by Tobin Van Ostern, Campus Progress

A few weeks ago Campus Progress, Rock the Vote, American University, and Student PIRGs hosted a day-long nonpartisan training for candidates, campaign staff, and media on how to effectively engage, utilize, and mobilize young voters. Attendees learned the characteristics of the Millennial Generation (those born after 1980), the issues that matter most to them, and the best ways to engage them in the political process. Participants attended workshops and discussions that focused on outreach, issues, branding, and fundraising.

The closing panel in the afternoon, Millennials and the Midterms, was moderated by Erica Williams (Progress 2050). Panelists included Steve Hildebrand (Fmr. Deputy Campaign Manager, Obama for America) and Robert Willington (Fmr. Senior Strategist, Scott Brown for Senate). The panel discussed whether young voters could be won or lost by the quality and quantity of a campaign’s efforts to engage them. Discussion also focused on what candidates and parties have done so far to mobilize young voters for the potentially game changing midterm elections, and what more can be done.

Check out some highlights from this closing panel below, or watch the full panel on CSPAN: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294166-1