Heartland/Mid-South Regional Training FAQ

BISC’s 2025 Regional Training Program, with contributions from re:power and The Campaign Workshop, is designed to provide ballot measure practitioners with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to lead successful and transformational campaigns. By focusing on regional-specific challenges and opportunities, this training fosters collaboration, deepens leadership, and strengthens progressive ballot measure campaigns.

The Heartland Regional Training will take place in-person in Little Rock, Arkansas, from June 24-26, 2025. Participants will gain hands-on experience in core ballot measure campaign skills, connect with peers working on similar issues, and leave with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

The training program also includes:

• A kickoff orientation session (date TBD) on Zoom to introduce participants to the training structure and expectations.
• Two virtual pre-training sessions designed to provide foundational knowledge ahead of the in-person convening. These sessions will cover key concepts and strategies to maximize learning and engagement during the in-person training.

• Kickoff Orientation Call: Date TBD (Zoom)
• Pre-Training Virtual Sessions: Dates TBD (Zoom)
• In-Person Training: June 24-26, 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas (venue details to be provided upon acceptance)
• Daily Schedule:
  • Breakfast at 8:00 AM CT
  • Training sessions from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT (with lunch, snacks, and breaks)
  • Training ends at 4:00 PM CT on June 26

• Applications open March 26, 2025, and close May 7, 2025.
• Participants will be notified of their acceptance by May 12, 2025.
• Registration and payment must be completed by May 23, 2025.

Yes, the training has a sliding scale registration fee based on the budget size of your campaign or organization:

• Less than $1M | $800
• $1M – $3M | $1,000
• $3M – $5M | $2,000
• $5M – $7M | $2,500
• Greater than $7M | $3,250

The registration fee includes:

• Pre- and post-training virtual sessions
• 3 days of in-person training
• Hotel lodging for up to 4 nights
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the training
• Social networking activities in Little Rock
• All training materials, templates and tools in a digital and physical participant guide
• A network of peers and practitioners navigating ballot measure campaigns for 2026 and beyond
• BISC 1-on-1 strategic assistance before and after the training
• Invitation to participate in BISC’s other convenings
• Access to BISC’s Resource Library
• Invitation to occasional training alumni gatherings for ongoing networking and learning

BISC offers a limited number of full scholarships that cover the registration fee (see above for all that is included in that fee). Scholarship recipients must cover their own travel expenses.

This training is ideal for:

• New and emerging leaders interested in a leadership role on a ballot measure campaigns
• Campaign staff and organizers working on 2025 or 2026 ballot measure efforts
• Nonprofit and advocacy staff supporting ballot measure work
• Labor unions, funders, and coalition leaders engaged in ballot measure strategy

We strongly encourage applications from historically marginalized communities and those committed to centering race, power, and equity in their campaigns.

Training topics include:

• Coalition Building & Campaign Planning – Understanding effective coalition structures, decision-making processes, and campaign strategy development
• Leadership Development & Equity-Centered Organizing – Strengthening leadership skills with an intentional focus on racial equity and inclusive decision-making
• Fundraising & Budgeting for Ballot Measure Campaigns – Developing campaign budgets, fundraising plans, and donor engagement strategies
• Signature Gathering & Legal Considerations – Best practices for signature collection, compliance with state laws, and avoiding common pitfalls
• Messaging & Communications Strategy – Crafting compelling, values-based messages and storytelling techniques that resonate with voters
• Voter Engagement – Using data, digital tools, and field strategies to reach and mobilize target audiences
• and more…

Yes! Participants will receive:

• A physical and digital participant guide with relevant training materials, slides, handouts and resources
• A comprehensive campaign toolkit to apply learnings immediately

BISC is committed to making this training accessible to all participants. If you require accommodations (ex. early access to materials, alternative formats, or other support), please email [email protected] with the subject line “Accommodation Request 2025 Training.”

This is an interactive and intensive training, and participants are expected to:

• Attend all in-person sessions (June 24-26, 2025)
• Participate in at least one pre-training virtual session. 
  • Attendance at all three sessions is strongly encouraged to build a strong foundation before the in-person training. If you cannot attend live, you are expected to watch the recordings before arriving in Little Rock
• Engage with peers and actively contribute to discussions
• Apply the skills learned in their ballot measure work

Participants will:

• Receive 1:1 strategic support from BISC to help implement training takeaways
• Gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and follow-up sessions
• Develop a network of regional partners to collaborate with and lean on throughout the election cycle

To request a refund, email [email protected] by Friday, June 3, 2025. Refunds will cover up to 50% of the registration price and are subject to a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after June 3, 2025. Instead of canceling, we encourage ticket transfers within your organization. Transfers must be requested by Monday, June 2, 2025, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If the training is canceled, all attendees will receive a full refund.

Please reach out to [email protected] for any further inquiries.