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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Proyecto 85 | PR | |||
Public Leadership Institute Public Leadership Institute |
National | Nonpartisan |
The Public Leadership Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy and leadership center organized to raise public awareness on key issues of... |
The Public Leadership Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy and leadership center organized to raise public awareness on key issues of equity and justice and to develop public leaders who will improve the economic and social conditions of all Americans. |
PURSE (People United for Republican Sisters' Elections) PAC | IA | Rep | PURSE PAC, a women's political fundraising organization founded in the fall of 2008, hopes to draw more women to the Republican Party of Iowa by... |
PURSE PAC, a women's political fundraising organization founded in the fall of 2008, hopes to draw more women to the Republican Party of Iowa by seeking out Republican women to work on and donate to political campaigns and to run for office themselves. |
Rachel's Action Network (RAN) | National | Nonpartisan |
RAN empowers pro-environment women funders to influence the political proccess. |
RAN empowers pro-environment women funders to influence the political proccess. |
Ready to Lead The New American Leaders Project |
National | Nonpartisan |
The Ready to Lead program identifies the immigrant experience as an asset in civic leadership. The curriculum is specifically designed by... |
The Ready to Lead program identifies the immigrant experience as an asset in civic leadership. The curriculum is specifically designed by immigrants for immigrants.Trainings are held regionally in the spring and summer. |
Ready to Run® Alabama Women and Gender Resource Center, University of Alabama |
AL | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Alabama provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long program... |
Ready to Run® Alabama provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders. Ready to Run® Alabama is part of the Ready to Run® National Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready To Run® Connecticut Fairfield University, Department of Politics and Master of Public Administration Program |
CT | |||
Ready To Run® Delaware Women’s Equality and Empowerment Fund of Delaware |
DE | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Delaware is a non-partisan campaign training program to encourage and train women to run for elective office, position themselves... |
Ready to Run® Delaware is a non-partisan campaign training program to encourage and train women to run for elective office, position themselves for appointive office, work on a campaign, or get involved in public life in other ways. |
Ready to Run® Hawaii Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women |
HI | Nonpartisan |
Hawaii's Ready to Run® Campaign Training, sponsored by the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and part of the Ready to Run® National... |
Hawaii's Ready to Run® Campaign Training, sponsored by the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and part of the Ready to Run® National Network, offers a unique opportunity for potential women candidates and campaign managers to hear directly from prominent elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials about how to get ready to run for office. This one day bi-partisan campaign workshop is designed for women who want to run for elected office or work on a campaign. |
Ready To Run® Illinois Western Illinois University |
IL | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Illinois is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or... |
Ready to Run® Illinois is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or being more engaged in civic involvement in their communities of interest. Ready to Run® Illinois is part of the Ready to Run® Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® Indiana Women 4 Change Leadership Series |
IN |
Ready to Run® Indiana is a non-partisan campaign training program presented by the Women 4 Change Leadership series. This program encourages women... |
Ready to Run® Indiana is a non-partisan campaign training program presented by the Women 4 Change Leadership series. This program encourages women to run for elective office, position themselves for appointive office, work on a campaign or become involved in public life as leaders in their respective communities. Ready to Run® Indiana is part of a national network founded by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. |
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Ready to Run® Iowa Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics |
IA | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Iowa is a bi-partisan, comprehensive, one-day workshop offered every other year by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and... |
Ready to Run® Iowa is a bi-partisan, comprehensive, one-day workshop offered every other year by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Ames and Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). As part of the Ready to Run® National Network, Ready to Run® Iowa offers women an opportunity to hear directly from prominent elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials about how to get ready to run for office or work on a political campaign. |
Ready to Run® Louisiana Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation and Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University |
LA | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Louisiana is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or... |
Ready to Run® Louisiana is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or being more engaged in civic involvement in their communities of interest. Ready to Run® Louisiana is part of the Ready to Run® Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® Minnesota College of Arts and Sciences' SOLV Initiative, University of St. Thomas |
MN | Nonpartisan |
The College of Arts and Sciences' SOLV Initiative at the University of St. Thomas is now a national network partner of Ready to Run®, a non-... |
The College of Arts and Sciences' SOLV Initiative at the University of St. Thomas is now a national network partner of Ready to Run®, a non-partisan campaign training program created by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. |
Ready to Run® National Training Network Center for American Women and Politics |
National | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or... |
Ready to Run® is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or learn more about the political system. Policy experts, party officials, campaign consultants, and prominent elected and appointed leaders provide insight to participants in programs held throughout the country. The Ready to Run® flagship program in New Jersey offers three pre-conference programs for women of color: Run Sister Run, Eleccion Latina, and Rising Stars. |
Ready to Run® New Jersey Center for American Women and Politics |
NJ | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® New Jersey is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to... |
Ready to Run® New Jersey is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or learn more about the political system. Policy experts, party officials, campaign consultants, and prominent elected and appointed leaders provide insight to participants in the annual one-day program organized by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP). In addition to the primary program, Ready to Run® New Jersey offers three pre-conference programs for women of color: Run Sister Run, Eleccion Latina, and Rising Stars. |
Ready to Run® New Mexico University of New Mexico |
NM | |||
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands The Women's Intercultural Center |
TX, NM | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government positions. The day-... |
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders. Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands is part of the Ready to Run® National Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands The Women's Intercultural Center |
TX, NM | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government positions. The day-... |
Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands provides non-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders. Ready to Run® New Mexico/Texas Borderlands is part of the Ready to Run® National Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® North Dakota North Dakota Women's Network |
ND | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or... |
Ready to Run® is a bi-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or learn more about the political system. Ready to Run® North Dakota is part of the Ready to Run® National Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® Northeastern Pennsylvania University of Scranton |
PA | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Northeastern Pennsylvania is a non-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign,... |
Ready to Run® Northeastern Pennsylvania is a non-partisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or learn more about the political system. Ready to Run® Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of the Ready to Run® National Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® Ohio John Glenn College of Public Affairs, Ohio State University |
OH | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Ohio is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or being... |
Ready to Run® Ohio is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or being more engaged in civic involvement in their communities of interest. Ready to Run® Ohio is part of the Ready to Run® Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready to Run® Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University |
PA | Nonpartisan |
Ready to Run® Pennsylvania provides bi-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long... |
Ready to Run® Pennsylvania provides bi-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders. Ready to Run® Pennsylvania is part of the Ready to Run® National Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ). |
Ready To Run® South Dakota Social Justice Research Institute (SJRI) |
SD | |||
Ready to Run® Texas Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, Texas Woman's University |
TX | Nonpartisan | ||
Ready to Run® West Virginia West Virginia Women's Commission |
WV | |||
Real Women Run YWCA Utah |
UT | Nonpartisan |
Real Women Run Find Your Voice is a collaborative nonpartisan effort that began in 2011 to empower Utah women to participate fully in public life... |
Real Women Run Find Your Voice is a collaborative nonpartisan effort that began in 2011 to empower Utah women to participate fully in public life and leadership through elected political office at all levels, appointments to public boards and commissions, working on campaigns, or simply learning more about opportunities to change Utah's political life. The coalition includes the YWCA Salt Lake City, The Hinckley Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, Vision 2020, AAUW, League of Women Voters of Utah, current and former elected female officials and representatives from political parties in Utah, and other organizations that support women.Real Women Runwas one of five national projects highlighted at the National Vision 2020 Congress in November in Portland, Oregon. |
Represent Women | National | Nonpartisan |
RepresentWomen works to increase women's representation in elected office and advocates for systemic reforms to the recruitment process, voting... |
RepresentWomen works to increase women's representation in elected office and advocates for systemic reforms to the recruitment process, voting systems, and legislative practices so that more women run, win, serve, and lead. |
Represent! PAC | PA | Dem |
Represent! PAC was founded to increase the number of Democratic women in elected office in Pennsylvania by providing financial investments in... |
Represent! PAC was founded to increase the number of Democratic women in elected office in Pennsylvania by providing financial investments in strong women candidates. |
Republican Campaign Training School Maryland Federation for Republican Women |
MD | Rep |
The Maryland Federation of Republican Women has provided a one-day training program for Republican women interested in running for office. ... |
The Maryland Federation of Republican Women has provided a one-day training program for Republican women interested in running for office. Attendees in two tracks -- beginner and advanced -- get advice from leading Republican candidates and campaign professionals. |
Republican Majority for Choice | National | Rep |
The Republican Majority for Choice PAC supports Republican men and women throughout the United States who believe in the Party's traditional... |
The Republican Majority for Choice PAC supports Republican men and women throughout the United States who believe in the Party's traditional principles of individual liberty, strong national security and sound economic reason, in addition to an inclusive social agenda on choice. |
Republican Women for Progress | National | Rep |
Republican Women for Progress (RWFP) is a grassroots policy organization created to: ensure the full spectrum of Republican women’s voices are... |
Republican Women for Progress (RWFP) is a grassroots policy organization created to: ensure the full spectrum of Republican women’s voices are represented in the media, develop and support the pipeline of Republican women who want to lead and run for office, and refocus the GOP on proper governance and policy. |
Republican Women's Federation of Michigan | MI | 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. |
Rhode Island Democratic Party Women's Caucus | RI | Dem |
With the goal of reducing the disparity between men and women in public policy formation and elected offices held, the RIDWC seeks to organize,... |
With the goal of reducing the disparity between men and women in public policy formation and elected offices held, the RIDWC seeks to organize, recruit, prepare, and support women who wish to enter the political process and raise awareness of women's issue within the Democratic Party. Together we can promote a strong and vibrant voice addressing the concerns of women, including pay equity, social equality, education, domestic violence, children's health, foster care, sexual harassment, and women's health. |
Rhode Island Federation of Republican Women | RI | 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. |
Rhode Island Gender Balance Legislation | RI | Nonpartisan | The General Laws of Rhode Island (28-5.1-3.1) establishes that to the extent possible all boards, commissions, committees, and councils shall be... |
The General Laws of Rhode Island (28-5.1-3.1) establishes that to the extent possible all boards, commissions, committees, and councils shall be representative of the state gender proportions. |
Rhode Island NOW National Organization for Women |
RI | 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. |
Rhode Island Women's Legislative Caucus | RI | Nonpartisan | The Rhode Island Women's Legislative Caucus brings the women of the General Assembly together in a non-partisan setting to make progress on issues... |
The Rhode Island Women's Legislative Caucus brings the women of the General Assembly together in a non-partisan setting to make progress on issues that affect all Rhode Islanders, such as health, education, domestic violence prevention, workplace concerns, pay equity issues and family and childrens issues. |
Right Women, Right Now Republican State Leadership Committee |
National | Rep |
The Republican State Leadership Committee launched "Right Women, Right Now," in an effort to coordinate with female leaders, party officials and... |
The Republican State Leadership Committee launched "Right Women, Right Now," in an effort to coordinate with female leaders, party officials and national and local women's groups to identify, recruit and support qualified women nationwide in their campaigns for state-level elected office. State level Republican women have made great strides in recent years with a great deal more to be accomplished and the RSLC is taking the lead to further the party's efforts. |
RightNOW Women PAC | National | Rep |
RightNOW Women PAC is a volunteer organization helping elect Republican women to federal office. |
RightNOW Women PAC is a volunteer organization helping elect Republican women to federal office. |
Rise to Run | National |
Rise to Run is a grassroots and community-based organization that is progressive, exists both on and offline, and is focused solely on training... |
Rise to Run is a grassroots and community-based organization that is progressive, exists both on and offline, and is focused solely on training this critical age group of women to run for office. |
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ROSA PAC | National | Nonpartisan |
Raising Our Sisters’ Assets Political Action Committee (ROSA PAC) is dedicated to raising funds for women of color running for Congress to help... |
Raising Our Sisters’ Assets Political Action Committee (ROSA PAC) is dedicated to raising funds for women of color running for Congress to help them win, get re-elected and lead. ROSA PAC's goal is to further the conversations and actions that positively affect women of color in the communities where they work and live. |
RPV Ambassador Program The Republican Party of Virginia |
VA | Rep |
The Republican Party of Virginia has announced its 2017 Ambassador Program. Each year Republican leaders from across the Commonwealth of Virginia... |
The Republican Party of Virginia has announced its 2017 Ambassador Program. Each year Republican leaders from across the Commonwealth of Virginia are selected to receive this specialized training in politics and public service. Students are chosen by the program’s board of directors after an extensive review and interview process. The Mission of the RPV Ambassador Program is to increase the number of effective Republican men and women from diverse backgrounds in public service and party leadership by providing extensive training and support as they pursue their political and/or professional goals. The successful completion of this political leadership development program will prepare, motivate and inspire Republican leaders from every cultural and ethnic community to assume key roles in political and public life. |
Run for Something | National | Dem |
Run for Something will recruit and support talented, passionate young people who will advocate for progressive values now and for the next 30... |
Run for Something will recruit and support talented, passionate young people who will advocate for progressive values now and for the next 30 years, with the ultimate goal of building a progressive bench. We’ll take a chance on people the usual “institutions” might never encounter. We’ll help people run for offices like state legislatures, mayorships, city council seats, and more. We’ll do whatever it takes to get more under-35 year-olds on the ballot. |
Run Women Run | CA | Nonpartisan |
Run Women Run was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a mission to inspire, recruit, train, mentor and support pro-... |
Run Women Run was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a mission to inspire, recruit, train, mentor and support pro-choice women for elected and appointed office in San Diego County. The group sponsors educational and networking seminars on women and politics, donates to pro-choice women candidates as a political action committee, and sponsors political boot camps in concert with local organizations to provide information on the facets of running for political office from campaign fundraising to honing your message. |
Run Women Run | CA | Nonpartisan |
Run Women Run was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a mission to inspire, recruit, train, mentor and support pro-... |
Run Women Run was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a mission to inspire, recruit, train, mentor and support pro-choice women for elected and appointed office in San Diego County. The group sponsors educational and networking seminars on women and politics, donates to pro-choice women candidates as a political action committee, and sponsors political boot camps in concert with local organizations to provide information on the facets of running for political office from campaign fundraising to honing your message. |
RUN WY Wyoming Women Rise |
WY |
RUN WY Candidate Training is a joint effort by the Equality State Policy Center, Wyoming Women Rise, and Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance to... |
RUN WY Candidate Training is a joint effort by the Equality State Policy Center, Wyoming Women Rise, and Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance to train candidates across Wyoming on the skills necessary to not only run, but win elected office in our state. |
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Running for Public Office Coro Center for Civic Leadership - Pittsburgh |
PA | Nonpartisan | Running for Public Office is an nonpartisan experiential learning program of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership in Pittsburgh. Twenty participants... |
Running for Public Office is an nonpartisan experiential learning program of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership in Pittsburgh. Twenty participants attend 42 hours of seminar, conducted in twelve consecutive Thursday evening sessions, that focus on strengthening citizen participation in public elections and increasing the diversity and level of preparation of candidates running for office in Greater Pittsburgh. The course is open to prospective candidates now contemplating running for office and their staffs. |
Running Start | DC | Nonpartisan | Running Start is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young women to participate in politics and run for... |
Running Start is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young women to participate in politics and run for office. The organization educates young women about the importance of politics in their lives and gives them the skills they need to become political leaders through a series of programs, including opportunities for experiential learning and access to political and leadership trainings. Programs target women from high school to their late twenties. |
Running Start | National | Nonpartisan |
Running Start is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young women to participate in politics and run for... |
Running Start is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young women to participate in politics and run for office. The organization educates young women about the importance of politics in their lives and gives them the skills they need to become political leaders through a series of programs, including opportunities for experiential learning and access to political and leadership trainings. Programs target women from high school to their late twenties. |