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
MassGAP Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus	MA	Nonpartisan	The Massachusetts Government Appointments Project (MassGAP) was founded in 2002 as a bi-partisan coalition of womens groups whose purpose is to...	The Massachusetts Government Appointments Project (MassGAP) was founded in 2002 as a bi-partisan coalition of womens groups whose purpose is to increase the number of women appointed by the new governor to senior-level cabinet positions, agency heads and selected authorities and commissions in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Womens Political Caucus (MWPC) is the lead sponsor of this coalition.
Masters' Program in Elections and Campaign Management Fordham University	NY	Nonpartisan	Fordham University offers a masters degree in elections and campaign management. The program is designed as a comprehensive, one-year introduction...	Fordham University offers a masters degree in elections and campaign management. The program is designed as a comprehensive, one-year introduction to both theoretical and practical tools necessary to manage political campaigns. Rigorous multidisciplinary instruction in voting behavior, candidate strategy, analysis of survey data, and media management is provided by academics and industry professionals. The program requires completion of 30 credits. including a professional-level internship in a political consulting firm or a campaign organization.
Matriarch	National	Dem	Matriarch gives progressive working women the backing they need to run and win.	Matriarch gives progressive working women the backing they need to run and win.
Matriots	OH	Nonpartisan	The Matriots is an Ohio nonpartisan political action committee founded in May of 2017 by a group of women who participated in the Women’s March on...	The Matriots is an Ohio nonpartisan political action committee founded in May of 2017 by a group of women who participated in the Women’s March on Washington. Moved by the tremendous outpouring of support that day for American women and their issues, the Ohio marchers decided to launch an effort to put more women into political leadership to ensure economic justice and advance policies impacting the lives of Ohio women.
Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program Mesa Chamber of Commerce	AZ	Nonpartisan	The Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program works to cultivate leadership through education, exposure to the community, and interaction...	The Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program works to cultivate leadership through education, exposure to the community, and interaction between class members. Through ten once-monthly seminars, particpants learn about area issues like history, business and economics, criminal justice, city government, the arts, education, social issues, and leadership. Participants meet and shadow area leaders and many have gone on to pursue public office, serve on city boards and commissions, and/or serve as community leaders in other sectors.
MI List	MI	Dem	Founded in 2004, MI List is a statewide organization and donor network dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the Michigan...	Founded in 2004, MI List is a statewide organization and donor network dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the Michigan legislature and key local offices. MI List strategically recruits and supports pro-choice Democratic women to create a farm team of viable candidates to run for elected office; they coordinate campaign trainings with EMILY's List, a national PAC for pro-choice women.
MI List	MI	Dem	Founded in 2004, MI List is a statewide organization and donor network dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the Michigan...	Founded in 2004, MI List is a statewide organization and donor network dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to the Michigan legislature and key local offices. MI List strategically recruits and supports pro-choice Democratic women to create a farm team of viable candidates to run for elected office; they coordinate campaign trainings with EMILY's List, a national PAC for pro-choice women.
Michigan Federation of Democratic Women	MI	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.
Michigan NOW National Organization for Women	MI	Nonpartisan	Sponsored by the National Organization for Women	Sponsored by the National Organization for Women
Michigan Political Leadership Program Michigan State University, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR)	MI	Nonpartisan	The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University (MSU) recruits, trains, and inspires current and future public policy...	The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University (MSU) recruits, trains, and inspires current and future public policy leaders. In a multi-partisan learning environment, twenty-four individuals from across the state engage in a ten-month weekend program that incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development, and effective governance.
Michigan Women in Municipal Government	MI		Michigan Women in Municipal Government is a state-wide organization of women serving in local government focusing on the development of women in...	Michigan Women in Municipal Government is a state-wide organization of women serving in local government focusing on the development of women in leadership; recognition of achievement; and providing training and mentoring to those seeking positions in local government.
Minnesota Federation of Republican Women	MN	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.
Minnesota NOW	MN	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.
Minnesota Women's Political Caucus National Women's Political Caucus	MN	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1971, the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus. It shares NWPC goals to increase the...	Founded in 1971, the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus. It shares NWPC goals to increase the number of elected and appointed women in office by targeting, endorsing, contributing funds and volunteers, working to publicize women's campaigns, and encouraging members to serve on campaign committees. The screening, endorsement and funding of candidates is carried out by a separate Political Action Committee (PAC).
Minnesota Women's Political Caucus PAC National Women's Political Caucus	MN	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1971, the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus. It shares NWPC goals to increase the...	Founded in 1971, the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus. It shares NWPC goals to increase the number of elected and appointed women in office by targeting, endorsing, contributing funds and volunteers, working to publicize women's campaigns, and encouraging members to serve on campaign committees. The screening, endorsement and funding of candidates is carried out by a separate Political Action Committee (PAC).
Minority Political Leadership Institute (MPLI) Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute	VA	Nonpartisan	The Minority Political Leadership Institute (MPLI) is a collaborative initiative of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and The VCU...	The Minority Political Leadership Institute (MPLI) is a collaborative initiative of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. MPLI is an intensive eight-month experience designed to promote leadership development for individuals interested in issues important to minority communities. MPLI offers insights regarding leadership legacy and culture, personal leadership, policy and legislative processes, responsible stewardship, public service, and integrity for future leaders. Each program year, participants engage and interact with communities across Virginia and learn about unique strengths and issues facing different regions of the Commonwealth. Participation in MPLI is open to anyone interested in leadership issues important to minority communities regardless of race/ethnicity or partisanship.
Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women	MS	Dem	The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide, the...	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.
Mississippi Federation of Republican Women	MS	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.
Mississippi N.E.W. Leadership™ Mississippi University for Women	MS	Nonpartisan	Mississippi N.E.W. Leadership™ is a residential institute that develops college women’s public leadership skills, supports their engagement in...	Mississippi N.E.W. Leadership™ is a residential institute that develops college women’s 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 women’s political participation, explore ideas about leadership and politics, and participate in hands-on skills building exercises. Mississippi N.E.W. Leadership™ is part of the NEW Leadership™ Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Mississippi NOW National Organization for Women	MS	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.
Missouri Federation of Women's Democratic Clubs	MO	Dem	The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) supports the inclusion of womens voices in the Democratic Party. With 32 chapters nationwide, the...	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.
Missouri Legislative Women's Caucus	MO	Nonpartisan
Missouri NOW National Organization for Women	MO	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.
Missouri Women's Political Caucus National Women's Political Caucus	MO	Nonpartisan	The Missouri Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected...	The Missouri Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. The Caucus works with local chapters and organizations like The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life.
Missouri Women's Political Caucus PAC National Women's Political Caucus	MO	Nonpartisan	The Missouri Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected...	The Missouri Women's Political Caucus, a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected and appointed office. The Caucus works with local chapters and organizations like The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life.
Modern Republican Women PAC	National	Rep	The Modern Republican Women PAC aims to appeal to Millennials and women by breaking the cycle of unsuccessful Republican Campaigns that have been...	The Modern Republican Women PAC aims to appeal to Millennials and women by breaking the cycle of unsuccessful Republican Campaigns that have been centered on divisive social issues.
Monroe County Democratic Women's Caucus DWPAC	IN	Dem	Founded in 2002, the Monroe County Democratic Women's Caucus works to enable women to understand the campaign process and to involve more women in...	Founded in 2002, the Monroe County Democratic Women's Caucus works to enable women to understand the campaign process and to involve more women in politics. Its mission is to fund, inspire, recruit, support, and train progressive women to increase the numbers of women in electoral and appointed positions. The Caucus endorses and financially supports local candidates, in addition to providing campaign training for Caucus members and candidates - most often in coordination with other groups like EMILY's List or DFA. The Caucus also offers breakfast and lunch programs, in addition to a book club.
Montana Federation of Republican Women	MT	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.
Montana Gender and Racial Balance Legislation	MT	Nonpartisan	The Montana Code (2-15-108) establishes that as vacancies arise on any appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils of state government,...	The Montana Code (2-15-108) establishes that as vacancies arise on any appointive boards, commissions, committees, and councils of state government, the appointing officer should take action to achieve gender equity.
Montana NOW National Organization for Women	MT	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.
MWPC Campaign Skills School Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus	MA	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1971, the Massachussets Women's Political Caucus trains women from multiple parties in skills needed to run successful, effective...	Founded in 1971, the Massachussets Women's Political Caucus trains women from multiple parties in skills needed to run successful, effective political campaigns. The annual one-day Campaign Skills School provides two tracks of campaign training - for candidates and campaign staff. Attendees are trained by national trainers in an interactive setting with workshops in fundraising, media, communications, organization building, using the Internet for fundraising, building your database, getting your message out and campaign finance law.
N.E.W. Leadership™ Oklahoma Carl Albert Center's Women's Leadership Program at the University of Oklahoma	OK	Nonpartisan	NEW Leadership™ Oklahoma is a week long residential institute that educates women college students and inspires them to get involved in the...	NEW Leadership™ Oklahoma is a week long residential institute that educates women college students and inspires them to get involved in the political process. During the program selected students meet with women in a variety of roles in the public sphere, learn about women's political participation, explore ideas about leadership and politics, and participate in hands-on skills building exercises. NEW Leadership™ Oklahoma is part of the NEW Leadership™ Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
National APAWLI Signature Fellowship The Center for Asian Pacific American Women	CA	Nonpartisan	The National APAWLI Signature Program (Fellowship) selects Asian Pacific American women with 8+ years of work/community experience and who are...	The National APAWLI Signature Program (Fellowship) selects Asian Pacific American women with 8+ years of work/community experience and who are already viewed by their organizations, communities, and/or families as capable and talented high achievers to participate in a seven-month leadership development program. APAWLI fellows convene for 3 sessions that move participants from self-reflection to preparation for leadership roles.
National Congress of Black Women, Inc.	National	Nonpartisan	The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural...	The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of African American Women and their families. Among its programs and initiatives, NCBW encourages women to seek leadership and decision-making positions in government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. The group also identifies African American women leaders throughout the country and advocates for their appointment to Presidential administrations.
National Democratic Training Committee	National	Dem	The NDTC offers free, interactive online training for Democratic candidates running for office. We aim to empower any Democrat who wants to be...	The NDTC offers free, interactive online training for Democratic candidates running for office. We aim to empower any Democrat who wants to be involved in local politics with the tools needed to be successful. We believe by working with local candidates, we can accomplish three goals: improve the performance of every Democrat up and down the ticket, elect more Democrats to office, and create a deeper bench of qualified candidates for higher office.
National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs PAC	National	Nonpartisan	Established in 1979, the nonpartisan Business and Professional Women Political Action Committee (BPW/PAC) helps shape the national agenda on working...	Established in 1979, the nonpartisan Business and Professional Women Political Action Committee (BPW/PAC) helps shape the national agenda on working womens issues. Through education, endorsements and financial contributions, BPW/PAC supports federal candidates who will be strong advocates for equity for all women in the workplace.
National Federation of Democratic Women	National	Dem	Founded in 1971, the National Federation of Democratic Women works to unite women of the Democratic Party, promote the cause of the Democratic Party...	Founded in 1971, the National Federation of Democratic Women works to unite women of the Democratic Party, promote the cause of the Democratic Party, and to encourage full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party Structure. With chapters in each state, the NFDW offers educational, networking, and financial support to women getting involved in local, state, or even national politics as candidates, party officials, staff, or volunteers. NFDW's PAC provides financial support for Democratic women, Democratic candidates and other Democratic committees nationwide. The NFDW website lists contacts and news for state chapters.
National Federation of Republican Women	National	Rep	The National Federation of Republican Women is a national grassroots political organization. The organization promotes an informed public through...	The National Federation of Republican Women is a national grassroots political organization. The organization promotes an informed public through political education and activity; increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government; fosters loyalty to the Republican Party and promotes its principles and candidates in all elections, including non-partisan elections; and, supports Republican objectives and policies and work for the election of Republican nominees. NFRW promotes its political education goals through its campaign management school program for female members.
National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL)	National		NFWL is an organization for elected women on city, county and state levels. Its mission is to provide strategic resources to elected women for...	NFWL is an organization for elected women on city, county and state levels. Its mission is to provide strategic resources to elected women for leadership development, exchange of diverse legislative ideas, and effective governance through conferences, state outreach, educational materials, professional and personal relationships, and networking.
National Organization for Women	National	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's...	Founded in 1966, the National Organization for 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.

Leadership Resources Intro

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