Leadership Resources Intro
Use this map, made possible with support from the Hunt Alternatives Fund, to locate state-based and national resources for women interested in elected or appointed office or work on political campaigns. Click on a state to find leadership development and campaign training programs, political action committees, and organizations and programs committed to supporting and encouraging women in politics.
Need more ideas on how to get involved? Check out the Women's Definitive Guide to Getting Political by CAWP associate director Jean Sinzdak.
If you know of other organizations to add to our list or have updates to our information, please contact Chelsea Hill.
Program Name | State | Party | Program Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|
California Women's Leadership Association PAC | CA | Rep | The CWLA Political Action Committee is a separate 527 organization that endorses and financially supports candidates for state and local office, with... |
The CWLA Political Action Committee is a separate 527 organization that endorses and financially supports candidates for state and local office, with a special focus on developing and promoting viable women candidates who share CWLAs principles. |
California Women's List | CA | Dem |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for... |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for promising open or viable seats in the California State Assembly and Senate. A fundraising network modeled after EMILYs List, California List identifies and recommends outstanding women candidates to its members. California List partners with EMILYs List and Emerge California to provide candidate and campaign trainings. |
California Women's List | CA | Dem |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for... |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for promising open or viable seats in the California State Assembly and Senate. A fundraising network modeled after EMILYs List, California List identifies and recommends outstanding women candidates to its members. California List partners with EMILYs List and Emerge California to provide candidate and campaign trainings. |
California Women's List | CA | Dem |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for... |
Founded in 2002, California List works to protect Democratic women incumbents facing tough re-elections and recruits strong candidates to run for promising open or viable seats in the California State Assembly and Senate. A fundraising network modeled after EMILYs List, California List identifies and recommends outstanding women candidates to its members. California List partners with EMILYs List and Emerge California to provide candidate and campaign trainings. |
California Women's Political Caucus | CA | Nonpartisan |
The National Womens Poliltical Caucus of California works to increase womens participation in the political process and to identify, recruit,... |
The National Womens Poliltical Caucus of California works to increase womens participation in the political process and to identify, recruit, train and support feminist women for election and appointment to public office. Group efforts focus on education, endorsements, and fundraising. The California Womens Political Caucus is a chapter of the National Womens Political Caucus. |
Campaign Management Institute Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University |
DC | Nonpartisan |
The Campaign Management Institute (CMI) at American University trains individuals for participation in local, state and federal political... |
The Campaign Management Institute (CMI) at American University trains individuals for participation in local, state and federal political campaigns. Developed and taught by strategists from both parties, national campaign consultants and political scientists, this intensive two-week program provides a foundation for political activists and campaign managers. Seminars and campaign simulations teach participants about the creation, development, and execution of a campaign plan. Eligible participants are primarily American University students, but there are a limited number of seats available to non-AU students. The Institute typically takes place twice a year, in winter and early summer. |
Campaign Management School The Leadership Institute |
VA | Rep |
Founded in 1979, the Leadership Institute’s mission is to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the... |
Founded in 1979, the Leadership Institute’s mission is to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the public policy process. The Institute identifies, recruits, trains, and places conservatives in government, politics, and the media throughout the country. The Institute offers 41 educational programs for activists and campaign professionals. The five-day Campaign Manager School provides campaign managers and staffers with the tools and information necessary to organize a winning campaign with a strong grassroots organization and an effective media strategy. A one or two-day Campaign School - emphasizing skills for organizing and participating in any organized political effort - or Advanced Campaign School is also available to conservative elected or party officials, current or future candidates for political office, campaign managers, campaign volunteers, and supporters. The Future Candidate School trains potential candidates and community activists to run for office and build a grassroots organization, focusing on personal and political preparation for a career as an elected official and community leader. |
Campaign Management School National Federation of Republican Women |
National | Rep |
The National Federation for Republican Women pursues its longtime objective for political education by training Republicans to win elections... |
The National Federation for Republican Women pursues its longtime objective for political education by training Republicans to win elections through the Campaign Management School (CMS) program. This program is held throughout the country, organized in partnership with state and local Federations of Republican Women. The CMS program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of campaigns, featuring top political professionals and strategists who volunteer their time to teach students the most successful ways to raise money, write winning campaign plans, organize volunteers for get-out-the-vote activities and communicate with voters. |
Campaign Management Training Seminar Arkansas Farm Bureau |
AR | Nonpartisan |
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a campaign management training titled "How to Win a Campaign" for candidates for public office, their spouses and... |
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a campaign management training titled "How to Win a Campaign" for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. The two-day training uses content developed by the American Farm Bureau with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. Program curriculum is applicable to local, state and national political races and content and includes evaluating the viability of the candidacy; selecting themes and issues; budgeting and raising money; working with the news media; and campaign organization and strategy. |
Campaign Management Training Seminar Indiana Farm Bureau |
IN | Nonpartisan |
The Indiana Farm Bureau offers a campaign management training for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as... |
The Indiana Farm Bureau offers a campaign management training for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. The two-day Campaign School uses content developed by the American Farm Bureau with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. Program curriculum is applicable to local, state and national political races and content and includes evaluating the viability of the candidacy; selecting themes and issues; budgeting and raising money; working with the news media; and campaign organization and strategy. |
Campaign Management Training Seminar Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation |
NE | Nonpartisan |
The Nebraska Farm Bureau offers a biennial Campaign School for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as... |
The Nebraska Farm Bureau offers a biennial Campaign School for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. The Campaign School uses content developed by the American Farm Bureau with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. |
Campaign Management Training Seminar American Farm Bureau |
National | Nonpartisan |
The American Farm Bureau provides its state-based partners with programmatic content for campaign training seminars for candidates, their spouses... |
The American Farm Bureau provides its state-based partners with programmatic content for campaign training seminars for candidates, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. These bipartisan trainings use content developed with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. Program curriculum is applicable to local, state and national political races and includes: -- evaluating the viability of the candidacy/ -- selecting themes and issues/ -- budgeting and raising money/ -- working with the news media/ -- campaign organization and strategy. State chapters that have offered campaign management training seminars include AR, CO, IN, KY, MI, NE, OK, and WA. |
Campaign Management Workshop Michigan Farm Bureau |
MI | Nonpartisan | The Michigan Farm Bureau offers a Campaign Management Workshop for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as... |
The Michigan Farm Bureau offers a Campaign Management Workshop for candidates for public office, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. The two-day training uses content developed by the American Farm Bureau with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. Program curriculum is applicable to local, state and national political races and content and includes evaluating the viability of the candidacy; selecting themes and issues; budgeting and raising money; working with the news media; and campaign organization and strategy. |
Campaign School New Hampshire Republican Party |
NH | Rep |
The New Hampshire Republican Party holds campaign schools for filed candidates during each election cycle, including everything from voter vault... |
The New Hampshire Republican Party holds campaign schools for filed candidates during each election cycle, including everything from voter vault training to town chair training. |
Campaign School Oklahoma Republican Party |
OK | Rep |
The Oklahoma Republican Party holds campaign schools periodically, based on on the election cycle. These trainings are open to declared candidates... |
The Oklahoma Republican Party holds campaign schools periodically, based on on the election cycle. These trainings are open to declared candidates and their staffs and can be scheduled by contacting the Oklahoma GOP. |
Campaign School FuturePAC-Oregon House Democracts |
OR | Dem |
FuturePAC, the campaign committee for the House Democrats caucus of the Oregon Legislature, runs campaign trainings for Democrats throughout the... |
FuturePAC, the campaign committee for the House Democrats caucus of the Oregon Legislature, runs campaign trainings for Democrats throughout the state. |
Campaign School Tennessee Republican Party |
TN | Rep | The Tennessee Republican Party offers a two-day campaign school on a variety of issues for all candidates who have filed to run as Republicans in the... |
The Tennessee Republican Party offers a two-day campaign school on a variety of issues for all candidates who have filed to run as Republicans in the state, helping them to develop campaign-oriented skills. |
Campaign Skills Seminars Miami-Dade County Ethics Commissoin |
FL | Nonpartisan | The Miami-Dade County Ethics Commission provides training sessions for declared candidates or those working on campaigns, addressing the Ethical... |
The Miami-Dade County Ethics Commission provides training sessions for declared candidates or those working on campaigns, addressing the Ethical Campaign Practices Ordinance, campaign contributions, post-election audits, prohibited uses of public funds, and other requirements related to expending public funds. |
Campaign Training Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association |
IL | Dem |
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association holds half-day training programs for campaign workers, local candidates, and people who are... |
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association holds half-day training programs for campaign workers, local candidates, and people who are politically engaged in preparation for general election campaigns. All participants must commit to helping to elect Democrats in the upcoming election. |
Campaign Training Michigan Democratic Party |
MI | Dem |
The Michigan Democratic Party offers in-person trainings focused on leadership training and issues related to campaigning for state House and... |
The Michigan Democratic Party offers in-person trainings focused on leadership training and issues related to campaigning for state House and Senate candidates and officers of local parties, clubs and caucuses. The Party also offers online trainings to candidates interested in running in the state. Trainings are usually scheduled about a month in advance, with information posted online or available from the Party office. |
Campaign Training New Mexico Democratic Party |
NM | Dem |
The New Mexico Democratic Party runs both comprehensive and single-focus trainings throughout the year. Trainings, which cover topics like vote... |
The New Mexico Democratic Party runs both comprehensive and single-focus trainings throughout the year. Trainings, which cover topics like vote building, canvassing, phone banking, targeting, effective messaging and more, are posted online as scheduled. |
Campaign Training Pennsylvania Democratic Party |
PA | Dem |
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party runs several trainings throughout the year on a variety of topics related to campaigning, including finances,... |
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party runs several trainings throughout the year on a variety of topics related to campaigning, including finances, media, and grassroots organization. Any interested Pennsylvania Democrat should contact the Party's political director for information and schedules. |
Campaign Training Rhode Island Republican Party |
RI | Rep |
The Rhode Island Republican Party holds campaign trainings during election years, varying in topic and focus. Trainings are offered for... |
The Rhode Island Republican Party holds campaign trainings during election years, varying in topic and focus. Trainings are offered for registered Republicans or declared candidates in the state. |
Campaign Training Texas Republican Party |
TX | Rep |
The Texas Republican Party provides campaign training throughout Texas upon request. One to two hour trainings can be scheduled for groups or... |
The Texas Republican Party provides campaign training throughout Texas upon request. One to two hour trainings can be scheduled for groups or individuals through the Party's political director. The Texas GOP also provides online training videos accessed with a passcode provided by the party. All trainings are open to Texas Republicans. Eight-hour candidate training sessions are also available through the Party before the filing deadline, after the filing deadline, and before the general election. |
Campaign Training Wyoming Democratic Party |
WY | Dem |
The Wyoming Democratic Party runs multiple trainings each year for potential and current candidates, typically half-day sessions covering a... |
The Wyoming Democratic Party runs multiple trainings each year for potential and current candidates, typically half-day sessions covering a variety of topics. |
Campaign Training Lillian's List |
NC | Dem | Founded in 1998, Lillian's List is an independent political committee dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the North Carolina General... |
Founded in 1998, Lillian's List is an independent political committee dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the North Carolina General Assembly. Lillian's List runs a 1-3 day campaign training every year in conjunction with EMILY's List for pro-choice Democratic women who are running or thinking about running for the General Assembly. |
Campaign Training and Assistance Colorado Farm Bureau |
CO | Nonpartisan |
The Colorado Farm Bureau periodically assists members interested in running for a public office by hosting candidate training sessions where... |
The Colorado Farm Bureau periodically assists members interested in running for a public office by hosting candidate training sessions where members receive information on campaign organization, fundraising and message development. These trainings are included in the organization's political education efforts and are consistent with the American Farm Bureau's campaign management training model. |
Campaign Training Program Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, University of Virginia |
VA | Nonpartisan | The Sorensen Institute's Candidate Training Program (CTP) is an intensive, four-day program focused on the fundamentals of a winning campaign for... |
The Sorensen Institute's Candidate Training Program (CTP) is an intensive, four-day program focused on the fundamentals of a winning campaign for office. Participants explore the nuts and bolts of building a strong campaign from the ground upall within the context of ethics and principled public service. Applicants should be Virginia residents eligible for and considering a bid for office; many graduates have gone on to serve in elected office around the Commonwealth. |
Campaign Training Seminars Campaigns and Elections Magazine |
DC | Nonpartisan |
Campaigns & Elections magazine offers non-partisan campaign training seminars throughout the year for students and volunteer campaign... |
Campaigns & Elections magazine offers non-partisan campaign training seminars throughout the year for students and volunteer campaign operatives from all over the U.S. The trainings cover necessary campaign skills as well as contacts that often translate into business opportunities. Begun in 1983, these seminars provide a forum for campaign professionals to share their knowledge and experiences and for participants to engage in industry-wide networking. Most are held in Washington, DC. |
Campaign Trainings American Majority |
AR | Nonpartisan |
Founded in 2008, American Majority is a national non-profit, nonpartisan training institute with national headquarters in Purcellville, VA and... |
Founded in 2008, American Majority is a national non-profit, nonpartisan training institute with national headquarters in Purcellville, VA and state offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Texas. American Majority programs bring the expertise and knowledge-base of national politicos, campaign strategists, communication consultants, and seasoned organizers directly into local communities with four tracks of training: Candidate Training, Activist Training, Campus Majority, and the Fellowship Program. Each track offers a number of unique courses to prepare participants to run for office or work for campaigns or in politics. The calendar of scheduled trainings is available on the American Majority website. |
Campaign Trainings Colorado Democratic Party |
CO | Dem |
The Colorado Democratic party provides campaign trainings at least once per year, often in conjunction with elections and party re-organization.... |
The Colorado Democratic party provides campaign trainings at least once per year, often in conjunction with elections and party re-organization. Program format varies by training type, with some offered to any Colorado Democrat seeking more information on political campaigns and others provided to candidates and/or campaign professionals. |
Campaign Trainings Connecticut Democrats |
CT | Dem |
The Connecticut Democratic Party offers as-needed candidate training programs, typically one day, that provide preparation and knowledge to... |
The Connecticut Democratic Party offers as-needed candidate training programs, typically one day, that provide preparation and knowledge to campaign staff and/or individuals who have already declared their candidacy for public office. |
Campaign Trainings Republican Party of Connecticut |
CT | Rep |
The Republican Party of Connecticut provides campaign training for GOP candidates and staffers running for office or preparing for future bids... |
The Republican Party of Connecticut provides campaign training for GOP candidates and staffers running for office or preparing for future bids including: -- day-long full campaign training each election cycle for all known GOP candidates and committee members on media, budget, get-out-the-vote, and communications skills and strategies/ -- day-long one-on-one training for candidates and committee members providing necessary tools to run for and serve in political office/ day-long trainings each election cycle for campaign treasurers for Connecticut GOP candidates/ -- new media training to educate candidates on social networking interfaces such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. |
Campaign Trainings Delaware Democratic Party |
DE | Dem |
The Delaware Democratic Party provides a day-long training about once a month for already-declared Democratic candidates and their staffs. The... |
The Delaware Democratic Party provides a day-long training about once a month for already-declared Democratic candidates and their staffs. The training curriculum varies from session to session based on the candidates' needs and the prevailing political climate. |
Campaign Trainings Georgia Democratic Party |
GA | Dem |
The Georgia Democratic Party offers trainings during election years to campaign practitioners and declared candidates running on the Democratic... |
The Georgia Democratic Party offers trainings during election years to campaign practitioners and declared candidates running on the Democratic platform. |
Campaign Trainings Hawaii Republican Party |
HI | Rep |
The Hawaii Republican Party holds periodic trainings on topics including finance, communications, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign management... |
The Hawaii Republican Party holds periodic trainings on topics including finance, communications, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign management for potential candidates, declared candidates, and campaign practitioners. Training session schedules and eligibility are posted online. |
Campaign Trainings Idaho Republican Party |
ID | Rep |
The Idaho Republican Party holds two-day campaign trainings to assist declared Republican candidates for office once every two years before... |
The Idaho Republican Party holds two-day campaign trainings to assist declared Republican candidates for office once every two years before general elections. |
Campaign Trainings Maryland Democratic Party |
MD | Dem |
The Maryland Democratic Party runs annual regional summits on various campaign-related topics, open to all Maryland Democrats. |
The Maryland Democratic Party runs annual regional summits on various campaign-related topics, open to all Maryland Democrats. |
Campaign Trainings Maryland Republican Party |
MD | Rep |
The Maryland Republican Party holds trainings about once a month on campaign-related topics. Training content and participants vary, with some... |
The Maryland Republican Party holds trainings about once a month on campaign-related topics. Training content and participants vary, with some trainings held for potential candidates and others targeting current candidates or campaign staff. The trainings are posted online when scheduled. |
Campaign Trainings Minnesota Republican Party |
MN | Rep |
The Minnesota Republican Party holds periodic candidate trainings that are posted on the MN GOP website as scheduled, in addition to other... |
The Minnesota Republican Party holds periodic candidate trainings that are posted on the MN GOP website as scheduled, in addition to other trainings for candidates and campaigns. Individuals interested in running or learning more about the process can contact any member of the MN GOP's candidate search committee. |
Campaign Trainings Tennessee Democratic Party |
TN | Dem |
The Tennessee Democratic Party runs campaign trainings throughout the year. Open to any Tennessee Democrat, they cover a variety of topics and are... |
The Tennessee Democratic Party runs campaign trainings throughout the year. Open to any Tennessee Democrat, they cover a variety of topics and are held in locations throught out the state. |
Campaign Trainings Utah Democratic Party |
UT | Dem |
The Utah Democratic Party holds campaign trainings providing campaign guidance and materials for all those running for office on the Utah... |
The Utah Democratic Party holds campaign trainings providing campaign guidance and materials for all those running for office on the Utah Democratic platform. |
Campaign Trainings Vermont Republican Party |
VT | Rep |
The Vermont Republican Party holds campaign trainings for candidates filed with the Republican Party during election years. Individuals... |
The Vermont Republican Party holds campaign trainings for candidates filed with the Republican Party during election years. Individuals considering running can call the Party to get information from a party official. |
Campaign Trainings Washington State Republican Party |
WA | Rep |
The Washington Republican Party holds campaign trainings at least once a year, open to any Republican within the state. Trainings are typically... |
The Washington Republican Party holds campaign trainings at least once a year, open to any Republican within the state. Trainings are typically one day long and focus on how to run a political campaign. |
Campaign Trainings Wisconsin Republican Party |
WI | Rep |
The Wisconsin Republican Party runs trainings every few months. Information and schedules for these day-long trainings are provided through the... |
The Wisconsin Republican Party runs trainings every few months. Information and schedules for these day-long trainings are provided through the state's GOP headquarters. |
Campaign Workshops West Virginia Democratic Party |
WV | Dem | The West Virginia Democratic Party runs a campaign workshop at least once a year open to any West Virginia Democrat. Information is provided through... |
The West Virginia Democratic Party runs a campaign workshop at least once a year open to any West Virginia Democrat. Information is provided through the Party headquarters. |
Campaign/Candidate Training Texas Democratic Party |
TX | Dem | The Texas Democratic Party runs campaign and candidate trainings several times a year that vary in topic and length. Some trainings are open to all... |
The Texas Democratic Party runs campaign and candidate trainings several times a year that vary in topic and length. Some trainings are open to all Texas Democrats while others are open only to declared candidates or campaign staff. |
Candidate 101 Training Annie's List |
TX | Dem |
The program is tailored for progressive, Democratic women who are considering a run for elective office at any level. The trainings are full-day,... |
The program is tailored for progressive, Democratic women who are considering a run for elective office at any level. The trainings are full-day, in-depth workshops exploring the building blocks of campaign communication, fundraising, planning, media relations and grassroots activism needed to run a professional, competitive campaign |
Candidate Boot Camp | National | Nonpartisan |
Candidate Boot Camp offers online candidate training and free resources for those considering running for office. |
Candidate Boot Camp offers online candidate training and free resources for those considering running for office. |
Candidate School Operation Clean Government |
RI | Nonpartisan |
Operation Clean Governments Candidate School has offered a non-partisan educational seminar in Rhode Island every election year since 2002.... |
Operation Clean Governments Candidate School has offered a non-partisan educational seminar in Rhode Island every election year since 2002. Designed to broaden citizen involvement in state and local government, the day-long progarm prepares citizens to get involved and succeed in the political process, from volunteering for campaigns to managing a race or running for office. |