Leadership Resources

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.

National Resources

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Program Name	State	Party	Program Description
Women's Campaign Fund	National	Nonpartisan	The Women's Campaign Fund (WCF) is a non-partisan PAC whose mission is to provide women with the resources they need to win political office. WCF...	The Women's Campaign Fund (WCF) is a non-partisan PAC whose mission is to provide women with the resources they need to win political office. WCF endorses qualified women candidates running for all levels of government, from across the country, who pledge to support reproductive health choices for all. The endorsement process is competitive and based on a written application and an interview with WCFs Political Director and/or President/CEO. WCF Endorsed Candidates are featured in WCF member communications and on the WCF website, given access to WCFs special programs and network of donors, guidance from WCFs political team, and WCF PAC makes contributions where the support is most needed.
Women's Campaign Fund PAC	National	Nonpartisan	Women's Campaign Fund is the first national organization in the country to financially support women candidates. We are dedicated to supporting...	Women's Campaign Fund is the first national organization in the country to financially support women candidates. We are dedicated to supporting the advancement of strong, women leaders of all parties and at all levels of government. Founded in 1974, we have four decades of experience helping thousands of women overcome the challenges they face when seeking elected office.
Women's Campaign Training New Jersey Democratic State Committee	NJ	Dem	The New Jersey Democratic State Committee runs three one-day training sessions in different regions of the state every June on the nuts and bolts of...	The New Jersey Democratic State Committee runs three one-day training sessions in different regions of the state every June on the nuts and bolts of campaigning. Women interested in participating should contact the program director for more information.
Women's Democratic Club of Delaware PAC	DE	Dem	Women's Democratic Club of Delaware PAC provides fund for pro-choice Democratic candidates.	Women's Democratic Club of Delaware PAC provides fund for pro-choice Democratic candidates.
Women's Investment Network (WIN-PAC)	OR	Dem	WIN-PAC was formed in 1988 solely to help elect non-incumbent, pro-choice women to the Oregon legislature. Under guidelines adopted in 1994, WIN-PAC...	WIN-PAC was formed in 1988 solely to help elect non-incumbent, pro-choice women to the Oregon legislature. Under guidelines adopted in 1994, WIN-PAC now supports only Democratic women candidates, but still does not support any candidate challenging a pro-choice Democratic or woman incumbent.
Women's Leadership Institute	UT		The Women’s Leadership Institute elevates the stature of women’s leadership by improving society’s understanding of the value of diversity in...	The Women’s Leadership Institute elevates the stature of women’s leadership by improving society’s understanding of the value of diversity in leadership roles, training women in leadership skills and conveying the positive impact women leaders have on economic development, vitality and the overall health of the state of Utah.
Women's Leadership Institute	UT		The Women’s Leadership Institute elevates the stature of women’s leadership by improving society’s understanding of the value of diversity in...	The Women’s Leadership Institute elevates the stature of women’s leadership by improving society’s understanding of the value of diversity in leadership roles, training women in leadership skills and conveying the positive impact women leaders have on economic development, vitality and the overall health of the state of Utah.
Women's Leadership Program American Democracy Institute	DC	Nonpartisan	The American Democracy Institute's recently launched Women's Leadership Program offers education and training designed to foster innovative...	The American Democracy Institute's recently launched Women's Leadership Program offers education and training designed to foster innovative leadership and high-caliber public service among women.
Women's Legislative Education Summit Florida Commission on the Status of Women	FL	Nonpartisan	The Florida Commission on the Status of Women and its partners from across Florida present a forum dedicated to educating women about the...	The Florida Commission on the Status of Women and its partners from across Florida present a forum dedicated to educating women about the legislative process. Attendees gain a better understanding of how ideas become laws and learn the tools needed to be leaders in their communities.
Women's Legislative Network National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)	National		The Women's Legislative Network of the National Conference of State Legislatures is the professional development organization that includes every...	The Women's Legislative Network of the National Conference of State Legislatures is the professional development organization that includes every female state legislator in the 50 states, United States territories, and the District of Columbia. The mission of the Women's Legislative Network is to promote the participation, empowerment, and leadership of women legislators.
Women's Pipeline for Change	MA	Nonpartisan	The Women's Pipeline for Change is building a sustainable infrastructure to support progressive women of color as they enter, navigate and move up...	The Women's Pipeline for Change is building a sustainable infrastructure to support progressive women of color as they enter, navigate and move up the pipeline of political leadership. The Pipeline is a coalition comprised of progressive women of color leaders, women of color-led organizations and allies from various sectors of public service. The Pipelines initiatives aim to understand, build and support progressive women of color in public service that complement current organizations and resources in Massachusetts.
Women's Policy Leadership Institute Montana Women Vote	MT	Nonpartisan	The Womens Policy Leadership Institute is dedicated to training leaders to reflect the vision and capabilities of women in public life. WPLIs...	The Womens Policy Leadership Institute is dedicated to training leaders to reflect the vision and capabilities of women in public life. WPLIs goal is to create a progressive training and mentorship network to help transfer practical policy skills and experience from current women leaders to future women leaders.
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey PAC	NJ	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1972, the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits and trains progressive...	Founded in 1972, the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits and trains progressive women candidates and their campaign organizations and endorses women candidates who support reproductive freedom, the Equal Rights Amendment, and other issues that affect the lives of women and families; and contributes to WPCNJ-endorsed women candidates through its Political Action Committee and PAC.
Women's Political Committee	CA	Dem	Established in 1977, the Women's Political Committee supports progressive women candidates, primarily in California, who are seeking elected...	Established in 1977, the Women's Political Committee supports progressive women candidates, primarily in California, who are seeking elected office at all levels of government. Candidates must support the National Feminist Agenda, that includes choice, pay equity and civil rights.
Women's Political Committee	National	Nonpartisan	Established in 1984, the Women's Political Committee supports progressive women candidates for federal office. Candidates must support the National...	Established in 1984, the Women's Political Committee supports progressive women candidates for federal office. Candidates must support the National Feminist Agenda, that includes choice, pay equity and civil rights.
Women's Public Leadership Network	National	Rep	The mission of the Women's Public Leadership Network is to remove barriers and provide support for center- and right-leaning women seeking elected...	The mission of the Women's Public Leadership Network is to remove barriers and provide support for center- and right-leaning women seeking elected office and appointments, increase the number of women under consideration for these roles at every level of government, and establish a nationwide support system through a partner network, including state-based organizations.
Women's Taking Action in Politics (TAP) Fund	NY	Nonpartisan	The Women's TAP (Taking Action in Politics) Fund is a non-partisan PAC operating in western New York whose goal is to elect qualified, pro-choice,...	The Women's TAP (Taking Action in Politics) Fund is a non-partisan PAC operating in western New York whose goal is to elect qualified, pro-choice, pro-ERA, pro-child care women to local and state office.
WomenCount	National	Dem	WomenCount is a non-profit progressive political organization that gives women of all generations and backgrounds from around the United States a...	WomenCount is a non-profit progressive political organization that gives women of all generations and backgrounds from around the United States a voice in the political process. The organization has three arms: a 527 that launches issue-related campaigns, a 501c4 that conducts political advocacy, and a PAC that raises and donates funds to candidates for office.
WomenCount	National	Dem	WomenCount is a non-profit progressive political organization that gives women of all generations and backgrounds from around the United States a...	WomenCount is a non-profit progressive political organization that gives women of all generations and backgrounds from around the United States a voice in the political process. The organization has three arms: a 527 that launches issue-related campaigns, a 501c4 that conducts political advocacy, and a PAC that raises and donates funds to candidates for office.
WomenElect	NY	Nonpartisan	WomenElect is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that helps women who support reproductive rights build their financial and volunteer networks...	WomenElect is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that helps women who support reproductive rights build their financial and volunteer networks and fully understand the process of running for elected office. WomenElect offers extended, in-depth training and coaching process that focuses onteaching the unique skills required of candidates for elected office, including, but not limited to, fundraising, public speaking, image development, press/media relations, and leadership development. WomenElect has a network of chapters across New York State.
Womens Legislators of Maryland	MD	Nonpartisan	The Maryland Legislative Women's Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral women's caucus that sets a legislative agenda. The Caucus has also worked to...	The Maryland Legislative Women's Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral women's caucus that sets a legislative agenda. The Caucus has also worked to recruit women candidates in the past, when seats are available.
WomenWinning Minnesota	MN	Nonpartisan	The mission of womenwinning is to encourage, promote and support pro-choice women's leadership in all political parties and levels of public office.	The mission of womenwinning is to encourage, promote and support pro-choice women's leadership in all political parties and levels of public office.
Wyoming Federation of Democratic Women	WY	Dem	The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of women's voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide,...	The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of women's 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.
Wyoming L.E.A.D Wyoming Business Councils Agribusiness Division and the Wyoming Agriculture Leadership Council (WALC)	WY	Nonpartisan	The Wyoming L.E.A.D. Program develops highly motivated, well informed rural leaders who will act forcefully, serve effectively, and speak...	The Wyoming L.E.A.D. Program develops highly motivated, well informed rural leaders who will act forcefully, serve effectively, and speak articulately for agriculture and Wyoming communities. Sponsored by Wyoming Business Councils Agribusiness Division and the Wyoming Agriculture Leadership Council (WALC), the Wyoming Leadership Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) program educates participants over an 18-month period with 10 classes about topics such as:/ -- communication/ -- leadership skills/ -- agriculture policy/ -- international trade/ -- rural economics/ -- state and national government/ -- business and estate planning/ -- natural resource management/ -- marketing/ -- media relations .
Wyoming NOW National Organization for Women	WY	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.
Wyoming Women Rise	WY		Wyoming Women Rise is dedicated to empowering women in Wyoming to become leaders in state and local government.	Wyoming Women Rise is dedicated to empowering women in Wyoming to become leaders in state and local government.
Wyoming Women's Legislative Caucus	WY	Nonpartisan	The bi-partisan Wyoming Womens Legislative Caucus offers regular gatherings, a speakers bureau, candidate development, and an intern/aide program to...	The bi-partisan Wyoming Womens Legislative Caucus offers regular gatherings, a speakers bureau, candidate development, and an intern/aide program to encourage more Wyoming women to run for office. Members of the Caucus have participated in gatherings and workshops to share their experiences in running for and serving in political office. To encourage Wyoming women to run for office, the Caucus hosts an annual Leap into Leadership event at the State Legislature in February and has provided scholarships to Wyoming women to attend the White House Projects Go Run Political Leadership Training.
Young Women's Political Summit Running Start	National	Nonpartisan	Running Start offers a Young Women’s Political Summit to bring together women of all ages seeking inspiration and skills to enter the political...	Running Start offers a Young Women’s Political Summit to bring together women of all ages seeking inspiration and skills to enter the political arena. This weekend event will bring together young women from across the country to hone their leadership skills, learn more about running for office, and establish connections. The Summit will feature nationally acclaimed speakers and panelists who will highlight the work being done getting women into politics.
Young Women’s Political Leadership Program Running Start	National	Nonpartisan	Running Start’s Young Women’s Political Leadership Program (YWPL) introduces high school girls to the power of political leadership. The program...	Running Start’s Young Women’s Political Leadership Program (YWPL) introduces high school girls to the power of political leadership. The program is open to high school girls entering 9th grade through those who will have just graduated. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization encouraging girls to lead from every background and ideology.
Youth Native Women's Leadership Academy Native Action Network	WA	Nonpartisan	Beginning in 2010, the Native Action Network holds an annual two-day Youth Native Women's Leadership Academy designed to empower young women as they...	Beginning in 2010, the Native Action Network holds an annual two-day Youth Native Women's Leadership Academy designed to empower young women as they continue their journey to become leaders of their community. Through hands-on training, participants learn how to advocate for an issue and inspire positive change, while being instilled with Native and community values. Native women who are juniors and seniors in high school through college sophomores are encouraged to apply. Upon completion of the program, participants will be welcomed into an alumni network of Native women community leaders.

Leadership Resources Intro

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