Some Camp Wellstone alumni become more active after they retire, as is the case with Gene Bullock, a resident of Poulsbo, Washington. Before turning into a fulltime activist, Gene worked for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a public relations staff copywriter. At 72, he is the newsletter editor for the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee, Kitsap Audubon Society, and 23rd Legislative District Democrats. Gene is also involved with the West Sound Conservation Council, the Kitsap Conservation Voters, and the Washington State Audubon Conservation Council. He has attended training programs similar to Camp Wellstone, but he instantaneously felt that Camp Wellstone is by far the best training he has gone through.
Gene is currently involved with local county and state level politics. Gene was recently acknowledged for his achievements with the Washington Conservation Activist of the Year award. The International Speedway Corporation wanted "to build an 83,000 seat NASCAR track on the Kitsap Peninsula," but their efforts were defeated, thanks to Gene's influence on the Washington Autobahn land use development.
"Some people claim that nobody reads e-mails. They will if they know and trust you, and I have proven that many times over the past two years." Gene is responsible for spreading the word on progressive issues and causes to local activists through his Kitsap County e-mail network. He knocks on every door of Washington's 23rd district as the Committee Briefing Officer, another way he uses the skills he learned at Camp Wellstone.
With fond respect to Camp Wellstone's leadership training, Gene says "You can't be afraid to have power and be perceived as an influential person, by showing up regularly on key issues, forms, and meetings." He says Camp Wellstone nurtured and promoted these notions, and encouraged him to create change.
In concluding the interview, Gene stated he cannot say enough positive things about his experience with Camp Wellstone. He recalled his training and trainers as "great...[and] capable" of the work and material. "The Wellstone training was wonderfully practical, comprehensive, and well taught. I recommend it to everyone I possible can."
Gene is currently involved with local county and state level politics. Gene was recently acknowledged for his achievements with the Washington Conservation Activist of the Year award. The International Speedway Corporation wanted "to build an 83,000 seat NASCAR track on the Kitsap Peninsula," but their efforts were defeated, thanks to Gene's influence on the Washington Autobahn land use development.
"Some people claim that nobody reads e-mails. They will if they know and trust you, and I have proven that many times over the past two years." Gene is responsible for spreading the word on progressive issues and causes to local activists through his Kitsap County e-mail network. He knocks on every door of Washington's 23rd district as the Committee Briefing Officer, another way he uses the skills he learned at Camp Wellstone.
With fond respect to Camp Wellstone's leadership training, Gene says "You can't be afraid to have power and be perceived as an influential person, by showing up regularly on key issues, forms, and meetings." He says Camp Wellstone nurtured and promoted these notions, and encouraged him to create change.
In concluding the interview, Gene stated he cannot say enough positive things about his experience with Camp Wellstone. He recalled his training and trainers as "great...[and] capable" of the work and material. "The Wellstone training was wonderfully practical, comprehensive, and well taught. I recommend it to everyone I possible can."