Have you ever thought about running for office but didn’t know where to start or what it entailed? The Fix Democracy First (FDF) Education Fund is introducing a new project, Women in Office Now (WON), that will provide free training to help women successfully run for office. The goal is to help build knowledge and assist women to successfully run for office and win elections. 

The WON project will include 12 training modules, all free and all held virtually online, starting March 8. The workshops will feature special guests, including current and former legislators as well as experts in various discussion topics.  

The first training is Tuesday, March 8, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and will cover: 

• The need for women in leadership 

• The impact on the community 

• What office to run for 

Register for the first WON workshop now! 

All module trainings are approximately 90 minutes long and provide time for questions and interaction with presenters and guest speakers. No worries if you can’t make a training, as they will all be recorded and archived for viewing on demand by women considering or planning to run for local or state office in the future.  

The WON program will also work to build a statewide leadership support network to help women as they run for office, and FDF will partner with other organizations to help ensure success and long-term sustainability in recruiting, training, and supporting women in office. 

Trainings will be held every other Tuesday, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. PT, from March 8, 2022, through August 9, 2022. You can register for just one or all of them. Note: Each module has a separate registration link. You are welcome attend one or all of them! The following is the schedule for the remaining WON trainings, so mark your calendars and register.  

March 22, 2022, Training Module 2: Where to Start? Questions to Ask Yourself 

• What do I need before I begin? 

• What office should I run for? Why? 

• Who will I represent? 

• What are the responsibilities and duties of that office? 

• When should I run? 

• Who is my competition? 

• What are my platform and values? 

• What do I hope to accomplish in that position? 

• Do I have the time, support, confidence, and motivation to run? 

Register for Training Module 2 

April 5, 2022, Training Module 3: The Basics of Running for Office 

• Campaign timeline 

• Resources needed to run a successful campaign 

• Filing your candidacy for office 

• Writing a campaign plan 

• Next steps 

Register for Training Module 3 

April 19, 2022, Training Module 4: Running a Campaign—What Do I Need to Know? 

• What is my campaign plan? 

• Do I have my team ready? 

• Who am I running against? 

• Funds and resources needed 

• Outreach to constituents and the public—know your community 

• Volunteer recruitment and retention 

• Debating and interviews 

• Getting endorsements and working with the media 

Register for Training Module 4 

May 3, 2022, Training Module 5: Choosing Your Campaign Team 

• Who should be a part of your team? 

• How to interview and choose the right team 

• Recruiting team members 

• Working with volunteers 

Register for Training Module 5 

May 17, 2022, Training Module 6: Campaign Communications 

• Branding—visuals, signage, online presence 

• Building contact lists 

• How best to reach constituents 

• Social media platforms 

• Email communications 

• Canvassing best practices 

• Media contacts and outreach 

Register for Training Module 6 

May 31, 2022, Training Module 7: Campaign Finance 

• State and local regulations 

• Contribution limits 

• Filing with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) 

• Fundraising dos and don’ts 

Register for Training Module 7 

June 14, 2022, Training Module 8: Fundraising for My Campaign 

• Fundraising goals and timeline 

• Hosting events 

• Online fundraising options 

• Targeting donors in your jurisdiction 

• Outreach to bigger donors 

• Public funding (available in certain areas) 

Register for Training Module 8 

June 28, 2022: Training Module 9: Candidate Forums and Interviews 

• Public speaking 101 

• Speech writing 

• Preparing for interviews and debates 

• Research and know your positions 

• Practice sessions 

Register for Training Module 9 

July 12, 2022, Training Module 10: Preparing for the Election 

• Difference between primaries and general election 

• Candidate questionnaires and forums 

• Mobilizing your base 

• Motivating staff and volunteers 

• Endorsements 

• Canvassing 

• Media outreach 

• GOTV! Get out the vote 

• Preparing for the results, good or bad 

Register for Training Module 10 

July 26, 2022, Training Module 11: After the Campaign: What Happens Next? Evaluating Your Campaign 

• I’ve won! Now what? 

• I’ve lost. Now what? 

• What worked? What didn’t? 

• Acknowledging your team and volunteers 

• Thanking your base and donors 

• Final fundraising reporting 

• Making sure all loose ends are taken care of 

Register for Training Module 11 

August 9, 2022, Training Module 12: Preparing to Take Office 

• Choosing your team for success 

• Putting together your office schedule 

• Researching legislative procedures and timelines 

• Joining legislative committees 

• Meeting with constituents 

• What will be my legislative focus and priorities? 

• Caucusing with fellow office holders 

• Following through on commitments 

Register for Training Module 12