PATRIOT ACADEMY 2008

Learn the Skills

• Current political leaders and speakers will assist you in developing your professional skills and share their insight and experience with you on how to be successful in leadership
  
• Multiple interactive seminars where you participate in the learning process
  
• Expert instruction in media relations and how to manage bad press
  
• Mock interviews with various media outlets
  
• Public speaking, negotiations, and professional relationship education

Understand the Philosophy

• Develop a firm grasp of the Founding Fathers' vision for America and how that vision remains applicable today
  
• In-depth and relevant focus on your rights, namely the following:
  • The Source of your freedoms
    
  • The myth of separation of church and state
    
  • The right to bear arms
    
  • Bill of Rights
    
  • Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
    

Experience the Process

• Play the role of a State Representative in a mock legislative session in the actual House Chamber in the Texas State Capitol
  
• Participate in the committee process by participating in committee hearings in the actual Capitol committee rooms while also listening to testimony from lobbyists and interested parties
  
• File your own legislation to move through the legislative process
  
• Have your bill signed in a bill signing ceremony
  
• Enjoy one on one interaction and small workshop teaching from elected state officials

Tuition - $500

Tuition will cover all lodging, meals, and materials. To be effective in the political process, you must learn to raise money and convince others to invest in your cause. When you are accepted you will be given information to assist you in raising funds. Additionally, foundation volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide guidance.

For tax puposes, we must receive the original check from the donor - please do not collect checks then cut one large one - please forward the original checks to the Foundation. If your donor gives you cash and you do not wish to send it through the mail, you may cut a check, but clearly notate who the contribution is from, as well as their mailing address.

To make this experience as realistic as possible, we require a completed fundraising report similar to the Texas Ethics Commission report candidates and officeholders must file. The report will require the names and addresses of all contributors, as well as requiring the amount and date of the contribution.

To complete this form you will need to keep record of anyone who donates to your tuition. The easiest way to accomplish this is to have all donors mail their checks directly to you (made payable to the Torch of Freedom Foundation), then record the information and forward the checks to the foundation office. You may send one or two checks at a time as you receive them, or you may collect all of the tuition and send it all at once as long as it is before the deadline. The ethics sheet is available at the bottom of this page and must be turned in with the last of your tuition. Your space is not 100% reserved until we receive your tuition and your legislative bills are filed.

Some tips for fundraising can be found below:

21 Ways to Raise Your Tuition

• Send out a letter to 10 people asking each for a minimal contribution of $10.
  
• Approach your area community service clubs (VFW, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Political Clubs, Chambers of Commerce) and ask if they will sponsor you for $100.
  
• Sell concessions and snacks at local little league sporting events (check with your area coordinator first).
  
• Approach area businesses and ask that they sponsor you.
  
• Ask local area political clubs to sponsor you.
  
• Ask locally elected officials to sponsor a portion of your tuition. They should be able to use campaign funds for this purpose.
  
• Don't forget about family, friends, and neighbors. The people close to you will be happy to contribute $10 to assist you in fulfilling your goal.
  
• Design a brochure to distribute to people telling them what you are asking money for and why you want to be a part of it. Then even if they do not have time to talk with you or say "no" at first, it gives them something to carry with them and keep on the kitchen table to possibly reconsider.
  
• Develop a planned giving campaign where people can spread their donation out over a period of weeks.
  
• Find a donor who will match your other contributions. Some will agree to a 2 to 1 match; others will commit to less, but it is a way to motivate people to contribute knowing they are not responsible for the entire amount.
  
• Have a garage sale.
  
• Have a bake sale at your church or school.
  
• Have a car wash.
  
• Mow lawns.
  
• Ask 5-10 people to save their spare change for you for the entire month.
  
• Invite people to a birthday party and in lieu of gifts ask that they contribute to your fund.
  
• Organize a service raffle. Get a few friends or family to donate their time to washing cars, child care, etc. and have church members or community clubs to buy raffle tickets for $3-5/each.
  
• Research local service clubs and see what their giving policies are.
  
• Ask businesses around town with a lot of paper work to contribute to you in exchange for 50 hours of filing and administrative work in their office.
  
• Have an auction of items donated by friends, family, or businesses at your church, school or community organizations.
  
• Ask a veteran. Explain that you appreciate the sacrifice made by him to protect your freedom and you are going to learn about how you can accept the torch of freedom and be prepared to pass it on to your children. Seeing your interest and appreciation of their contribution to the freedom you enjoy can move almost anyone to giving.