Candidate Engagement Training: Citizen Journalism and Birddogging

Join Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action, the Great Lakes Water Protector Network, and the Michigan Climate Action Network for a training on how to inform and strategically ask candidates about their stance on pressing environmental issues.

The training will be interactive, so we highly encourage in-person attendance. We will offer a virtual option for those who cannot attend in-person.

The program will focus on nonpartisan and non-confrontational candidate education and accountability. The training will include a brief intro to birddogging and guidance on how to:

• Develop effective questions for candidates running for state offices
• Ask strategic questions in public forums
• Record candidate responses for accountability and public education purposes

This training will provide opportunities for folks to practice asking questions and navigating the unique situations that might arise. This is an easy strategy to add to your toolkit – you can use it at a candidate forum you are already planning to attend, and it is highly effective! We’ve seen it shape the talking points and priorities of candidates.

No prior experience is necessary. If you’ve been looking for a way to turn your concerns into action, this training is for you.

This session is part of a broader nonpartisan campaign, coordinated by the Michigan Climate Action Network, and the goal is to encourage candidates to prioritize clean energy, climate change, utility accountability, and data centers, among other topics.

Pizza on us after the training!