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 | |
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NEW Leadership® Texas University of Texas at Austin, Center for Women's and Gender Studies |
TX | Nonpartisan |
NEW Leadership® Texas brings together college women from across the political spectrum to discuss the roles of women in leadership and... |
NEW Leadership® Texas brings together college women from across the political spectrum to discuss the roles of women in leadership and politics. The program exposes participants to new ideas and opportunities as they consider their future careers. Participants are undergraduate women representing a wide range of socioeconomic, ethnic, racial and educational backgrounds and academic majors. We encourage applications from non-traditional college students, women of color, and students majoring in fields outside political science. |
New Mexico Federation of Republican Women | NM | Rep | Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
New Mexico NOW National Organization for Women |
NM | Nonpartisan |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to... |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters. |
New York Federation of Republican Women | NY | Rep | Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
New York NOW National Organization for Women |
NY | Nonpartisan |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to... |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters. |
New York State Legislative Women's Caucus | NY | Nonpartisan | The bi-partisan, bicameral New York State Legislative Women's Caucus focuses on a shared legislative agenda. Through the Caucus, women state... |
The bi-partisan, bicameral New York State Legislative Women's Caucus focuses on a shared legislative agenda. Through the Caucus, women state legislators work to: /-- Improve the participation of women in all areas of government /-- Support issues that affect and benefit women in New York State, and /-- Provide a network of support for women in the state legislature. |
New York Women's Political Caucus National Women's Political Caucus |
NY | Nonpartisan |
The New York Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for... |
The New York Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. |
New York Women's Political Caucus PAC National Women's Political Caucus |
NY | Nonpartisan |
The New York Women's Political Caucus PAC supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. |
The New York Women's Political Caucus PAC supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. |
NEWL Louisiana | LA | |||
NEWL Massachussetts | MA | |||
NewPower PAC | GA | Nonpartisan |
NewPower PAC is a nonpartisan organization that is motivated by the scarcity of women in elective or appointed office in the state of Georgia. Our... |
NewPower PAC is a nonpartisan organization that is motivated by the scarcity of women in elective or appointed office in the state of Georgia. Our purpose is to encourage women’s full participation in the civic life of Georgia by creating a network of mentors and leaders. |
North Carolina Federation of Republican Women | NC | Rep | Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
North Carolina Joint Women's Legislative Caucus | NC | Nonpartisan |
The North Carolina Women's Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of women legislators. |
The North Carolina Women's Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of women legislators. |
North Carolina Women's Political Caucus National Women's Political Caucus |
NC | Nonpartisan |
The North Carolina Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates... |
The North Carolina Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. |
North Dakota Gender Balance Legislation | ND | Nonpartisan | The North Dakota Century Code (54-06-19) establishes that to the extent possible all boards, commissions, committees, and councils shall be gender... |
The North Dakota Century Code (54-06-19) establishes that to the extent possible all boards, commissions, committees, and councils shall be gender balanced. |
NWPC Florida | FL | Nonpartisan |
NWPCFL is a grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women's political participation by increasing the number of pro-choice women in... |
NWPCFL is a grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women's political participation by increasing the number of pro-choice women in elected and appointed office. NWPC provides support to women candidates running for all levels of office regardless of political affliliation. |
Off the Sidelines | National | Dem |
Off The Sidelines is Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s call to action for women to make their voices heard on the issues they care about. Women have... |
Off The Sidelines is Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s call to action for women to make their voices heard on the issues they care about. Women have the power to shape the future – it’s just a matter of getting off the sidelines and getting involved. |
Ohio Federation of Republican Women | OH | Rep |
The Ohio Federation of Republican Women (OFRW) is a federated club of the National Federation of Republican Women, providing political education,... |
The Ohio Federation of Republican Women (OFRW) is a federated club of the National Federation of Republican Women, providing political education, legislative information, and wider knowledge of the principles and policies of the Republican Party. The OFRW increases the number of registered Republicans and promotes Republican candidates. More specifically, they recruit, promote, and support qualified Republican women for political office. |
Ohio National Organization for Women (NOW) National Organization for Women |
OH | Nonpartisan | Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's... |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters. |
Ohio Women's Political Caucus National Women's Political Caucus |
OH | Nonpartisan |
Established in 1972, the Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus recruits, trains, and supports feminist candidates. It is the only active chapter of... |
Established in 1972, the Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus recruits, trains, and supports feminist candidates. It is the only active chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus in Ohio. |
Ohio Women's Political Caucus PAC National Women's Political Caucus |
OH | Nonpartisan |
Established in 1972, the Cincinatti Women's Political Caucus recruits, trains, and supports feminist candidates. It is the only active chapter of... |
Established in 1972, the Cincinatti Women's Political Caucus recruits, trains, and supports feminist candidates. It is the only active chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus in Ohio. |
Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women | OK | Rep |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
Opportunity PAC | WA |
A Political Action Committee Focused on Electing Black Women to Public Office in Washington State. |
A Political Action Committee Focused on Electing Black Women to Public Office in Washington State. |
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Oregon Federation of Democratic Women | OR | Dem |
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide,... |
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide, the NFDW promotes Democratic Party goals and candidates and works to unite women party members behind them. NFDW chapters recognize potential women candidates and encourage their candidacies for office. Members attend meetings, organize educational and political events, volunteer for campaigns, and support candidates for office. |
Oregon Federation of Republican Women | OR | Rep | Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
Oregon Women's Campaign School Oregon Women's Campaign School |
OR | Nonpartisan |
The Oregon Womens Campaign School is a biennial skill-building weekend in Portland for pro-choice candidates, campaign staff and activists of any... |
The Oregon Womens Campaign School is a biennial skill-building weekend in Portland for pro-choice candidates, campaign staff and activists of any partisan leaning. Between 100 and 125 attendees participate in campaign and leadership training presented by prominent Oregon political professionals along three tracks for those considering candidacy, campaign professionals, or activists. While dedicated to getting more women involved in politics and elected to office, the Oregon Womens Campaign School is open to any pro-choice person who wants to learn more about running for office or about working on issue and candidate campaigns. Scholarships and travel stipends are available. |
Oregon Women's Legislative Caucus | OR | Dem |
The Women’s Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon builds and sustains inclusive relationships and networks with Democratic women. The Women's... |
The Women’s Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon builds and sustains inclusive relationships and networks with Democratic women. The Women's Caucus will endeavor to educate and train women in all areas of political participation, from the importance of voting to running for office. |
PAM's List | NJ | Dem |
Founded in 1993, PAM's List raises funds through a donor network to support pro-choice, viable, Democratic women candidates for the New Jersey... |
Founded in 1993, PAM's List raises funds through a donor network to support pro-choice, viable, Democratic women candidates for the New Jersey Legislature. |
Pathway to Politics Center for Women |
SC |
The Center for Women (C4W) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves to help educate and advocate so that women in South Carolina have... |
The Center for Women (C4W) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves to help educate and advocate so that women in South Carolina have economic success and are leaders in their professional, community and personal lives. The Center wants to see South Carolina women connect for success! Through its mix of educational and networking opportunities, training and development workshops, mentoring, programs, services and special events, the C4W facilitates South Carolina women in building better lives for themselves, their families, organizations, employers, and communities. Here at the C4W we focus on three different areas: Awareness and Advocacy, Financial Management and Entrepreneurship, and Leadership and Development. |
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Patsy T. Mink PAC | HI | Dem | The Patsy T. Mink PAC is dedicated to raising early money for progressive pro-choice Democratic women candidates for state offices. |
The Patsy T. Mink PAC is dedicated to raising early money for progressive pro-choice Democratic women candidates for state offices. |
Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University | PA | Nonpartisan |
The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University is a non-partisan center devoted to fostering women's public leadership... |
The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University is a non-partisan center devoted to fostering women's public leadership through education, empowerment, and action. The first to focus on women's political involvement in Pennsylvania, the Center integrates disciplinary knowledge, civic education, and capacity building while examining the intersection of women and public policy. The Center conducts candidate and advocacy trainings, offers educational programs in applied politics, and provides timely analysis on women's issues. The Center is also home to the University's membership in Project Pericles - a select group of liberal arts colleges and universities that have made institutional commitments to promoting participatory citizenship and social responsibility. |
Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women | PA | Dem |
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide,... |
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide, the NFDW promotes Democratic Party goals and candidates and works to unite women party members behind them. NFDW chapters recognize potential women candidates and encourage their candidacies for office. Members attend meetings, organize educational and political events, volunteer for campaigns, and support candidates for office. |
Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women | PA | Rep | Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies... |
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action. |
Pennsylvania NOW National Organization for Women |
PA | Nonpartisan | Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to... |
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters. |
Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program | PA | Nonpartisan | Established in 1985, the Pennsylvania Rural Leadership (RULE) Program is a partnership between the public and private sectors with funds from... |
Established in 1985, the Pennsylvania Rural Leadership (RULE) Program is a partnership between the public and private sectors with funds from individual participants, sponsoring organizations, private and public contributors, the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Pennsylvania State University. The purpose of RULE is to encourage and foster the development of community leaders from all segments of Pennsylvania by providing Fellows a year-long program of study emphasizing education on community problems and issues, training in leadership skills and decision-making, and understanding of social organizations and government. |
Pipeline to Politics Carl Albert Center's Women's Leadership Program at the University of Oklahoma |
OK | Nonpartisan |
Pipeline to Politics is a biennial program that serves women interested in stepping up their political and civic engagement by running for office... |
Pipeline to Politics is a biennial program that serves women interested in stepping up their political and civic engagement by running for office, working on a campaign, or becoming more involved in community-based issues and organizations. The one-day nonpartisan training program is designed primarily for women who are beyond college and/or in the workforce and features workshops led by political and policy experts. Pipeline to Politics is a part of the Ready to Run National Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Pipeline to Public Office Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life |
MO | Nonpartisan |
The Sue Shear Institute offers a variety of training programs designed to help women navigate the pipeline to politics. "Pipeline to Public Office... |
The Sue Shear Institute offers a variety of training programs designed to help women navigate the pipeline to politics. "Pipeline to Public Office" is a non-partisan two-day training program for potential candidates and campaign workers designed to help individuals enter the pipeline to political office and hone valuable political career and management skills. The "Pipeline to Local Office" campaign workshop is offered each spring for municipal candidates, and "Pipeline to Legislative Office" is offered in May of election years for candidates facing primary opposition in races for the State Legislature. An advanced campaign skills workshop is offered in August of election years to help candidates prepare for general election contests. These workshops are focused on candidates, but are open to individuals interested in learning more about campaigns and to campaign workers. |
PODER PAC | National | Dem |
PODER PAC's mission is to increase the number of Democratic, pro-choice Latinas serving in Congress. |
PODER PAC's mission is to increase the number of Democratic, pro-choice Latinas serving in Congress. |
Politica CT | CT | Dem |
Politica’s mission is to build a more progressive Connecticut through issue advocacy and the strategic recruitment, mentoring, and support of... |
Politica’s mission is to build a more progressive Connecticut through issue advocacy and the strategic recruitment, mentoring, and support of progressive women to run in targeted, winnable elections at the state level. |
Political Campaign Trainings Connecticut Working Families |
CT | Nonpartisan |
Connecticut Working Famililes is offering Political Campaign Trainings for those who are willing to stand up for working families in Connecticut... |
Connecticut Working Famililes is offering Political Campaign Trainings for those who are willing to stand up for working families in Connecticut. |
Political Institute for Women | SC | Nonpartisan | The Political Institute for Women is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to training women to run for elected office and to pursue... |
The Political Institute for Women is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to training women to run for elected office and to pursue careers in politics. The institute offers educational courses and training on campaign communications, field work, finance, management, and marketing. In addition to campaign tactics and strategy, the Political Institute for Women offers courses covering the most important policy issues of the day. Finally, the institute sponsors conferences on women and politics, political leadership, and policy. |
Political Leaders Program Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, University of Virginia |
VA | Nonpartisan | The Sorensen Institute's flagship Political Leaders Program (PLP) is a leadership development program for Virginia men and women of all ages who are... |
The Sorensen Institute's flagship Political Leaders Program (PLP) is a leadership development program for Virginia men and women of all ages who are involved in their commmunities and interested in becoming more active in public service and the political process, whether as community leaders or as elected officials. Approximately 35 participants are selected each year in a competitive process to participate in 10 monthly meetings (from March to December) in various locations across Virginia. |
Political Opportunity Program EMILY's List |
National | Dem |
Since its inception in 2001, the Political Opportunity Program (POP) has provided training to state and local candidates and their staffs... |
Since its inception in 2001, the Political Opportunity Program (POP) has provided training to state and local candidates and their staffs throughout the country. Democratic pro-choice women in targeted states for each election cycle are provided comprehensive campaign training, includes materials, experiential exercises and lectures by experienced campaign operatives on campaign planning, fundraising, message development and delivery, media, voter contact and direct mail. |
Political Training Boot Camp Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute |
DC | Nonpartisan |
The Congressional Black Caucus Institute political training "Boot Camp" program is an initiative designed to generate a pool of minority... |
The Congressional Black Caucus Institute political training "Boot Camp" program is an initiative designed to generate a pool of minority professionals who are well-qualified in public and private sector policy issues and the conduct of political campaigns. The one-week program focuses on training candidates, campaign managers, field directors, finance directors, fund raisers, communication directors, volunteer coordinators, campaign schedulers and surrogates. The program will also cover campaign ethics, research and polling, the legislative process, getting out the vote (GOTV), E-campaigning, E-fundraising and issue advocacy. Participants may apply for the program or be nominated by a member of the Congressional Black Caucus; the only requirement is that applicants are registered voters. Boot Camp is conducted on the campus of the National Labor College located in Silver Spring, Maryland. |
Political Trainings Louisiana Republican Party |
LA | Rep | The Louisiana Republican Party holds quarterly political trainings for active party members. Topics include, but are not limited to, campaigns and... |
The Louisiana Republican Party holds quarterly political trainings for active party members. Topics include, but are not limited to, campaigns and elections. |
Political Trainings Illinois Republican Party |
IL | Rep |
The Illinois Republican Party holds campaign trainings for already-nominated Republican candidates once every two years to assist them in their... |
The Illinois Republican Party holds campaign trainings for already-nominated Republican candidates once every two years to assist them in their general election campaigns. |
Progressive Majority | National | Nonpartisan | Founded on a mission to elect progressive candidates, Progressive Majority: -- identifies and recruits the best progressive leaders to run for office... |
Founded on a mission to elect progressive candidates, Progressive Majority: -- identifies and recruits the best progressive leaders to run for office/ -- coaches and supports their candidacies by providing strategic message, campaign, and technical support/ -- prioritizes the recruitment and election of candidates of color/ -- brings new people into the political process at all levels. Progressive Majority has offices in Washington DC, Minneapolis, and Seattle and offers its Candidate Recruitment and Development Program regularly in 8 battleground states: CA, CO, MI, MN, OH, PA, WA, and WI. Progressive Majority also provides online trainings for potential candidates and campaign professionals through their website. |
Progressive Majority Candidate Recruitment and Development Program Progressive Majority |
AZ | Dem | Launched in 2004, Progressive Majority's Candidate Recruitment and Development Program works to recruit progressive leaders to public service by... |
Launched in 2004, Progressive Majority's Candidate Recruitment and Development Program works to recruit progressive leaders to public service by providing political campaign support and pragmatic skills training. Candidates for state and local offices identified, recruited, and supported by Progressive Majority are trained through both small-group sessions and one-on-one support. |
Project GOPink | National | Rep |
Project GOPink serves as a national hub to recruit, train, network and promote women as they work to achieve their public service goals. In... |
Project GOPink serves as a national hub to recruit, train, network and promote women as they work to achieve their public service goals. In addition to providing an online forum and blog to provide news and insight from Republican leaders, Project GOPink seeks to motivate, mentor, and mobilize women across the country in an effort to help more Republican women seek federal, state and local office. The group hosts regional and state conferences, in addition to an annual conference, dedicated to advocacy and candidate training. |
Proyecto 85 | PR |