PTP's Program: Training - TechCamp

PTP has designed a special training program for new and old organizers who are interested in building their technology skills.

TechCamp training is designed to build the basic skills of community organizers in the key technology competencies for community organizing. If you're working in community organizing, you'll want to get to one of our TechCamps.

TechCamps are offered in conjunction with the Global Information Internship Program (GIIP) at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
TechCamp June In English Noon June 2 - Noon June 4 Location: TBD - Southeast US $493 Register		TechCamp August En Español Noon July 27- Noon July 29 Location: TBD - Western US $493 Register

This is what you can expect from 3 days at PTP's TechCamp:

• You will build basic skills in key technology competency areas for community organizing:
• Basic computer skills: keyboarding, file manipulation, file types and more
• Database skills – manipulating data, running queries, generating reports
• Email and Internet – using email, managing your inbox, dealing with spam, using the web – finding and managing information
• Financially sustaining your technology: how to raise the funds to maintain your technology infrastructure
• You will learn about technology in a collaborative, supportive environment with fellow organizers who face the same challenges that you do.

Who is PTP’s TechCamp for?

This training is for community organizers, leaders, and supporters from grassroots, community-led organizations engaged in systemic social change. It is designed for people interested in building their basic computer skills.TechCamp is a training for organizers by trainers who understand organizing. TechCamp is built on PTP’s foundation of ten years of strategic technology training for community organizing.

Top Five Reasons for Going to TechCamp:

1. TechCamp improves your computer proficiency and confidence.
2. TechCamp enables you to work more effectively within your organization’s technology environment.
3. TechCamp brings you into PTP’s peer to peer learning community of techies and organizers.
4. TechCamp builds your relationships with other like-minded people.
5. TechCamp will help your organization win more victories!

A Typical TechCamp Schedule:

What does TechCamp cost?
We only charge the direct costs of the venue, so this is one of the lowest cost, high quality technology training programs around. If you are staying at the training site, you have single and double occupancy choices. You are responsible for transportation costs but we will help you with figuring out how to get from the airport to the campus, if you are flying.

We don't have any money, can you help us?
We aren't in a position to fund everyone, but we have some ideas about how you might obtain the funds. If we have scholarships available for the TechCamp you are interested in, the application form will have a place to enter your request for a scholarship. Give your reasons for applying and we will try to get you a scholarship.

You needn't rely on us. Some groups raise the money from their regular funders by asking if they have supplemental training funds. Because this is a unique training program for organizing groups, we find that many foundations that support organizing and advocacy are open to supporting it.

You also can look to your individual donors for support. Sometimes it's easier to get a donation for a specific project then it is for overall work. The Grassroots Fundraising Journal gurus have tips on how to raise funds. Check out "8 ways to raise $2,500 (or more) in 10 days (or less, sometimes)."

Technology training like this is an investment in the future of your organization. While it may feel like you are taking funds away from "the work", you will find that with better technology skills you will do a better job with "the work".

I have more questions. How do I get them answered?

Please check our Program Information Page or Call us at (612) 724-2600