Testimonials: What Our Alumni Say

"Camp Millie was jam-packed with useful information for candidates, and those who want to help them. A newcomer to running for office, I found the information invaluable: we role-played tricky door-to-door situations, learned how to raise money, and received excellent tips about developing eye-catching literature. I made many beneficial contacts. It was downright fun! (And I won my election defeating a GOP incumbent)."

     - State Representative Mary Valentine

"Camp Millie Holland Camp Millie was empowering and energizing! Camp Millie teaches practical skills for grassroots activism with real life examples from community organizers. This makes for the most comprehensive training program for every level of involvement in politics today." 

     - Ali Smith-Cortez Camp Millie Alumna, Change to Win Organizer

"Camp Millie gave me the tools to be politically active in my community. I've never been so fired up about politics in my life!"

     - Angel Cortez-Calderon Wayne State University Student

"The "Camp" exceeded [my] expectations. The present[ers] did an excellent job. The information was relevant and timely, for me. The experience was inspiring for me, seeing all of the people who are so dedicated and passionate about the Democratic cause. ... My husband is running for the Mi. House seat 104th. I have been nervous about what a daunting task it is, but Camp Millie helped me to see is as, well, still daunting, but possible!!"

     - Pam (Locke) Grucz, Camp Millie Wayne 2006

"[T]he Camp Millie training regarding election targeting - where to put the money - was the most useful to me. When our group talked about election strategies last year I felt much more knowledgeable in the area."

     - Bonnie S. Bare, Camp Millie Alumna

"I was amazed at how much info was presented, and the quality of the info and presenters. As I have now publicly announced for the 51st Michigan House Seat out here in Genesee County, the info I received at Camp Millie has really come into play, especially the info regarding fundraising and campaign finance laws, as well as the very practical information on actually strategically planning a campaign. I never miss an opportunity to recommend it to fellow Dems. Thanks."

     - “Rusty" Ward, Camp Millie Saginaw 2007

"Currently I'm ...chair of the Allegan County Democratic Party. Having run for office before attending Camp Millie, I learned a bunch more about what I could have done. Consequently, I'm strongly urging ... people who are considering running for local offices in our county to attend the Camp Millie.... It's a wonderful program and we are going to use all the info from their experience to help our candidates get elected..."

     - Cathy Brockington, Camp Millie Alumna Holland 2005

"We are impressed with the presentation and the information that you put forth. Practice exercises in front of the whole group were good.... In other words, they were there for the purpose of learning about the process."

     - Marilyn Merrick, Chair St. Clair County Democratic Party, Camp Millie Port Huron 2007