Swing Semester 2008 is the nation’s first political immersion program. We provide a bridge from interest to action for college students, recent graduates, and other young people who care deeply about their country and want to be a part of American history even as they study it. This September, over 250 passionate young people will venture out to eight cities in “swing” states for 10 weeks of intensive progressive work. They will live with host families, work in field campaigns, and engage in critical thinking to better understand their country and themselves.
Swing Semester 2008 is an investment in the most important asset of the progressive movement – its people. In the short run, our participants will knock on almost 2 million doors in swing states. Our greatest impact, however, will come from guiding hundreds of young citizens and committed families through an experience that will challenge, deepen, and energize us all for a lifetime of civic engagement.
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Swing Semester will guide you to where the action is this fall. We educate you on your options and support you in getting a paid position in a swing state. Then when you’re there, we make sure you have the context, resources, and community to make this a truly worthwhile experience.
The Swing Semester 2008 program runs from September 2nd through November 7th. It is for anyone, 18-26, whether or not you have prior experience in organizing.
What do you get to do as a participant?
WORK FOR PROGRESS. You’ll have a paying job working for progressive causes this fall. Jobs can be non-partisan (like get out the vote), issue-based, or directly for a candidate campaign. We educate you on your options, help you secure the job of your choice, and provide any support you need to take a semester off from school or to make the move.
STAY WITH A SWING STATE HOST FAMILY. In addition to housing you for free, your progressive host family can bring you up to speed on the local issues, culture, and flavor. Their perspective will be helpful to you when knocking on doors in a new city.
BUILD A COMMUNITY. You’ll be part of building a vibrant community with other participants, host families, and anyone else you meet. In addition to Swing Semester 2008 events, we’ll keep you informed of parties, concerts, and other happenings around town.
LEARN SOMETHING. Engage with some of the hottest ideas in progressive politics through a series of reading groups with your fellow participants and hosts. Gain knowledge and perspective on your country and yourself while you find new ways to make sense of the people, organizations, and media you are seeing on the ground.
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT. Consider this a real-world political seminar, credit or not. If you’re currently in school, we can help you navigate your school’s system and gain credits, usually 3 to 9. Use our syllabus to arrange a personalized semester with your advisor that includes readings and writing assignments.
CREATE PROJECTS AND EVENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. We provide guidance and mini-grants (up to $300) for projects that further the progressive education and activity of your swing state community. Host a film screening or get a busload of people to register voters at a rock concert – all on our dime.
BUILD NETWORKS AND AVENUES FOR THE FUTURE. You’ll be building long-term relationships while working, learning, and having fun with other committed young people, host families, and leaders in your swing city community. You’ll also benefit from opportunities to connect with organizations doing important progressive work year round.
TUITION
As a Swing Semester 2008 participant you can expect to earn $3,000 to $5,000 from your employment during the program. Tuition is $1400, which includes free housing. We offer a payment plan, need-based scholarships, and assistance in raising this amount from your networks.
DO NOT let cost be a barrier! Swing Semester wants you to join us this fall.
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