Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2019 Civic and Public Leadership Academy

I just found out today that I’ve been accepted to the 2019-2020 Texas Partners in Policymaking training program (YES!).  This program will help me learn how to successfully advocate for my special needs child at the local, state, and federal level, and wow, I can’t wait to get started!  I’ve been campaigning for acceptance into this program since the first week I moved back to Lubbock.  Those of you that have been reading my blogs or following me on Facebook know how important it is for me to not only advocate for my Olivia at the top of my voice, but to actually be effective, and to win as often as I can.  For this, I need to learn how to do it right.

The PIP program referenced above is all about advocating for those among us with developmental disabilities, but let’s be honest, we all have causes that are special to us.  Maybe it’s education, equal rights, economic development, safety, or maybe for you it’s a little bit of everything.  You have lived the life you’ve lived, and you have seen what you’ve seen and learned what you’ve learned.  You love to teach and speak and advocate for your ideas on how to make your life and the lives of your children and neighbors better.  Let’s face it:  if you were a part of City Council, or the School board, or mayor, this town would be a little better off.  You know what, I agree with you.  But for this, you need to know how to get started, how to campaign, and how to win.  You need to learn how to do it right.

Fortunately, we’re all in luck!  The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce (the two-time 5-star accredited, and two-time Best Chamber in the Nation), has just the thing for you.  They are getting ready to hold their 2019 Civic and Public Leadership Academy on July 31st from 11:30am to 5pm.  If you’re interested in any level of public service, take this one-day class.  If you are married to somebody interested in public service, take this class (and have them take it, too).  And we’re not just talking about becoming mayor or county judge (although Curtis Parish, the current County Judge, did take the course a year before he was elected).  We’re talking about a whole range of public service roles where there may be a campaign or an election involved.  Here are some other roles that might interest you:

• School Board trustees 
• City Council positions
• County Commissioners
• Statewide elected officials
• President of the PTA
• Homeowners Association Board
• Any industry or job-specific board or commission

The registration fee is $35, and of course, seats are limited.  Not convinced yet?  Here are some more reasons you might want to take this course.

• You want to help others run for one of the above roles
• You are interested in working on a campaign
• You are a family member of a potential candidate – this class not only helps you win but helps you prepare in case you lose
• You want to be part of a campaign’s “Kitchen Cabinet” – unofficial advisors to larger campaigns

So rise up, ladies!  It’s time to start running this town.  Let’s get educated.  Let’s get elected.