This weekend in Austin, Battleground Texas volunteers from across the state gathered for the neighborhood team summit, aka the #WendySummit – a training in strategy and best practices for these highly committed volunteers, as well as an opportunity to meet and draw energy from fellow members of Team Wendy. Joined by experts in the field, such as J.D. Angle, the event was a prime example of what Battleground must do best for Davis to win in November: activate grassroots organizers across the state to turn out their neighbors, family, and friends.
From its inception, Battleground Texas was heralded as a mechanism for turning the tide on Texas' abysmal voter turnout. This, combined with with their fundraising capacity, has made Battleground key to #TeamWendy's 2014 victory. If the tweets from organizers and supporters alike are any indication, the #WendySummit was a great success – and these volunteers are ready to get their feet on the ground and get Davis in the governor's seat.
More from #WendySummit below the jump.Volunteers from across the state traveled – some up to eight hours – to get to Austin for the #WendySummit.
Traveled over 8 hours to get to the Neighborhood Team Summit #teamwendy #WendySummit pic.twitter.com/uhgD6Xq3p8
— Adrienne Bell (@AdrBell) April 5, 2014
This is AMAZING! RT @bgtx: RT @BGTXelvin: Packed bus from HOU en route to #WendySummit! Get ready, Texas! #GameOn pic.twitter.com/mmRok6x4fB
— Christina Gomez (@stayupearly) April 5, 2014
The event aimed to gather the most committed volunteers with Battleground Texas in order to do what Battleground must do best: create effective and efficient ground-game strategy to turn out voters across the state. The #WendySummit also included sessions on specific skills and topics, such as engaging women voters and using data effectively.
Check out @AdrBell leading break out session on women's organizing. #WomenforWendy #WendySummit pic.twitter.com/bphvrdDxOj
— Kate Fox (@kathleencfox) April 5, 2014
Deputy Data Director @billbward breaking it down with his people: Data CTMs. #TeamBGTX #WendySummit pic.twitter.com/n97dYPwB4C
— Ramsey Reid (@ramseyreid) April 5, 2014
In the end, the clear uniting theme for all those attending was the excitement around Davis' candidacy for governor. The momentum that started around Davis last summer – and that exploded with her announcement that she would pursue statewide office – has not slowed, and with these volunteers on the ground, it shows no sign of stopping.
I can turn in any direction and see #TeamWendy folks. This is the best. #WendySummit
— John Brougher (@johnbrougher) April 4, 2014
A few hundred of our best volunteers gathered for our first #WendySummit! #GameOn pic.twitter.com/Ex1W8ZWOVB
— Battleground Texas (@BGTX) April 5, 2014
This is why we're here. This is who we are. Proud to be #TeamBGTX! #WendySummit pic.twitter.com/XkB3H0Qz0q
— Christina Gomez (@stayupearly) April 5, 2014
"You can bet your boots or your pink tennis shoes that I will be, with your help, the next governor!" #WendySummit pic.twitter.com/hDUfpg12If
— Jessalyn Reid (@jessssalyn) April 5, 2014