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Another successful Kickstart event

Monday 05 December 2011 12:00

The Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) recently held another successful Kickstart event over the weekend of 25-27th November. 140 keen Lib Dem campaigners and candidates from across Britain, gathered in a hotel near Birmingham for a weekend of training and mentoring.  Over the many years it has been running you can trace the electoral success in a range of different places back to their decision to attend the event. With 20 different training sessions, three drop-in Q&A sessions, several hours of mentoring with an experienced campaigner and inspiring speeches, the participants came away with improved campaign plans, refreshed knowledge and loads of new ideas to try out.

One participant, Sarah McStravick from Lewes said: “It was very thought provoking, motivating and gave me plenty of ideas. I have come away, more focused, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about how to help the local community in action. I would highly recommend this training to all members of the party at all levels.”

Louise Shaw from Stockport said: “From Friday night until Sunday afternoon, our time was packed with training sessions, time with our mentor and of course socialising. It was a great event to attend and be a part of and our mentor really knew her stuff.”

The date for next year’s event is already set for 23rd-25th November 2012 and so put it in your diary now. Bookings will open around the time of the next Autumn Federal Conference.

Kickstart 2012 and 2013

Tuesday 02 August 2011 12:00

1b

Registrations are now open for ALDC's Kickstart Training Weekend - 25-27 November 2011, near Birmingham. This is our main training event of the year and a great opportunity to ensure your team is a winning team at your next local elections - click here to go direct to the online booking form. 

FACT:
In the couple of years years almost all of us face local elections of some sort. Scotland, Wales, English Mets and Districts and London in 2012, English Counties in 2013. 

FACT:
To win in challenging circumstances your team needs the skills and information to campaign effectively. You need a campaign plan that can build success across subsequent elections.

FACT:
It is never to early to start. Experience has shown us that starting early, and campaigning continuously will reap rewards.  

SOLUTION: 
ALDC’s Weekend Kickstart event takes place on 25-27 November 2011. Each year it is the most important training opportunity each year for Lib Dem volunteer campaigners. It's proven to work - with Lib Dems going on from Kickstart to win in subsequent elections. 
 
WHAT YOU GET:
Over 20 hours of training – both advanced and beginner.
Over six hours for your team working with an experienced mentor to develop your campaign plan. 
A weekend's accommodation at the Holiday Inn (M6 Junction 7 near Birmingham), food and training rooms.  (There's even time for both the pool and the bar...).  The weekend starts at 6:00pm on Friday and finishes 2:30pm on Sunday.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 

  • Kickstart is great if you can bring along your campaign team. Imagine a whole weekend of campaign planning with expert help without any interference! This year we're encouraging everyone with elections in 2012 and 2013 to attend. 
  • Individual campaigners are also welcome - they will work together in small teams to develop plans and ideas. 
  • Experienced campaigners and new campaigners. It’s a great way to develop ideas and bring on new people. 

 
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST:

  • Kickstart is financially supported by the G8 process, so the cost is right down to the minimum we can charge.
  • Save £60 by sharing a room – (twins and doubles available!)
  • G8 will can provide grants to groups to subsidise attendance - for people with elections in 2012 AND 2013.
  • We have a small number of HALF PRICE places for groups starting off (see below). 
  • WHY NOT ask your council group to pay or pay half of your costs – it could be the best investment they make all year? 


If you're near to Birmingham we have some low-cost non-residential rates - not available to book online but contact emma.hall@aldc.org  
 
HOW DO I BOOK: 
You can book now – online at ALDC’s website – click here to go direct to the booking form. Remember you need to LOG IN as an ALDC member FIRST to receive your members discount which will then be applied automatically. 
More information from Emma Hall – 01422 843 785 emma.hall@aldc.org 
 
50% DISCOUNT
ALDC has set aside a fund to pay for a small number of half-price places available for groups who are starting off. This is only for councils where we have NO COUNCILLORS or very few Councillors (e.g. one or two wards).
 
If you are interested in taking us up on this please contact anders.hanson@aldc.org before 9 October 2011 deadline.

Kickstart 2011

Thursday 21 October 2010 12:00

Registrations are now open for ALDC's main campaigner training event of the year - KICKSTART - which takes place 26-28 November 2010. 

Kickstart is for teams of volunteer campaigners - not just for those of us with elections in 2011, but also

 

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Liberal Democrat Next Generation programme - call for applications

Thursday 22 July 2010 12:00

 

Applications are now open for the Lib Dem (LGA Leadership-funded) programme for young and up and coming councillors Next Generation Programme. This year will features visits to Portsmouth and Birmingham.
 
Key features of the course is seeing best practice from other Lib Dem controlled authorities and networking with MPs and senior councillors, as well as personal and political development training.  Previous alumni have since taken up leadership positions in their own authority and elected positions on the LGA. 
 
We'd like to hear from you, if you are serious about making a significant contribution to Lib Dem politics in local government.
 
More information and a link to the online application form* is here
 
*As part of the application you will need two written testimonials from senior referees and a 500 word statement about your background and experience.
 
Any questions about the process please contact Bridget Harris 07966 989 355

Liberal Democrat Local Government Conference 2010 in Photos

Thursday 22 July 2010 12:00

A selection of photos of the Liberal Democrat Local Government Conference in June 2010 are now available online at ALDC's Flickr site.

Many thanks to Alex Folkes and Jonathan Wallace for the photos!

Lib Dem Local Government Conference 2010

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, addresses the Lib Dem Local Government Conference

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Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors
The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8DG
Telephone: 01422 843 785 | info@aldc.org