EDF Action Launches First-of-Its-Kind Political Campaign Academy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Washington, D.C. – December 11, 2017) Today EDF Action launched the EDF Action Campaign Academy, a unique training program to give political candidates around the country the tools they need to connect environmental issues to their local campaigns – and win. 

“Now more than ever, voters are searching for leaders to run for public office that share their values,” said Joe Bonfiglio, Associate Vice President, EDF Action. “Voters overwhelming believe we should protect our air, water, and climate. If politicians think so too, they should speak up on the campaign trail. Our training will help them do that and help them win their campaigns, no matter if they are running for city council or Congress.”

EDF Action Campaign Academy gives candidates the insight and skills they need to become stronger environmental advocates and build winning campaigns. It does so through modules featuring some of the brightest and most successful political minds in the country, including Obama battleground states director Mitch Stewart and Clinton 2016 Battleground States Director Meg Ansara.

Trainees can learn about current public opinion surrounding environmental issues, how to craft a values-driven message, the best ways to deliver a consistent message through all aspects of their campaigns, and how to respond to attacks on the environment and their campaigns. 

The training sessions are bolstered by real-life examples and interviews with leaders who have run successfully on environmental issues, such as former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.

EDF Action Campaign Academy is aimed at anyone running for public office — from U.S. Senate to local city council, and uses a web-based curriculum making it accessible anywhere in the country.