Greetings!

I am very excited to announce that we have chosen an outstanding group of young women and men for the 2008 Annie's List Campaign School program! Having been part of the Class of 2006, I know that this will be nothing less than a life changing experience for them. Best of all, we are training the next generation of Democratic campaign professionals who will play a key role in taking back Texas.
 
In July, these seven recent college graduates will head to Washington D.C. for nine of the most intense days they could ever imagine. At Campaign School they will be taught by the top experts about every aspect of campaigns: fundraising, message development, research, press, media planning, voter contact and more. They will leave with the skills to help our endorsed candidates run winning, professional campaigns.

 

At the end of my training in 2006, I was immediately appointed the Deputy Campaign Manager for Harriet Miller in Dallas.  I recruited volunteers, coordinated events in the district, assisted on fundraising events and did many other jobs in between. 
 
And my story doesn't end with election night.  In January 2007, I went to work as the Legislative Director for Rep. Paula Pierson, one of our 2006 elected Annie's List candidates.  After session, I was able to make Annie's List my home once again, filling in as the Political and Finance Assistant since July 2007. 
 
I can say without a doubt that my life changed for the better that summer day I happened across the Annie's List Campaign School application.  Please help support our 2008 class of students - they need you!
 
Anne Bradley, '06
Political and Finance Assistant
Annie's List

 

Born in South Korea, Kelli Gill was adopted and moved to the United States when she was four. She has always been interested in politics but has come to see that by getting involved she can truly make a difference. Just this year, Kelli organized voter registration drives, encouraged fellow students to become involved in politics, canvassed neighborhoods, and led primary caucus trainings.
Kelli graduated from the University of Houston Victoria in May with a 4.0 grade point average and is excited about using her voice to make real change. "We must have legislators who will fight for women's rights within Texas." She is looking forward to working with Annie's List and helping to fulfill our mission to elect women legislators and change the face of power in Texas. 


Holland Jones recently graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in political science. Holland sees the Campaign School as a stepping stone to get involved in progressive politics on the local level and as a pathway to possibly running for office one day. One of our two male campaign "schoolers" this cycle, Holland has always seen the political arena as a place that women can and should excel. At an event as a young boy, he once asked Gov. Ann Richards if you "need to be a girl to be governor," to which she replied, "No son, but it helps."
Holland is looking forward to working on strengthening the reemergence of the Democratic Party and hopes the Campaign School will provide the chance for him to be involved in bringing a return to bi-partisanship in Texas.

A past intern at Annie's List, Stephanie Chiarello recently graduated with her Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas where she was elected president of her class. Now, she is coming back to Annie's List to attend Campaign School and take the next step in her political career.
Stephanie has spent several years working on environmental issues including working with the Lower Colorado River Authority in their laboratory to analyze water quality and with a national firm studying groundwater contamination at various sites throughout the country. Stephanie will bring her passion for these environmental issues along with her experiences at the LBJ School and at Annie's List to her political and campaign work.

While in college, Marisel Saucedo became increasingly aware of the problems that face our country and of her desire to bring about change. She served as treasurer, vice-president and chief of staff for the College Democrats chapter at Texas State University while also getting involved with local, county and statewide campaigns.
Marisel sees her political involvement as a chance to motivate the upcoming generation of activists and make them aware of the impact of their vote. She is looking forward to expanding her political knowledge and experience with the Campaign School and sees it as an opportunity to meet like-minded young progressives from across Texas.

Lena Glover is a recent graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in Sociology. She has a strong commitment to progressive values and has been very involved in the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance chapter on her campus. She also recently completed a year long internship with NARAL Pro-Choice Texas as a campus organizer.
Lena sees the Campaign School as an opportunity to work for a progressive Democratic woman. She believes women can and must be in more positions of political power in order to further equality and to change the world for the better. "The political arena needs the perspective that women bring to the issues for the benefit of Texas' women and families."

Alex Hammond, a recent graduate St. Edwards University, was consistently involved in leadership roles in student organizations, gaining leadership skills and knowledge that will serve him well in the Campaign School. Working as an intern for Rep. Sylvester Turner during the past Legislative session inspired him to imagine what positive changes could be made in Texas if Democrats could return to power.
Alex is ready to fight that battle and sees the Campaign School as an invaluable tool in his arsenal. He also knows it will be a lot of hard work and is ready to jump in. "While I expect to gain a lot out of this program, I am also certain that I will give my best and my all on whichever campaign I am assigned to."

Tammy Tijerina has already demonstrated her commitment to Annie's List as an intern and volunteer in our offices. Tammy views her own experiences growing up in a low-income family and watching her parents struggle as a way to keep her feet on the ground. While attending St. Edwards University, Tammy has also worked to pay for school and provide for herself. This hard work and dedication will no doubt serve her well in Campaign School and on the campaign to which she is assigned.
Tammy views the campaign school experience as a critical stepping stone to becoming successful in progressive politics. In regards to helping elect a progressive Democratic woman to the state legislature she says, "I want to work for a Democratic woman because she will speak for all women and children and have the best perspective on how to improve their lives." Looking ahead, Tammy sees being involved in progressive politics as the opportunity to help shape the future of Texas and the most basic policies that touch us all every day.