When I helped start the SPIN Academy fifteen years ago, we had a heckuva time convincing folks that they should set aside three days in the woods to talk about nonprofit communications. It just wasn’t a topic on folks’ radar screen. But now, as we prepare for SPIN Academy #15, we regularly receive more than three times the applications for the roughly 50 spots we have at the event. At 15 years old, the SPIN Academy is now old enough to get its learner’s permit (at least in some states).
More importantly, the SPIN Academy IS a learner’s permit—the chance for people just starting out in the field or looking for some formal training to learn from experts in the field and from each other. It’s also a chance to become part of a network of communicators for change, now more than 800 strong. SPIN Academy alumni have gone on to lead communications departments and organizations fighting for—and winning—on the most pressing issues of our time. (You can keep track of their accomplishments via the LinkedIn Group for SPIN Academy Alumni.)
To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re launching an IndieGoGo campaign to give alumni, colleagues and friends of the SPIN Academy a way to support a new scholarship fund for the event. Our goal is to raise $3,000 to support full cost of participation of one person.
If the SPIN Academy was a formative experience in your own career, or you just believe in its mission of training the next generation of progressive communicators, this is your chance to chip in on a learner’s permit for a deserving candidate.
And if you know someone who could benefit from four days of intensive communications skills-building and quality networking opportunities, could you take a minute to let them know about the SPIN Academy? Applications are open now.
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Holly Minch is LightBox’s founder and hopes to see you at SPIN Academy 2013.