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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Leadership Resources Intro

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Program Name	State	Party	Program Description
131 & Counting	DC, National	Nonpartisan	131 & Counting aims to support the growing number of women lawmakers and their staff by bringing together public policy professionals and...	131 & Counting aims to support the growing number of women lawmakers and their staff by bringing together public policy professionals and female leaders to ensure women are an essential part of our democracy.
AAPC Regional Seminars American Association of Political Consultants	National	Nonpartisan	The American Association of Political Consultants sponsors seminars and conferences in different parts of the country throughout the year,...	The American Association of Political Consultants sponsors seminars and conferences in different parts of the country throughout the year, emphasizing political campaigns and strategy and targeted to campaign professionals and AAPC members. Information about these programs is posted on the AAPC website.
All In Together	National	Nonpartisan	The All In Together Campaign (AIT) is the only non-partisan women’s organization committed to delivering cross-sector, innovative solutions to...	The All In Together Campaign (AIT) is the only non-partisan women’s organization committed to delivering cross-sector, innovative solutions to advance the progress of women’s political, civic and professional leadership in the United States. Dedicated to closing today’s most pressing gender gaps in political and civic engagement, we work to empower American women with the tools and resources they need to fully engage in the political process and drive change on the issues they care about most.
American Nurses Association-PAC American Nurse's Association, Inc.	National	Nonpartisan	ANA-PAC is a bipartisan PAC that supports candidates for federal office who have demonstrated their support for legislative and regulatory goals...	ANA-PAC is a bipartisan PAC that supports candidates for federal office who have demonstrated their support for legislative and regulatory goals of ANA.
Black Girls Vote	National		The mission of Black Girls Vote is to inspire women of color to use the political process to improve the quality of life for their families and...	The mission of Black Girls Vote is to inspire women of color to use the political process to improve the quality of life for their families and the collective community. Black Girls Vote engages, educates, and empowers women to activate their voice by utilizing their vote.
Campaign Management School National Federation of Republican Women	National	Rep	The National Federation for Republican Women pursues its longtime objective for political education by training Republicans to win elections...	The National Federation for Republican Women pursues its longtime objective for political education by training Republicans to win elections through the Campaign Management School (CMS) program. This program is held throughout the country, organized in partnership with state and local Federations of Republican Women. The CMS program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of campaigns, featuring top political professionals and strategists who volunteer their time to teach students the most successful ways to raise money, write winning campaign plans, organize volunteers for get-out-the-vote activities and communicate with voters.
Campaign Management Training Seminar American Farm Bureau	National	Nonpartisan	The American Farm Bureau provides its state-based partners with programmatic content for campaign training seminars for candidates, their spouses...	The American Farm Bureau provides its state-based partners with programmatic content for campaign training seminars for candidates, their spouses and campaign managers, as well as prospective candidates and campaign managers considering races in future cycles. These bipartisan trainings use content developed with input from political consultants and staff of both national political parties. Program curriculum is applicable to local, state and national political races and includes: -- evaluating the viability of the candidacy/ -- selecting themes and issues/ -- budgeting and raising money/ -- working with the news media/ -- campaign organization and strategy. State chapters that have offered campaign management training seminars include AR, CO, IN, KY, MI, NE, OK, and WA.
Candidate and Campaign Training Victory Institute	National	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1993, the Victory Institute runs candidate and campaign trainings that provide comprehensive, nonpartisan training to present and...	Founded in 1993, the Victory Institute runs candidate and campaign trainings that provide comprehensive, nonpartisan training to present and future openly LGBT candidates, campaign staff and community leaders. Attendees learn about skills and strategy by engaging in tough, realistic campaign situations. The Victory Institute offers intensive basic training as well as an advanced training for current elected officials planning to run for higher office. The Victory Institutes four-day basic training is conducted several times a year in various cities across the country. Training attendees learn from leading political strategists during the day and work with their peers on a complex campaign simulation at night.
Candidate Boot Camp	National	Nonpartisan	Candidate Boot Camp offers online candidate training and free resources for those considering running for office.	Candidate Boot Camp offers online candidate training and free resources for those considering running for office.
Candidate Training GOPAC	National	Rep	Founded in 1979, GOPAC is a national organization dedicated exclusively to electing Republicans to state and local offices. The organization...	Founded in 1979, GOPAC is a national organization dedicated exclusively to electing Republicans to state and local offices. The organization provides candidate and campaign training, primarily through online resources.
Center for American Women and Politics	National	Nonpartisan	The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is...	The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is the leading source of scholarly research and current data about American womens political participation. CAWP promotes greater knowledge and understanding about women's participation in politics and government and enhances women's influence and leadership in public life. CAWP scholars conduct research on women and politics; the Center offers up-to-date national information on women in local, state, and federal offices; CAWP works with partners across the country to offer state based political education and training program for college women (NEW Leadership Development Network) and women preparing to run for political office (Ready to Run National Training Network).
CIEE Civic Leadership Summit CIEE Work &Travel USA	National	Nonpartisan	At the CIEE Civic Leadership Summit, participants will join young leaders from around the world to learn about leadership, social entrepreneurship...	At the CIEE Civic Leadership Summit, participants will join young leaders from around the world to learn about leadership, social entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding. Applications include an essay and a video.
Democratic Campaign Management Program	National	Dem	The program begins with a week-long, formal training seminar. Upon completion of the seminar, each participant is assigned a specific area to...	The program begins with a week-long, formal training seminar. Upon completion of the seminar, each participant is assigned a specific area to coordinate as a field organizer for a major Democratic campaign.
DFA Campaign Academy Democracy for America	National	Dem	The DFA Campaign Academy seeks to focus, network, and train grassroots activists to change the country and the Democratic Party from the bottom up...	The DFA Campaign Academy seeks to focus, network, and train grassroots activists to change the country and the Democratic Party from the bottom up. The Campaign Academy weekend trainings offer 16 hours of intensive, interactive workshops for hundreds of local activists, campaign staff and candidates. Experienced campaign professionals lead sessions in voter contact, fundraising, communications, on-line organizing and much more, while attendees also network with local progressive candidates and activists. Campaign Academies take place throughout the country.
EDF Action Campaign Academy EDF Action	National	Nonpartisan	EDF Action Campaign Academy gives candidates the tools they need to connect the environment to their local campaigns. Participants will learn...	EDF Action Campaign Academy gives candidates the tools they need to connect the environment to their local campaigns. Participants will learn about current public opinion surrounding environmental issues, how to craft a values-driven message, ways to deliver a consistent message through all aspects of their campaign, and how to respond to attacks on the environment and their campaign.
Elect Her-Campus Women Win	National	Nonpartisan	Elect HerCampus Women Win encourages and trains college women to run for student government and future political office. A collaboration between AAUW...	Elect HerCampus Women Win encourages and trains college women to run for student government and future political office. A collaboration between AAUW and Running Start,Elect Her recognizes the need to expand the pipeline to women running for office and to diminish the longstanding political leadership gender gap 38 campuses hosted Elect Her in 2013. Campus administrators, students, and local AAUW members collaborate with AAUW and Running Start staff to plan the trainings each year. Elect Her is a one-day, 4.5-hour training. Applications for new sites are available each August at the Elect Her website.
Elect Women Magazine	National	Nonpartisan	ElectWomen Magazine is a non-partisan online media site that provides campaign tips, stories and resources to women running for political office...	ElectWomen Magazine is a non-partisan online media site that provides campaign tips, stories and resources to women running for political office or thinking about running for office. Candidates and elected officials provide the blog posts and women candidates can blog in ask questions, offer advice and share information.
Electing Women PAC	National	Dem	Electing Women is a Federal Political Action Committee based in Denver, Colorado. Electing Women is dedicated to raising money for pro-choice...	Electing Women is a Federal Political Action Committee based in Denver, Colorado. Electing Women is dedicated to raising money for pro-choice women running for Governor and U.S. Senate seats around the country by leveraging the power of women to elect women.
Emerge America	National	Dem	Emerge America is a political leadership training program for Democratic women held in states throughout the country. The Emerge mission is to...	Emerge America is a political leadership training program for Democratic women held in states throughout the country. The Emerge mission is to identify, educate, and inspire Democratic women who want to pursue careers in politics at the local and state levels. Fifteen to 25 applicants are chosen annually to participate in state trainings that typically meet once-monthly over 6-8 months. The Emerge America network currently has affiliates in AZ, CA, MA, ME, NM, NV, OR, WI, and KY.
EMILY's List	National	Dem	EMILY's List is a political network committed to a three-pronged strategy to elect pro-choice Democratic women: recruiting and funding viable...	EMILY's List is a political network committed to a three-pronged strategy to elect pro-choice Democratic women: recruiting and funding viable women candidates; helping them build and run effective campaign organizations; and mobilizing women voters to help elect progressive candidates across the nation. EMILY's List offers: The Political Opportunity Program (POP) to help pro-choice Democratic women run and win for state and local office. Campaign staff training to teach campaign professionals how to be campaign managers, researchers, field operatives, and fundraisers for EMILY's endorsed candidates. The Campaign Corps program to train talented recent graduates and place them on targeted, progressive Democratic campaigns.
Empowered Women	National	Rep	Empowered Women gives voice to a new generation of Conservative American women. We are a positive, proactive platform that celebrates women as...	Empowered Women gives voice to a new generation of Conservative American women. We are a positive, proactive platform that celebrates women as individuals who deserve an equal opportunity to live a fulfilled life as they define it.
Excellence in Public Service Series	National	Rep	Founded in 1989 as the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series in Indiana, this network of state programs encourages, mentors, and...	Founded in 1989 as the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series in Indiana, this network of state programs encourages, mentors, and prepares selected Republican women leaders to seek new levels of involvement in government and politics. Series typically meet on a monthly basis over 5 to 10 months of one year, where participants attend sessions covering issues in government, campaigns, and leadership development. Currently, expansion programs exist in 17 states, including AZ, CA, DE, FL, IL, IN, OH, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NV, PA, and VA.
Feminist Majority Foundation	National	Nonpartisan	The Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) is dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. FMF engages in research and public...	The Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) is dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. FMF engages in research and public policy development, public education programs, grassroots organizing projects, leadership training and development programs, and participates in and organizes forums on issues of women's equality and empowerment. Their sister organization, the Feminist Majority, engages in lobbying and other direct political action, pursuing equality between women and men through legislative avenues.
Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Feminist Majority Foundation	National	Nonpartisan	The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance program is active in several college campuses nationwide, where Campus Organizers help students build and...	The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance program is active in several college campuses nationwide, where Campus Organizers help students build and sustain pro-choice feminist activist groups called Feminist Majority Leadership Alliances (FMLAs). Campus Organizers also work with existing college feminist groups who wish to receive the support of a national organization through affiliation. The Leadership Alliances and Affiliates constitute a nationwide network of pro-choice feminist student-run activist organizations.
Feminist Majority PAC	National	Nonpartisan	The Feminist Majority PAC was founded in 2002 to support Congressional candidates who will carry the banner of womens rights. Feminist Majority PAC...	The Feminist Majority PAC was founded in 2002 to support Congressional candidates who will carry the banner of womens rights. Feminist Majority PAC helps feminist candidates across the country with donations, contacts and campaign advice.
First Ask	National	Dem	We are a group of organizers from Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. Deeply concerned about women's electoral progress in the aftermath of the...	We are a group of organizers from Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. Deeply concerned about women's electoral progress in the aftermath of the election, we decided that the best way to create national change was to go back to the ground. We're progressive, collaborative, and into pushing the boundaries of tried-and-true candidate recruitment tactics.
Frontline Leaders Academy Young Elected Officials Network	National	Nonpartisan	The Front Line Leaders Academy, sponsored by the Young Elected Officials Network, is an annual campaign leadership development program for...	The Front Line Leaders Academy, sponsored by the Young Elected Officials Network, is an annual campaign leadership development program for prospective progressive candidates and campaign leaders. This eight-month program consists of four conferences on five topics: candidacy, campaign management, funding, communications, and field. Twenty applicants between the ages of 18-35 participate in the program each year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latinas Lead Initiative National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators	National		The Latinas Lead Initiative aims to boost the numbers of Latina state legislators nationwide and to ensure that incumbent Latina legislators have...	The Latinas Lead Initiative aims to boost the numbers of Latina state legislators nationwide and to ensure that incumbent Latina legislators have the tools they need to reach leadership positions within their legislatures as well as higher office through campaign training, leadership development and public policy education.
LPAC	National		LPAC builds the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice...	LPAC builds the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. LPAC achieves its mission by increasing the political power and engagement of LGBTQ women and their allies, and building a network of lesbians and queer women who take political action.
Maggie's List PAC	National	Rep	Maggie's List was created in 2010 as a federal PAC to increase the number of elected women committed to promoting the values of fiscal...	Maggie's List was created in 2010 as a federal PAC to increase the number of elected women committed to promoting the values of fiscal conservatism, less government, more personal responsibility and strong national security. The PAC provides programs and financial support to women candidates who meet these criteria.
MANA, A National Latina Organization	National	Nonpartisan	MANA is a nonprofit, advocacy organization established in 1974. Its mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community...	MANA is a nonprofit, advocacy organization established in 1974. Its mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy. MANA fulfills its mission through programs designed to develop the leadership skills of Latinas, promote community service by Latinas, and provide Latinas with advocacy opportunities.
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.
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.