Learning How to Run for Office
Training opportunities abound!
In the past year we have seen Democratic candidates make previously unthinkable gains special elections in even the reddest of districts. The affordability crisis, government shutdowns, epic mismanagement, and one foreign policy debacle after another are forcing a reckoning for many voters, and it’s reflected in the polling data. But we can’t exploit that dynamic locally unless we have candidates in those races!
Candidate Training Opportunities:
Local trainings:
Running for Office in Harford County – a Virtual Forum – Saturday, Jan. 17, 10-11 AM. A panel of elected officials and former candidates will share experiences about running for office. Learn from those who have gone before to help you plan your own campaign! Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/b4DF6MiWSAmgFhWroiqx2g
VAN and Field Operations - Tuesday, Feb 5, 6-8 pm (Virtual) - Justin Butler, Party Affairs Coordinator for the Maryland Democratic Party, will be offering a free online session for Harford County Candidates for local and state offices. Register here to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WoqU4t_rSDqrfWAht-9A_g
Other Training Opportunities
Want to run but don’t think you know how? Want to learn how to build a campaign? How to raise funds? How to recruit a team and volunteers? The Democratic Party has made many online trainings available, from the most basic to advanced campaigning techniques. Set up a free account at traindemocrats.org to get started! Here are some examples:
Monday Jan 12, 7 pm ET • Three Steps to Establishing Your Campaign
Join the National Democratic Training Committee on Monday, January 12th from 7-8 pm ET for a free virtual live training on Three Steps to Establishing Your Campaign. We’re here to help, so join us to learn the following:
Identify what data and research are important at the onset of a campaign
Understand how to register your campaign and make your candidacy official
Describe how to navigate the ballot access process
This training is right for you if you’ve made the decision to run for office and are ready to get your campaign started on the right foot.
Online Course: Explore a Run for Office
Description
Still wondering what it’d be like to run for office? We’re here to help you explore that decision – whatever it turns out to be. If it’s lingering in the back of your mind, it’s worth dedicating more time and thought to pursuing.
We’re making it easy by putting all the answers to your entry-level questions in one place. In 5 courses that average less than an hour, you’ll be well on your way to making that final decision and taking your first steps toward launching a campaign.
And did we mention it’s 100% free? We’ve lowered the barriers and stakes so there’s nothing to lose, and so much to learn. Enroll now to decide if a run for office is right for you!
Online Course: Targeting Voters
Description
Most campaigns don’t have the time, money, or people to talk to every single eligible voter — nor is that necessarily a good use of those resources. This course will help you determine which voters your campaign should communicate with, alongside the best strategies to reach them, in order to ensure your campaign is efficient and effective with its resources.
Course Objectives
Target voters by voter history, demographic data, and geography
Identify specific groups of voters to comprise your persuasion universe
Determine the strategies needed to reach your targeted voters
State Party Resources:
The Maryland Democratic Party has set up easy step-by-step guidance on how to file, how to build your initial campaign team, and many other aspects of running for office in Maryland. Go to www.contesteveryseatmd.com to learn more. In particular they offer:
Learn about target seats - Everything you need to know about the offices themselves - the legal requirements to run, filing fees, and terms of office for state and local offices.
How to file and build a team - a detailed, step-by-step guide to filing for candidacy, and roles and responsibilities of the campaign chair and treasurer
Defining Success - there are many ways to define success. Victory is not the only measure; sometimes it’s spreading your message, standing up for what you believe, moving the needle, making the Republicans spend resources where they otherwise would coast to victory, etc.
Resource Guide - Lots of good links and resources for Democratic candidates, including how to get ActBlue and VAN access, build a website, etc.
Each of the sections above has multiple links to resources that can help you build your campaign.
Now is the time. Step up, file, and be the change you seek!