The AFP University cousework consists of twelve courses taken in four courses of study. As grass roots volunteers take the various courses, their progress is tracked until they become "graduates". Download this document to see the schedule of courses making up AFP University.

While it is true that newspaper circulation is declining in favor of blogs and other forms of Internet news distribution, voters 35 and above still rely on newspapers. Writing good letters to the editor remains an effective way to inexpensively reach a group of voters that always turns out to vote.

Debating effectively is at the heart of many grass roots activities. Though most people think of a candidate-style debate when they hear the word "debate", this course deals with politely presenting and advancing arguments in coffee shops, on talk radio call-ins, in letters to the editor, family dinners, and many other venues.

Volunteers are key to any organization or big project. Without MOTIVATED volunteers, you will find yourself overwhelmed, thinking, "I'm too busy".  DON'T let that happen!  Learn what volunteers expect, why they help, and why they quit.  Also, learn to be a better volunteer.

How do you impact a legislator, councilor, or commissioner in the three minutes they usually give you to testify? You can do it - Learn how to:

1) Tell them who you are,
2) Tell them why you're there,
3) Give them a personal story built around a principle and,
4) Tell them what you want. And do it all in three minutes!

Gathering signatures on initiative and refereda petitions turn all of us into "citizen legislators".  With the initiative and referenda process, citizens can strike down bad laws or even pass new laws - completely circumventing the legislative process.  Learn how to circulate initiative and referenda petitions effectively and efficiently.

There is no more powerful or personal interaction with political office holders than dealing with them face to face.  This course will teach you how to get access to your elected office holders, how to present your case, and provide you with tips you can use to maximize your impact, making it more likely he or she will see things YOUR way!

The "Tea Party" movement has made street protests and rallies, once seen as a tactic of hippies and students, into a powerful tool that can raise awareness for fiscal restraint. Learn how to make sure that your event stays on message, stays safe, goes as planned, and advances your cause.

MORE TO COME!

# # #