Academy 201 FAQ
201 Basics
Arena Academy 201 equips experienced campaign staffers with the management and technical skills necessary to lead campaign teams. When you attend Arena Academy 201 you’re joining a dedicated community of campaign professionals committed to leveling up their skills and unlocking their leadership potential. Team Arena continues to build specialized 201 trainings to grow participant’s data, digital, and finance skills.
- When: Arena holds 2 -3 Arena Academy 201 programs each calendar year
- Where: Online
- Who: 100+ current and experienced campaign staffers
- What: Participants take part in a two and a half day learning experience, spending the majority of time in plenary sessions on management and leadership. On the final day of training, participants have the opportunity to choose from a menu of skills-based sessions on topics ranging from budgeting to calculating goals to layering digital programs to using VAN
More 201 Details
Who is Arena Academy 201 designed for?
This training is intended for people who have worked at least one cycle as a full-time paid staffer on a campaign, in any position. We consider a cycle to be 3+ months working on a campaign or multiple campaigns. If you do not meet this criteria, please consider applying to Arena Academy, where we accept applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels.
We also ask that applicants demonstrate their interest in continuing to work on campaigns. If you currently hold a management position, you are strongly encouraged to apply, and if you don’t yet hold a management position, we want to know that is something you aspire to.
What should I expect at Arena Academy 201?
We believe that to be a good manager, you need to get to know yourself. We all carry with us good and bad experiences from past managers. We taught ourselves things at past jobs. And our life experiences and identities have all shaped us in different ways. How can you take all of these factors and understand what it means to be the best leader you can be? At Arena Academy 201, you can expect to investigate how your lived experiences inform your leadership skills today. You can expect to be challenged, to gain insights, and to be in discussion with peers traversing the progressive campaign space.
The first day and a half will be spent in plenary sessions on management and leadership. The second day will hone in on particular skills you may need as a manager on a campaign.
I’m brand new to politics. Can I apply for Arena Academy 201?
No. Arena Academy 201 has a prerequisite of at least one cycle as a full-time paid campaign staffer. We consider a cycle to be 3+ months working on a campaign or multiple campaigns. If you do not meet this criteria, please consider applying to Arena Academy, where we accept applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels.
How much does Arena Academy 201 cost?
The cost of attending Arena Academy 201 is $200.
Are there scholarships?
We want to make sure there are no barriers to applying, so we offer a range of need-based scholarships. Just complete the scholarship section of the application. If you’re accepted, we’ll let you know what level of scholarship we’re able to offer.
What does the scholarship cover?
For trainings held online via Zoom, the scholarship will cover the registration fee. In the past, we’ve also offered childcare and technology grants. Participants are eligible to apply for this additional support once they’ve been accepted into Arena Academy 201.
Where does Arena Academy 201 take place?
Arena Academy 201 takes place online via Zoom. Since April 2020, Arena has hosted many virtual trainings. We specialize in creating effective learning environments and building community in virtual spaces.
Is this only meant for campaign managers?
No. This is open to anyone who wants to manage people or programs on campaigns.
Are there different tracks?
No. The majority of time will be spent in plenary sessions. On the second day of training you’ll be able to choose which advanced sessions you’d like to attend on topics such as VAN, digital, reporting, budgeting, and others.
Team Arena continues to build specialized 201 trainings to grow help participants data, digital, and finance skills in a 2.5 day format.
What if I have other questions?
If you have other questions as you consider your decision, just email [email protected] or if you receive a text message from our team about your application, just text back. We’re a small team and will get back to you as soon as possible.
What’s the difference between Arena Academy and Arena Academy 201?
Participants
- Arena Academy 201 is intended for people who want to be people managers on campaigns (think any role with a “director” title) and who have had at least one cycle of campaign experience.
- Arena Academy is open to people from all experience levels.
Topics
- Arena Academy 201 focuses predominantly on leadership skills as well as skills you need to manage a team, execute a strategic plan, and run a department. Team Arena continues to build specialized 201 trainings to grow participants’ data, digital, and finance skills in a 2.5 day format.
- Arena Academy has seven different tracks so that you can deep-dive on specific skills to work in campaign management, communications, data, digital, finance, and organizing.
Time
- Arena Academy 201 is two and a half days (from roughly 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. EDT each day except the first) with ample breaks.
- Arena Academy takes place over five days (from roughly 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT each day) with ample breaks.
Format
- Arena Academy 201 is an interactive online training. We accept about 100 people, and the majority of the time will be spent in a full-group setting.
- Arena Academy is an interactive training that culminates in a team-based simulation called the Arena Cup. We accept about 250 people, and each track will have about 36 people in the classroom.
Cost
- Arena Academy 201 costs $200. Scholarships are available.
- Arena Academy registration costs $300. Scholarships are available.
Academy Event Logistics
What should I expect each day?
Arena Academy 201 is a two and a half day program hosted online. The majority of time will be spent in plenary sessions. The first day and half will consist of sessions on leadership and management. On the final day of training you’ll be able to choose which advanced sessions you’d like to attend on topics such as budgeting, working with consultants, layering digital programs, and others.
Will there be pre-work?
Yes. You’ll receive pre-work and pre-reading approximately two weeks before Arena Academy 201.
Will there be free time?
Yes. The agenda will include ample breaks, as well as optional workshops and social events in the evenings.
Will we receive the training materials?
Yes. Slides will be made available to participants after the course. You’ll be asked to join Arena Careers to have access. You can join ahead of time by creating a profile.
I have a disability / need support or an accommodation.
We are committed to supporting all participants in their learning experience. If you need accommodation or support of any kind, please let us know on your application form or write to [email protected].
Post Academy
Will Arena Academy 201 help me get a job?
We have placed Arena Academy graduates with 2,353 jobs on progressive campaigns or at progressive organizations. After attending Arena Academy you will gain access to a variety of services and support through our talent program including resume workshops, networking, one-on-one career coaching, and Arena recommendations when applying to jobs.
What happens after Arena Academy 201?
You gain access to unique one-on-one support from the Arena Careers team. After the training, you can request job search coaching including resume review and interview preparation, or coaching to help you navigate your current role. Staffers trained at Arena Academy have worked in more than 2,035 roles on campaigns and in progressive organizations.
We need your support.
Republicans have spent decades cultivating talent and investing for the long run, and right now we’re paying the price. Republicans control 30 state legislatures, 28 governors mansions, and are just a few seats away from regaining control of Congress. Together with an activist Supreme Court, they’re enacting policies that turn back progress on everything from abortion to voting rights to climate change.
Arena is building a new generation of political leaders who will lead the fight to save our democracy and build progressive power for the long run. It’s going to take all of us to make change. Join us in this work.
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Paid for by Arena Summit, a section 501(c)(4) organization, and Arena PAC.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.