PIERRE – South Dakota’s electric cooperatives, along with the state retailer’s organization, will be co-hosting two Campaign Academies this March. The Campaign Academy, designed by the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Grassroots Unit, is designed to help individuals seeking public office this fall along with anyone else involved in their campaigns. The course helps individuals sharpen their political skills and prepare them for the rigors of the campaign trail, whether it be school board, town council, county commission or state office. SDREA, along with the South Dakota Retailers Association, will be coordinating the South Dakota workshops which are scheduled for March 16 in Rapid City and March 18 in Sioux Falls. The school is open to candidates of any political party and will feature campaign veterans and professionals focusing on the core areas of fund-raising, campaign strategy, message development and communication skills. Participants will receive a binder of the various presentations and additional training supplements on the topics covered during the course. Attendees will also learn about campaign rules and regulations. The registration deadline is March 3. There is a $25 fee to attend the all-day program; additional people from a campaign may attend for $15 per person. This covers the cost of materials, continental breakfast, and lunch.

Contact your local electric cooperative for a registration form. You can also obtain a registration form online at www.sdrea.coop or at www.sdra.org or calling SDREA at 1-605-224-8823.