Ninth District Democratic Central Committee

Democratic University

2026 Training Program — building stronger candidates, campaigns, and organizations.

Track One

Organization & Party Management

Geared toward local parties and activists looking to strengthen the foundations of their organization and build long-term capacity for success.

  • Strategic Planning for Political Parties Every successful Democratic organization needs a strategy to put their vision into practice. Participants will develop their own strategic plan to guide their operations.
  • Candidate Recruitment and Development Learn to build a deep bench of aspiring civil servants and ensure your candidates have the tools to mount an effective race — even in districts with tough odds.
  • Event Planning From JJs and dinners to county fairs and parades, learn best practices for making party events fun, engaging, profitable, and strategically effective.
  • Political Communications Develop a communications plan that builds your local party brand and connects with your community. Topics include messaging, social networks, and media relations.
  • Reaching Out: The Basics of Outreach A foundational understanding of outreach techniques, their effectiveness, and best practices — essential for field organizers, outreach directors, and new volunteers alike.
  • Election Protection 101 Learn best practices and systems for providing election protection services leading up to and on Election Day.
  • Voter Registration & Absentee 101 Gain critical information and best practices for conducting voter registration drives, absentee solicitations, and navigating changing rules and regulations.

Certificate Options

Activist Certificate

Complete at least three courses from either section on three separate topic areas.

Campaign Manager Certificate

Complete all six course topics from either the Organization & Party Management or Candidate Development areas.

Track Two

Candidate Development

Practical tools for candidates, campaign managers, and volunteers competing in the 2026 municipal election — and those planning a future run.

  • Designing a Campaign Plan Learn how to set a vote goal, draw a campaign timeline, and envision your entire campaign from filing to Election Day.
  • Victory through VAN Votebuilder is indispensable for targeting voters and tracking volunteers. Beginner and advanced sessions available, including data analysis and predictive models.
  • Field Planning 101 Find your win number, determine voter targeting methods, and build a canvass strategy. Participants leave with a preliminary field plan ready to implement.
  • The Basics of Campaign Finance & Compliance Learn Indiana's campaign finance regulations, state forms, and key filing requirements for candidates, treasurers, and volunteers.
  • Communications for Candidates Use earned media and social platforms to win elections and articulate Democratic values. Gain tools to communicate effectively with the public and engage supporters.
  • Campaign Fundraising 101 Tips and best practices for raising the resources you need to run your best campaign and spread your message.
  • Speechwriting Workshop Practice your speeches and receive constructive feedback on substance and style — whether you're giving a brief introduction or a keynote address.
  • Websites & Social Media Development Review best practices for website development and the dos and don'ts of social media engagement.