Political Climate Requires Savvy, Knowledge Â?? Colorado State University Offers Courses in Political Success Sept. 8-29

        With a recall in California and upcoming national primaries and a presidential election, knowledge of the political process has never been more important to a successful campaign for those interested in running for public office. Colorado State University’s Department of Continuing Education has specifically designed a series of workshops for aspiring public servants to learn how to successfully run for public office and to be effective once elected.

      Colorado State’s College of Political Knowledge workshops will run every Monday from 5:30-9 p.m. Sept. 8-29 at the City Building, 215 N. Mason St. in Fort Collins. The cost of attending the workshops is $75 for all four courses.

     The series is designed for Colorado residents interested in running for office, campaign managers wanting to learn more, citizens interested in involvement and local politicians interested in higher office. The focus of the series is to better prepare individuals for public service through interactive presentations and networking opportunities.

     "There is an urgent need for citizens who have knowledge of our communities to get involved in the political system," said Colorado Sen. Steve Johnson. "The College of

Political Knowledge is a great way for citizens to learn about effective and constructive ways of building public policies for the good of everyone in Colorado."

        Individual lectures focus on civility and how government works, campaign and election experiences including rewards and challenges, a review of the Fair Campaign Act, how to effectively work with the public, specifics of running and managing a campaign, how to work with the media, current issues facing today’s politicians and success through personal responsibility.     Each session is lead by Colorado experts from all levels of government, such as State Sen. Steve Johnson; State Sen. Peggy Reeves; Ray Martinez, mayor of Fort Collins; Scott Doyle, Larimer County clerk and recorder; Don Marostica, Loveland city council; Kathy Rennels, Larimer County commissioner; Jim Cleary, campaign consultant; and John Straayer, professor of political science at Colorado State.     

     "The College of Political Knowledge helps many who tend to think vertically to look at things laterally – not from one side, but all sides (even from behind)," said Martinez. "This influences how we view public policy and going forward in a pro-active way."

     The College of Political Knowledge is a nonpartisan public service presented by Colorado State University in partnership with the Larimer County League of Women Voters.  

     For more information, contact the Department of Continuing Education at (970) 491-5288. For a complete schedule and to register online, visit the College of Political Knowledge at www.learn.colostate.edu/ncolorado.

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