Activists Set Sights on
Camp Courage

ACTIVISM: Based on the "Camp Obama" trainings in preparation for last year's election, on March 7th and 8th, Courage Campaign is bringing Camp Courage to Fresno, CA. During the two day camp, participants are taught effective ways of community organizing, focusing specifically on activists regaining marriage equality in California.

Using examples of tactics that have been used for decades in the most progressive social movements, Camp Courage aims to teach "empowerment, team building, leadership development, and grassroots organizing skills."

Most of the attendees are new activists -- people who have not "engaged with the broader community about marriage equality," but there will be many veteran LGBT activists along with many allies. Skills that are covered include voter persuassion, phonebanking, canvassing, tabling, hosting house parties, and online organizing.

Camp Courage is organized by Torie Osborn, Mike Bonin, and Lisa Powell. Osborn is one of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's senior advisors, and former executive director of the Liberty Hill Foundation and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force . Mike Bonin is a former regional field organizer for Obama for America, a veteran campaign staffer, as well as a community activist. Lisa Powell, an attorney, is a longtime community leader and trainer, and also founder of United Lesbians of African Heritage .

After Fresno, the next target areas for Courage Campaign to host Camp Courage are San Diego and the Bay Area. The first Camp Courage was held in Los Angeles at the end of January.