate track, and a campaign veterans and party leaders track. We had county chairs, grassroots activists, and candidates learn and perfect field organizing, message development, and fundraising skills.

Over the next few months, we’ll be taking our training program on the road, holding grassroots trainings around the state to equip activists and candidates with the tools they need to build the Democratic community and elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Let us know if you’d like a training in your area.

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Hey after the 04 election I was really down. This camp has given me renewed hope for the strong Democratic Party we had in the 80s and 90s.
— Mike Driscoll Jun 26, 04:01 PM CST #
Just wanted to thank everyone for coming to Camp Connealy!

It was great to meet everyone of you!
— Heath Mello Jun 26, 04:04 PM CST #
Thanks to everyone that took part in organizing and presenting Camp Connealy in Omaha. The training was great and I look forward to putting all that was learned to use. The presenters were excellent and the participants were fun and good people to meet.
— Teena Foster Jun 26, 04:07 PM CST #
How fortunate for Nebraska to have Camp Connealy! The weekend program is information packed and provides the tools to generate winning results in the coming elections. It was wonderful being around such enthusiastic, creative and committed Democrats who have set their sights on making a real difference in Nebraska. Thank you for making an important program like Camp Connealy possible!
— Merry Bateman Jun 26, 05:46 PM CST #
I really learned a lot this weekend and can’t wait to get started in 06’.So, all you potential candidates out there who are passionate about democratic principles and have a committment to win, look me up as the next up and coming campaign manager.

To all of our trainers kudos. The tracks were excellent. I learned useful real life tips for running a winning campaign. Can’t wait to execute all of this invaluable information.

I would highly recommend any Democrat who didn’t attend to mark your calendars for next year’s camp.
— Robin Q. Jun 26, 05:49 PM CST #
Thanks so much to Grassroots Solutions, our campers, trainers, volunteers and staff for an outstanding weekend. I was truly inspired by all of you, and look forward to working with you as we continue to move our party forward.

I’d also like to thank Rich Davis, Jenny Backus, Nick Gerten, Jerry Samargia, Bill and Jim Crounse, and Becky Imes for spending your weekend here with us in Nebraska. Your service to us was greatly appreciated and extremely valuable.
— Barry Jun 26, 06:03 PM CST #
How did Fortenberry win the election?
— JackalnInTheBox Jun 27, 07:49 AM CST #
One of the reasons Fortenberry won was because he had dozens of volunteers. We’re working to make sure that we have an army of well-trained activists that can help elect Democrats up and down the ballot – that’s how we’ll build a 93-county Democratic Party.
— Ian Russell Jun 27, 10:53 AM CST #
Well said.
— Mike Driscoll Jun 27, 10:54 AM CST #
This training was excellent – and I’ve sat through a lot of training. Every hour was well worth our attention and involvement. Every presenter / trainer was experienced, smart, and intent on getting us the maximum help in the time available.

It was both sobering (a little frightening), and powerfully motivating.

Do it again, guys!

And to those who didn’t get in on it, watch for whatever Nebraska Dems make available in the months to come. If this camp was at all characteristic, future offerings will be well worth the time.
— Larry Harvey Jun 27, 12:56 PM CST #
Kudo’s to Senator Connealy, the Nebraska Democratic Party Headquarter’s Staff, the Training Staff, and last but not least, everybody who took time out of their schedule to be a participant, during what I think is the busiest non-holiday weekend of the summer! We displayed our willingness to put the time into making our party work. We demonstrated our desire to learn how to convey a message that needs to be given. And our attendence showed that we have the courage to say I AM A DEMOCRAT!

Keep in touch via the Blog, via E-Mail, via snail mail, pick up a phone, or go to dem functions in another county. Pass on what we have learned, and take in from others what they know. And seek out people in our communities who need to know that they are not alone.

Let’s turn Nebraska blue!
— jimdake Jun 27, 08:21 PM CST #
Just want to thank the fantastic group of candidates and activists who turned out for Camp Connealy this weekend. It was truly a privilege to spend time with such a smart, energetic, and dedicated group of Democrats.

At a time when it’s fashionable to talk down the fortunes of the Democratic Party, this weekend was an answer to those who claim states like Nebraska are forever painted “red”. Looked like a washable paint to me, after three days with you in Omaha.

It was especially encouraging to see so many young Nebraskans turn out for the training. Keep it up, and stay involved. This Party needs a bench—of candidates, activists, and professionals. We’re lucky to have you.

And thanks so much for your hospitality; I hope those of you who attended felt you benefitted from whatever expertise and experience we were able to impart.

Take care,
—Rich Davis
Dixon/Davis Media Group
— Rich Davis Jun 27, 09:52 PM CST #
I would like to echo every sentiment from above.

This camp was a great experience for me as a camper, and also as one of the leaders of the Nebraska Young Democrats.

Many of you have already done so, but for those who havent, take a minute and sign up with the NYD at www.nebraskayoungdemocrats.org.

Ian is right, we do need a volunteer base that will be there to support the multiple campaigns being waged for victory in 2006. As the official youth wing of the Nebraska Democratic Party, we work on campuses and in communities across our state to build a progressive movement that will change Nebraska.

Get us your contact info, and we’ll be sure to get you involved!
— Micah Intermill Jun 28, 11:05 AM CST #
To All,

Thank you very much for inviting me to be part of the camp.

A special thanks to Barry, Ian, Heath, Matt Conneally, Sean and the entire state party for putting on the training. I’ve been doing trainings like this for many years and this was the best.

As a native Nebraskan, I’m excited about the energy and commitment to excellence and to winning races.

I was also impressed by the caliber of the participants and by their thirst to be the best.

Jim Crounse
— Jim Crounse Jun 28, 01:58 PM CST #
Sorry, mispelled Connealy ! Sorry Matt !
— Jim Crounse Jun 28, 02:20 PM CST #
Hello Mudda,
Hello Fadda,
There I was at
Camp Connealy!

Camp was indeed very entertaining.
I met some very inspiring people, and it
was a pleasure to be part of the experience.

I ate more red meat than I usually do in a month. I also felt fortunate to be a part of the energy of the Nebraska Democratic Party. I know that the best days are ahead.

I’ll also never forget the Clarion Hotel or all the Texas fans in the lobby of the Hilton.

They say you can’t go home again. They are wrong. Nebraska will always be home for those of us who grew up there. Thank you for letting me be a part of the experience. Best of luck to all!

Bill
— Bill Crounse Jun 28, 04:11 PM CST #
I thought that the camp was excellent. I have been through campaign training before but it was not like this. This was very intensive and fun. The presenters knew what they were talking about and offered their best advice and genuinely wanted to help. This was wonderful. I think that we need to put together programs like this to encourage people to become activists and realize their own stake in politics. I know for a fact that had some of my friends come along they would have a wonderful time. We have got to find ways to bring in more new people and take away their excuses for not participating. This is essential to our 93 county strategies.

Just when I thought that I knew a lot about politics I find that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. My hope is to go through the other two tracks that I didn’t attend this time. Over all it was GRRRREEEEEAAAT!!!!!!!!!
— Joseph Smith Jun 28, 08:44 PM CST #