Ready to Run® program attendees walk away with comprehensive insights into political campaigning. Participants receive detailed "how-to" instructions on running for office, coupled with practical fundraising and media skills. The program offers real-world advice and best practices directly from experienced political professionals, providing strategies for effectively positioning oneself for public leadership. Attendees gain inspiration to launch their campaigns, develop a better understanding of party politics, and learn cutting-edge digital strategies for political campaigns. This immersive experience equips participants with the knowledge, confidence, and tactical skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of political engagement.
Increasing the Representation of Women of Color in Elected Office
CAWP has developed pre-conference programs to attract more women of color into the political process and encourage them to seek public leadership, including programs for Black women, Asian American women, and Latinas.
Ready to Run® New Jersey 2026
About the Event
Ready to Run® program attendees walk away with comprehensive insights into political campaigning. Participants receive detailed "how to" instructions on running for office, coupled with practical fundraising and media skills.
Douglass Student Center, Rutgers University
100 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
United States
Featured Speakers
Rising Stars: Educating Asian American Women for Politics
Run Sister Run: Empowering Black Women for Public Office
Track 2 Session: Finding Your Political Power – Elected or Not, Part 1: Understanding the System
Track 2 Session: Finding Your Political Power – Elected or Not, Part 2: Taking Action
Agenda/Schedule Information
Friday, March 20, 2026 | All day
12:30-1:30 p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Latinas Make a Difference
The session features a roundtable discussion about the importance of having more Latinas engaged in politics and public life, including as elected or appointed officials, lobbyists, and party leaders. Topics covered include: why participants should be involved in politics in some way, the experience of running for and serving in elected office, how to be involved politically besides running for office, particularly in campaign leadership, and using community leadership positions, such as appointments to non-profit or government boards, as a way to advocate for issues and gain leadership experience.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Roundtable: Serving Your Community
This roundtable features women in the Asian American community who have been involved in public leadership in various ways, including elected or appointed officials, campaign workers, and non-profit leaders. Topics covered include: the experience of running for and serving in elected office; how to be involved politically besides running for office and why participants should be involved in politics in some way; and using community leadership positions, such as appointments to non-profit or government boards, as a way to advocate for issues and gain leadership experience.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Black Women in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Building Resilience
As more Black women step into prominent political roles and seek the highest offices in our nation, they continue to face unique challenges. This panel will examine the persistent barriers Black women face while providing practical strategies for resilience and success. This panel will discuss essential topics, including strategies for practicing self-care for candidates and politically engaged women, effective responses for addressing disinformation online, and fundraising strategies specifically for Black women candidates.
4 - 5:45 p.m.
Social media sites and other online organizing and communications resources are increasingly important for getting campaign messages out to a broad audience of potential voters or stakeholders. This session will provide an overview of best practices and offer practical tips on how to get started or enhance your online presence
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | All day
8:30 - 10 a.m.
This session will provide practical information you need to prepare yourself to run for office or to advocate for issues you care about, including developing a unique and persuasive message and improving your digital presence. We will also cover tips for communicating on-camera, connecting through virtual platforms, and adjusting to an evolving news environment.
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Launching Your Campaign
This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign, including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, and voter contact.
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Finding Your Political Power – Elected or Not, Part 1: Understanding the System
Designed for those who are not ready to run but want to have an impact on important issues, this session provides the foundation for effective civic engagement, focusing on how government and political parties work in our state. Learn the pathways to influence beyond elected office, including appointments to public boards and commissions, roles within political parties, and key entry points for civic leadership.
12:30 - 2 p.m.
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Navigating New Jersey’s Political Parties for Candidates
The session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships with party leaders, gaining the party’s support, and will address how to respond when the party organization is not supportive.
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Finding Your Political Power – Elected or Not, Part 2: Taking Action
Building on the systems knowledge from Part 1, this session teaches you how to create change through effective advocacy. Learn concrete steps, including identifying your issue, developing solutions, building coalitions, developing advocacy campaign plans, and working with the media. Leave with practical tools to move from understanding to action.
3:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Fundraising is one of the most crucial aspects of a campaign. This interactive workshop covers key components of campaign fundraising, including special emphasis on understanding why people give and the in-person “ask.” The session will also address developing a strategy for your campaign, building a donor list, recruiting and motivating a finance committee, and special events.