Introduction

Executive Summary

Genesis/Planning

Components

Lessons Learned

Program Components - Sessions

Overview of Meeting Agendas:
Program agendas are in template format for you to download and review to build your own program. The program was structured so that the general information relevant to all candidates (County, Township & School Board) was presented in the first three sessions. The last two sessions focused on specific areas of interest - School Board issues and Township & County Issues. The last two sessions provided a brief overview of the current issues facing these positions. The session date(s) were conducted PRIOR to the filing deadlines so participants could make an informed decision.

Registration:
The Chamber conducted the sessions as a series. However, participants could register for individual sessions. Registration was also available on-line at the Chamber web site. Available for download is the registration form we used in a template format for your review.

Disclaimer:
The Chamber's legal counsel prepared a disclaimer for the Public Service Candidate School series. The Chamber used this disclaimer on all session agendas. When participants signed up for the series or a session, a signature was required on the registration form. On-line registration had the disclaimer for their review before completing registration.

The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Public Service Candidate School is an opportunity for participants to be introduced to, and gain a working knowledge of, the local political process. This program is not intended to provide an exhaustive education of all relevant issues and campaign methods typically encountered or used in political campaigns. The Chamber does not warrant or guarantee any endorsement or particular result from enrollment in this program. (Also available for download)

Disclaimer Rationale:
The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce makes candidate endorsements at the local level and has a different Committee (Public Policy Committee members) that conducts the candidate interviews. The Public Policy Committee then presents the Committee's Candidate Recommendations/Slate to the Chamber's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors can accept, reject or change the Committee's Candidate Recommendations/Slate.

Evaluation Forms:
Evaluation forms were distributed at each session. Participants were asked to rate the session when it was completed. Available for download is a sample template we use to evaluate the program speakers/panel members. The evaluation results were compiled and used to help us improve the overall program or individual session.

Session 1: "Would You Consider Running For Public Office?" class materials
Word (*.doc)	Rich Text Format (*.rtf)	Portable Document Format (*.pdf) requires FREE Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™
Workbook 35 Pages 564KB	Workbook 35 Pages 2.79MB	Workbook 35 Pages 458KB

Session 2: "Working With the Media; Campaign Finance; Forming a Campaign Staff" class materials

PowerPoint Presentations (*.ppt)

Working With The Media, 9 Slides, 133KB

Session 3: "Public Policy Formation; Open Meetings & Freedom of Information Acts; Robert's Rules of Order" class materials

PowerPoint Presentations (*.ppt)

Ethical Conduct for Public Officials 12 Slides 78KB Policymaking VS. Administration 22 Slides 74KB

Books

Order Robert's Rules of Order online