June 29, 2012 – The IAFF will hold its 17th annual Political Training Academy February 9-15, 2013, in Baltimore, Maryland. Online applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2012. The deadline for submitting an application is November 13, 2012.

The Political Training Academy teaches IAFF members – or immediate family members – who are running or plan to run for public elected office how to engage with campaigns in leadership roles how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of campaigns seeking union support.

The Political Training Academy offers training on a variety of campaign topics, as well as a campaign simulation exercise. The training portion includes workshops on campaign planning, targeting, fundraising, polling, messaging and get-out-the-vote, as well as other campaign related topics. Trainers include high-level operatives and consultants from the campaign world, most with decades of campaign experience at all levels of elective office.

Applications will only be accepted online and all applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their local president to be eligible for consideration.

Due to the nature of the training provided at the Political Training Academy, class size is limited to 50 participants, and only one person from any local will be considered for acceptance. Successful applicants must also commit to attending the entire Political Training Academy to receive the full benefit of the program. While the IAFF covers the cost of lodging, meals and conference materials, participants are responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Baltimore and any additional lodging days outside of the Political Training Academy period.