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Three local political organizations will host an all day Saturday forum aimed at helping those wanting to become more active and seeking change.

The Monmouth & Ocean Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus join Asbury Park Democrats and the Asbury Park Young Democrats in offering a political ‘bootcamp’ style day of interactive learning. 

What’s Next – A Workshop For Activists and Candidates will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cowerks, located at 619 Lake Ave.

“We are covering policy and local advocacy in our [morning] sessions with awesome and dynamic speakers from all over New Jersey,” local Democratic Chair Giuseppe Grillo [at right] explains. “In the afternoon, a dream team of New Jersey politics will teach you the dos and don’ts of campaigns. There will also be a ‘Red to Blue’ panel of Democratic candidates that have won in traditionally-Republican towns, and a role-play workshop dedicated to political fundraising.”

The forum offers workshops, panels, and actions designed to move progressive issues forward and to help Democratic candidates win in November, organizers said.

“The most asked question after we march, rally, and protest, is ‘Ok, what can I do now,” workshop organizer and political professional Sam Parker [at right] said. “Our goal is to bring together experienced professionals that will not only train and advise aspiring advocates and candidates, but also inspire them to go deeper.”

The event opens with an 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. networking breakfast. 

It is followed by the 9 am to 10:30 a.m. Mobilizing From Protest to Policy led by moderator Lauren Albrecht. The panelist include Joe Libutti, Sen Vin Gopal’s chief of staff; Moira Nelson of Action Together NJ; Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn; Kayvon Paul of Garden State Equality; Crystal Pruitt; and David Grant, deputy director [Government Affairs] at Realtors Union.

“We’ve purposefully and thoughtfully included speakers and teachers as diverse as New Jersey,” Albrecht [at right] said. “The majority of panelists are not your typical slate of all straight white guys. We’re spotlighting political operatives and activists of color, LGBTQ+, HIV+, and majority of women speakers throughout the day.”

From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Practicing Democracy at the Local Level, moderated by Grillo, features Polli Schildge of Asbury Park Complete Streets; Jay Lassiter, Harm Prevention Advocate; Kate Okeson, Co-Director of Make it Better for Youth, a Monmouth County Consortium for LGBTQ Youth; Lauren Skowronski, Program Director for Community Engagement at Sustainable Jersey; and Teko Hammary of Sportz Farm.

Lunch will be held from 11:45 to 1 p.m., courtesy of Vintage Subs.

The afternoon session opens with a host of campaign 101 workshops, running from 1:30 to 2:45. They include Building you Campaign Team, led by Christina Zuk of Princeton Public Affairs and Buono for Governor; Understanding your District, Understanding your Data led by Axel Owen, political director of the NJ Democratic State Committee; Communications & Messaging led by Alicia D’Alessandro, director of communications for Bergen County Executive; and Field – You Knock, You Win led by David Parano, principal at Parano & Associates.

From 2:45 to 3:45 Derel Stroud moderates Turning Red to Blue panel, comprised of Pamela Renee, Neptune City Councilwoman; Sean F. Byrnes, former Middletown Councilman; John Napolitani, Interlaken & Ocean Twp Councilman; and Josh Welle, Candidate for Congress in District 4.

And, Sam Parker leads How to Fundraise from 3:45 to 4:30 pm.

The event is free and open to all, with $5 covering breakfast and lunch. Child care is available upon request, courtesy of the Monmouth County Democrats Child Care Committee.

Community leader Dan Harris and his family will host a 5 to 8 p.m. barbecue, courtesy of the Asbury Park Young Democrats. The Harris home is located at 17 Ridge Ave.

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