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
Gender Parity Legislation	National	Nonpartisan	Currently, nine states have legislation requiring or encouraging gender parity on state and/or local boards and commissions: CT, IA, IL, MT, ND, NH,...	Currently, nine states have legislation requiring or encouraging gender parity on state and/or local boards and commissions: CT, IA, IL, MT, ND, NH, RI, UT, and WV.
Georgia Federation of Democratic Women	GA	Dem	The Georgia Federation of Democratic Women works to: Strengthen all facets of the Democratic Party and women's participation in it; Promote the...	The Georgia Federation of Democratic Women works to: Strengthen all facets of the Democratic Party and women's participation in it; Promote the election of Democrats in all levels of government; and Promote and encourage qualified women to seek political office and to serve on governmental boards and agencies.
Georgia Federation of Republican Women	GA	Rep	The Georgia Federation of Republican Women advocates on issues important to women, financially supports and activates grassroots efforts in electing...	The Georgia Federation of Republican Women advocates on issues important to women, financially supports and activates grassroots efforts in electing Republicans, trains and helps to elect women in office and on the campaign trail, and keeps updated on national issues and efforts through their affiliation with the National Federation of Republican Women.
Georgia Legislative Women's Caucus	GA	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1990, the formal bipartisan, bicameral Georgia Legislative Womens Caucus brings women members of the Georgia House and Senate together...	Founded in 1990, the formal bipartisan, bicameral Georgia Legislative Womens Caucus brings women members of the Georgia House and Senate together to work on issues important to Georgian women and families. The group meets weekly to discuss Caucus business.
Georgia Women’s Policy Institute (GWPI) YWCA of Greater Atlanta	GA	Nonpartisan	Women from diverse backgrounds are selected to participate in a year-long Institute to learn how to develop and support policy proposals that...	Women from diverse backgrounds are selected to participate in a year-long Institute to learn how to develop and support policy proposals that impact the lives of women and girls in Georgia. GWPI provides intensive leadership, advocacy and civic engagement training for a cohort of fellows, who work collaboratively to select, develop and implement a real world policy project.
Georgia's WIN List	GA	Dem	Georgia's WIN List is a political action committee that provides financial, strategic and political support to Democratic women running for...	Georgia's WIN List is a political action committee that provides financial, strategic and political support to Democratic women running for election to the Georgia General Assembly and statewide office who are committed to reproductive freedom and economic, educational and legal equality for all women. Georgias WIN List has partnered with EMILYs List to provide candidate trainings for potential women candidates.
Georgia's WIN List	GA	Dem	Georgia's WIN List is a political action committee that provides financial, strategic and political support to Democratic women running for...	Georgia's WIN List is a political action committee that provides financial, strategic and political support to Democratic women running for election to the Georgia General Assembly and statewide office who are committed to reproductive freedom and economic, educational and legal equality for all women. Georgias WIN List has partnered with EMILYs List to provide candidate trainings for potential women candidates.
Get Her Elected	National		Get Her Elected (GHE) is an initiative where people from all over the world offer their skills pro bono to progressive women candidates running...	Get Her Elected (GHE) is an initiative where people from all over the world offer their skills pro bono to progressive women candidates running for office at all levels of U.S. government. Skill sets from current volunteers include everything from writing, editing, and graphic design to web design, data analysis, and fundraising strategy. By having people with these backgrounds fill in these gaps for no charge, GHE aims to level the playing field and allow progressive women candidates to focus on bigger issues within their campaigns.
Gracie's List	ID	Nonpartisan	Gracie's List supports progressive women candidates in Idaho.	Gracie's List supports progressive women candidates in Idaho.
Grassroots Campaign Training California Democratic Party	CA	Dem	The California Democratic Party regularly hosts two-day comprehensive campaign trainings for grassroots activists across the state with locations...	The California Democratic Party regularly hosts two-day comprehensive campaign trainings for grassroots activists across the state with locations throughout the state. Trainings are not necessarily geared towards candidates, but candidates do attend and have called the programs very beneficial in starting to plan their campaigns.
Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus	MO	Nonpartisan	The Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus PAC supports pro-choice women candidates for state and local office.	The Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus PAC supports pro-choice women candidates for state and local office.
Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge	MO	Nonpartisan	Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge is an annual traveling symposium designed to bring together women leaders from global corporations, small...	Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge is an annual traveling symposium designed to bring together women leaders from global corporations, small business, academia, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Through the course of the year, the group is exposed to critical issues confronting their communities, state and nation. Each year, a limited number of outstanding women leaders are accepted into program membership. The participants meet for four three-day session combining continuing education in leadership development, information and major discussion of state policy issues, and exposure to the philosophies and thoughts of the states business, cultural, educational and political leaders.
Greater Tuscon Leadership Leadership Institute	AZ	Nonpartisan	Greater Tucson Leadership exists to inform, educate and sensitize current and emerging leaders about key issues affecting Greater Tucson and to...	Greater Tucson Leadership exists to inform, educate and sensitize current and emerging leaders about key issues affecting Greater Tucson and to encourage public dialogue and involvement within the community. The Leadership Education Program is held in the spring and fall each year. Classes are held every other Friday for five months. Classes in the spring run January through May, and in the fall August through December. Each program begins with an overnight retreat. Locations for class meetings vary based upon the topic for the day. Each class contains approximately 35 students.The faculty is drawn from recognized Tucson leaders and the program is presented with a nonpartisan and impartial approach to critical community issues.
Gubernatorial Appointments Project South Carolina Women In Leadership (SCWIL)	SC	Nonpartisan	SC Women in Leadership is working with Governor Henry McMaster to launch the Gubernatorial Appointments Project (GAP) to recruit women of all...	SC Women in Leadership is working with Governor Henry McMaster to launch the Gubernatorial Appointments Project (GAP) to recruit women of all backgrounds and perspectives for statewide leadership positions, guide them through the application process, and then deliver categorized expressions of interest to the Governor’s office as openings arise.
Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus	HI	Nonpartisan	This Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus is formal, bipartisan, and bicameral caucus that presents a legislative agenda to the leadership and the...	This Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus is formal, bipartisan, and bicameral caucus that presents a legislative agenda to the leadership and the governor at the start of each legislative session. The Caucus' legislative agenda focuses on women, children, and families. All women legislators are members.
Her Term	GA	Dem	Her Term is a Georgia-based initiative created to recruit women to run for public office at the local, state, and national levels. Our name...	Her Term is a Georgia-based initiative created to recruit women to run for public office at the local, state, and national levels. Our name reflects the ownership and responsibility women take when they are elected to lead and serve. It's Her Term - and it's her turn. We take a data-driven approach to finding qualified and progressive women who we believe can and will win. They come from different backgrounds and roles in their private lives, and have different areas of interest, but they share a commitment to ensuring our government meets the needs, and reflects the will of its constituents. Our goal is to see more women take on critical elected roles - and to see every branch of our government transformed by equitable representation.
HER Time	National	Nonpartisan	HER Time support women and young people—often the long-shot candidates who have the vision and drive needed to make lasting systemic change—who...	HER Time support women and young people—often the long-shot candidates who have the vision and drive needed to make lasting systemic change—who don’t yet have the resources that come with being a proven or established politician.
Higher Heights for America	National	Nonpartisan	Higher Heights Leadership Fund is investing in a long-term strategy to expand and support Black women’s leadership pipeline at all levels and...	Higher Heights Leadership Fund is investing in a long-term strategy to expand and support Black women’s leadership pipeline at all levels and strengthen their civic participation beyond just Election Day.
Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)	CA		The goal of HOPE’s Education programs is to promote and develop empowered Latinas. Key outcomes include creating a pipeline of Latina leaders and...	The goal of HOPE’s Education programs is to promote and develop empowered Latinas. Key outcomes include creating a pipeline of Latina leaders and promoting an empowered Latina image.
HOPE Leadership Institute Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)	CA	Nonpartisan	The HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI) is the first and only statewide leadership program specifically designed for professional Latinas in...	The HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI) is the first and only statewide leadership program specifically designed for professional Latinas in California. The goal of the Institute is to train Latinas in vital leadership and advocacy skills, enabling them to create fundamental change within their local neighborhoods and across California.
ICAN Women's Leadership Conference the Institute for Career Advancement Needs, Inc. (ICAN)	NE	Nonpartisan	The annual ICAN Women's Leadership conference is a one-day program that educates women about the important tools for leadership, inspires them to...	The annual ICAN Women's Leadership conference is a one-day program that educates women about the important tools for leadership, inspires them to take on leadership roles, and provides a space for networking and connection with other women professionals. Beyond its keynote speakers, the conference offers break-out sessions that cover topics ranging from leadership styles and skills to goal-setting and taking advantage of social media. The Institute for Career Advancement Needs, Inc. (ICAN) is a non-profit leadership development organization offering comprehensive leadership training for men and women at every level of their careers. ICAN was founded in 1981 in Omaha, Nebraska and has delivered leadership programs to over 16,000 professionals representing hundreds of businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Idaho Federation of Republican Women	ID	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.
Idaho NOW National Organization for Women	ID	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.
IDW Campaign Training Illinois Democratic Women	IL	Dem	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all...	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all levels of government, Illinois Democratic Women fulfills its mission through educational programs and fund-raising activities. The IDW provides free trainings for groups of women in Illinois upon request, covering topics such as field work, fundraising, communications, and vote-getting. These trainings are open to anyone who has demonstrated a committment to be active in politics.
IGNITE	National, CA	Nonpartisan	Through college and high school chapters and programming, conferences, and fellowships, IGNITE is building a movement of young women who are ready...	Through college and high school chapters and programming, conferences, and fellowships, IGNITE is building a movement of young women who are ready and eager to become the next generation of political leaders.
IGNITE	National, CA	Nonpartisan	Through college and high school chapters and programming, conferences, and fellowships, IGNITE is building a movement of young women who are ready...	Through college and high school chapters and programming, conferences, and fellowships, IGNITE is building a movement of young women who are ready and eager to become the next generation of political leaders.
Illinois Council of Women Legislators (COWL)	IL	Nonpartisan	The Conference of Women Legislators is a non-profit organization that encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bi-...	The Conference of Women Legislators is a non-profit organization that encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bi-partisan fashion to advance the interest of all women, children and families through state, local and federal initiatives. The Council serves as a forum for Illinois women legislators to join with colleagues in workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the state. Additionally, the Council encourages leadership among Illinois women by supporting NEW Leadership Illinois, a leadership program for college women that is part of the NEW Leadership Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Illinois Democratic Women	IL	Dem	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all...	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all levels of government, Illinois Democratic Women fulfills its mission through educational programs and fund-raising activities. The IDW provides free trainings for groups of women in Illinois upon request, covering topics such as field work, fundraising, communications, and vote-getting. These trainings are open to anyone who has demonstrated a committment to be active in politics.
Illinois Federation of Republican Women	IL	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.
Illinois NOW National Organization for Women	IL	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.
Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership	IL	Dem	The Illinois Womens Institute for Leadership (IWIL) is an educational organization that exists to encourage and train women to become effective...	The Illinois Womens Institute for Leadership (IWIL) is an educational organization that exists to encourage and train women to become effective leaders in Illinois government and politics. Participants attend 7 monthly sessions (2 days each) where they are trained in campaigning, government and public policy, and leadership and networking. The program is open to all Illinois Democratic women who have a commitment to serve in public office and a willingness to commit the time necessary to participate fully.
Indiana Federation of Republican Women	IN	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.
Indiana Leadership Association	IN	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1991, the Indiana Leadership Association (ILA) is an organization providing information, partnership, networking, consulting, training and...	Founded in 1991, the Indiana Leadership Association (ILA) is an organization providing information, partnership, networking, consulting, training and facilitation to promote community leadership and collaboration. ILA holds events throughout the year to facilitate leadership development, with a special emphasis on servant-leadership and community building.
Indiana Leadership Forum	IN	Rep	Founded in 1993, the Indiana Leadership Forum works to prepare indiana leaders for politics, providing training on why politics matters,...	Founded in 1993, the Indiana Leadership Forum works to prepare indiana leaders for politics, providing training on why politics matters, government, grassroots movement, campaign school, and message and the media. Successful applicants participate in an eight-month forum (from November through June) of courses/seminars, retreats, and a trip to Washington, DC. Candidates will be chosen based upon their commitment to community service and their willingness to increase their participation in the political process.
Indiana NOW National Organization for Women	IN	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.
Institute for Civic Leadership	ME	Nonpartisan	The Institute for Civic Leadership offers a series of leadership programs including: A 15-day Leadership Intensive held over the course of 9...	The Institute for Civic Leadership offers a series of leadership programs including: A 15-day Leadership Intensive held over the course of 9 months for senior and middle management of public, private, and non-profit sectors, Programs targeted at matching leaders with non-profit board positions, The Leadership in Action Breakfast Series, where each breakfast forum features a keynote address by an influential and inspiring leader with ties to Maine.
Institute for Community Leadership	NC	Nonpartisan	The Institute for Community Leadership is Fayetteville and Cumberland County's joint community leadership program. It is designed to provide local...	The Institute for Community Leadership is Fayetteville and Cumberland County's joint community leadership program. It is designed to provide local citizens the opportunity to participate in activities leading to community leadership, volunteer service, and membership on local boards and commissions. The Leadership Program has seven monthly training sessions, each featuring leadership enhancement activities and discussions with local leaders. Monthly sessions run from September to April, excluding December.
Iowa Gender Balance Legislation	IA	Nonpartisan	The Iowa General Assembly passed gender balance legislation (HF 243) in 2009, requiring that all appointive boards, commissions, committees and...	The Iowa General Assembly passed gender balance legislation (HF 243) in 2009, requiring that all appointive boards, commissions, committees and councils of the state be gender balanced. Gender balance on state-level boards and commissions has been required since 1987, and the 2009 legislation extended this expectation to county and city boards and commissions. This law goes into effect in January 2012.
Iowa N.E.W. Leadership Women's Resource and Action Center, University of Iowa	IA	Nonpartisan	Iowa NEW Leadership is an intensive six-day residential institute that develops college womens public leadership skills, supports their engagement...	Iowa NEW Leadership is an intensive six-day residential institute that develops college womens public leadership skills, supports their engagement in civic life, and creates opportunities for them to build relationships with women involved in public leadership on the local, state, and national levels. During the program selected students meet with women in a variety of roles in the public sphere, learn about womens political participation, explore ideas about leadership and politics, and participate in hands-on skills building exercises. Iowa NEW Leadership is part of the NEW Leadership Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Iowa National Organization for Women (NOW) National Organization for Women	IA	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.

Leadership Resources Intro

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