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2020 Student Organizing and Activist Retreat Application Share our flyer here

Our young activist program aims to provide students the tools and resources to become better activists and advocates — creating a foundation for young people to become lifelong, active participants in our democracy.

Student Activist Retreat

Each summer, California Common Cause invests in bringing undergrad students from across California to our free Student Organizing and Activist Retreat over the summer. Our three-day training covers organizing and advocacy best practices, and how to run and win strategic campaigns. We also discuss practical solutions to improving our government and democracy, which include:

  • getting dark money out of politics,
  • increasing voter participation,
  • holding lawmakers accountable,
  • simplifying and modernizing the state initiative process,
  • and promoting impartial and accessible media to support a healthy democracy.

The training is free and open to all undergraduate students in California.

 To help us train the next generation of leaders, please donate today.

Sponsor a student activist here
Sandra Luo
Freshman at University of California, San Diego

"I learned so much over the course of three eye-opening, inspiring days about the injustices and issues in our existing democracy, and I feel prepared to take a stand."

Ravanna Cantrall 
Sophomore at Long Beach City College

"I went to this training as a student activist with a hope for the future, and I have furthered this hope in myself as I saw it reflected in the eyes of my peers and in their community activism."

Cameron Silverberg
Senior at University of California, Berkeley

"The panels at the training taught me about how to lead a successful campaign, how to effectively use social media for advocacy, and how to attract receptive audiences for events."

Throughout the Year

Our staff guides and elevates the work that young leaders are doing throughout the year:

  • We work with and support Common Cause campus groups.
  • We help host campus and community events and actions that bring attention to current campaigns and important legislation that impact young people.
  • We host one-day trainings in the fall and winter at campuses across the state.We support and mentor students in their campus campaigns to improve democracy, from voter registration drives to passing resolutions to overturn Citizens United.
  • We host happy hours and networking mixers for young members to connect and learn about ways to get involved.

Internships

We host interns (open to undergrads, graduate students and recent graduates) throughout the academic year and in the summer. If you are interested in interning, please email Alvin Valverde, Operations Manager. You can also stay up to date on opportunities offered.

Getting Involved

  • Are you a current student? Contact Helen Grieco if you live in Northern or Central CA, and Alvin Valverde if you live in Southern CA.
  • Are you a current member and are interested in volunteering? Contact Helen Grieco if you live in Northern or Central CA.
  • Please also consider sponsoring a student to attend a future Student Activist Retreat.

Join the movement over 1 million strong for democracy

Join us: Americans deserve open, honest, accountable government.