Washington – November 10, 2026 -- NGP VAN, the technology provider for Democratic and progressive campaigns, has launched a two-day, in-person Organizing Academy. The first session runs December 1-2, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and will train approximately 50 organizers for the 2027 and 2028 election cycles.
Campaigns using NGP VAN tools knocked 217.3 million doors in the 2026 midterms
The launch follows data NGP VAN released days earlier on 2026 midterm organizing. Campaigns on its tools held 42.8 million successful voter conversations. More than 376,000 unique canvassers worked through MiniVAN, and Mobilize recorded nearly 19.7 million event signups, including 3.6 million first-time users.
Academy curriculum pairs voter-file skills with career development
Day One covers reading voter files, models and contact records, building lists and universes, and calculating a win number. It also includes reporting basics and a resume and headshot workshop.
Day Two opens with a panel of organizing and data staff from the campaign world. Attendees will build hands-on spreadsheet skills, join breakout sessions on data and organizing career paths, and learn to build layered organizing universes. NGP VAN's product team will preview upcoming platform features and tools.
NGP VAN extends its Organize Everywhere initiative into talent retention
The Academy builds on Organize Everywhere, which expands affordable tool access for state parties and has added regional, in-person training support. General Manager Chelsea Peterson Thompson said the aim is to avoid losing midterm talent and starting over a year later, adding that "investing in our people is how we keep winning."
Applications close November 13; more sessions planned for 2027
Applications are open and close Friday, November 13, 2026. Limited financial assistance is available for applicants who could not otherwise attend. NGP VAN plans to host more Academy trainings around the country in 2027.