April 9th, 2015 Dear Student, First and foremost, I offer you my sincerest regards and my gratitude for your interest in attending the High School Democrats of America’s 2015 Strategic Summit. We are looking forward to four spectacular days in our nation’s capital this July, and hope that you are able to join us. On behalf of all of our leadership team, thank you. We are an organization that not only places value in efforts to develop leadership skills in the future of our party, but prioritizes them. Ensuring that student activists have tools and resources that complement their talent and dedication to change is a task we take very seriously. We know that high school students have the ability to make a difference because we have seen it, time and again. We also know that they may face logistical obstacles along the way. It’s our mission to see that they don’t have to face them alone, and do whatever we can to aid in their success. Three months from now, we will be gathering in Washington D.C., bringing together high school Democrats from states across the country to do just that. An extensive program of informative trainings, insightful speakers, and engaging activities will leave Strategic Summit attendees inspired and prepared to make a difference in elections and initiatives. We’ll also be hosting important discussions about the future of our organization, as well as holding elections to select our executive officers for the 2015 2016 school year. And believe me, we’re going to have a blast. Again, thank you for your interest in our movement, and our organization. We’ll see you in Washington. Democratically, Neah Bois, Programs Director High School Democrats of America 1 The summit will be held from July 1215, 2015. This summit will be held in our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. At the center of American politics, attendees will see and learn firsthand about political activism and how to engage in campaigns as we lay the groundwork for the 2016 election cycle. We are planning to be staying at the top educational institution of George Washington University and get to see much of the capital city during our time. Meals are included with the cost of attendance. Please inform us on your application if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Some of our meals will be provided from George Washington University while we will visit restaurants for others. As part of the summit we will have numerous adult mentors to supervise our activities and ensure the event runs smoothly. These adults will have experience working in the political arena and will function as important role models to our members. 2 For those selected to attend the summit, a $350 payment will be required. The tuition deadline will be well in advance of the summit itself, and more information on payment will be provided upon acceptance. This will cover all lodging, meals, meeting space, and event costs. However, attendees must plan and pay for transportation to and from Washington D.C. for arrival and departure. We are striving to ensure all interested High School Democrats can afford and be able to learn from this summit. Please let us know on your application if you will be needed financial assistance. We hope to offer partial needbased scholarships for a limited number of applicants, and will be able to help all attendees plan independent fundraising as needed to cover the tuition and transportation associated with the program. The Strategic Summit will also be the site of the High School Democrats of America Election of Officers for the 20152016 term. All participants in the summit will have to right to cast a ballot and any local HSDA members will be allowed to join us for the election. While the election will take place in Washington, D.C., people who will not be able to attend will also be able to vote for the officers via mail. For more information on these elections please look out for a complete election guide coming out in the next month. 3 The programing of the summit is aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of the United States political system and the policies that we as Democrats we hold dear. We will be partnering with progressive organizations to allow the attendees to have a personalized experience with firsthand knowledge of the issues they care about most. The speakers will include some of the most important policy makers and interesting political figures in American politics today. In addition, the summit will offer training sessions from experienced mentors and people with experience working in the particulars of high school organizing to prepare our students for the 2016 election cycle. All this will be accompanied with time and programs to allow students to get to know other high school leaders from across the country and make longlasting friendships. 4