Locate state-based and national resources for women interested in elected or appointed office or work on political campaigns. 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 Cai Barias.
| Program | State(s) | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Trainings
Maryland Democratic Party The Maryland Democratic Party, through a partnership with the DNC Best Practices Institute and National Democratic Training Committee offers four yearly trainings for candidates, prospective or otherwise. |
Maryland | Dem |
| Campaign Trainings
Minnesota Republican Party The Minnesota Republican Party holds periodic candidate trainings that are posted on the MN GOP website as scheduled, in addition to other trainings for candidates and campaigns. Individuals interested in running or learning more about the process can contact any member of the MN GOP's candidate search committee. |
Minnesota | Rep |
| Campaign Trainings
Utah Democratic Party The Utah Democratic Party holds campaign trainings providing campaign guidance and materials for all those running for office on the Utah Democratic platform. |
Utah | Dem |
| Campaign Trainings
Vermont Republican Party The Vermont Republican Party holds campaign trainings for candidates filed with the Republican Party during election years. Individuals considering running can call the Party to get information from a party official. |
Vermont | Rep |
| Campaign Trainings
Washington State Republican Party The Washington Republican Party holds campaign trainings at least once a year, open to any Republican within the state. Trainings are typically one day long and focus on how to run a political campaign. |
Washington | Rep |
| Campaign Trainings
Wisconsin Republican Party The Wisconsin Republican Party runs trainings every few months. Information and schedules for these day-long trainings are provided through the state's GOP headquarters. |
Wisconsin | Rep |
| Campaign Workshops
West Virginia Democratic Party The West Virginia Democratic Party runs a campaign workshop at least once a year open to any West Virginia Democrat. Information is provided through the Party headquarters. |
West Virginia | Dem |
| Campaign/Candidate Training
Texas Democratic Party The Texas Democratic Party runs campaign and candidate trainings several times a year that vary in topic and length. Some trainings are open to all Texas Democrats while others are open only to declared candidates or campaign staff. |
Texas | Dem |
| Candidate Boot Camp
Candidate Boot Camp offers online candidate training and free resources for those considering running for office. |
National | Nonpartisan |
| Candidate Training
GOPAC 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. |
National | Rep |
| Candidate Training
North Dakota Democratic Party-NPL Headquarters North Dakota Democratic Party offers trainings focused on leadership training and issues related to campaigning. For information about training, contact the ND Democratic state headquarters. |
North Dakota | Dem |
| Candidate Workshops
Veterans Campaign Veterans Campaign's two-day training sessions are specifically designed to educate, encourage, and motivate veterans to continue their commitment to public service by running for elected office. Program curriculum progresses in five stages: laying the groundwork for your campaign, getting your campaign of the ground, financing your campaign, and taking your campaign into the home stretch. Program instructors are office-holding veterans, campaign operatives, professional fundraisers, and representatives of veteran-oriented political action committees who value and understand the mechanics of electing veterans to public office. |
District of Columbia | Nonpartisan |
| Committee Training
Virginia Democratic Party The Virginia Democratic Party runs either a single statewide training or multiple regional trainings on grassroots work to committee members each year. |
Virginia | Dem |
| Democratic Campaign Management Program
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. |
National | Dem |
| Democratic Leadership Institute
Democratic Party of Wisconsin The Democratic Party of Wisconsin hosts an annual two-day Democratic Leadership Institute to provide tools and connections necessary to become part of the next generation of party leaders. With both Activist and Youth (18-25) tracks, DLI offers campaign training sessions, distinguished speakers and social networking opportunities to individuals looking to jump-start their political careers or simply become more effective grassroots activists. |
Wisconsin | Dem |
| EDF Action Campaign Academy
EDF Action 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. |
National | Nonpartisan |
| Grassroots Campaign Training
California Democratic Party 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. |
California | Dem |
| IDCCA Bootcamp
Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association holds an annual bootcamp aimed to help those running for office or working on a campaign. The conference helps build foundational skills for success by learning from campaign experts and networking with leaders across Illinois. |
Illinois | Dem |
| Indiana Leadership Forum
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 | Rep |
| LGBTQ Victory Institute Candidate and Campaign Training
Victory Institute Founded in 1993, the LGBTQ Victory Institute runs candidate and campaign trainings that provide comprehensive, nonpartisan training to present and future openly LGBTQ 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 Institute's four-day basic training is conducted several times a year in various cities across the country. |
National | Nonpartisan |