We encourage all Democrats who are interested in making their communities better places to live and work to run for office. If you considering running for office please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you get started. Running for office isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s not rocket science either.
Here are some suggestions of things to think about before you run:
- Do you have the right personality to run for office? You don’t have to be an extrovert who kisses babies, but you should be comfortable talking with strangers one-on-one or in small groups, and occasionally speaking before a larger group (for example, on a candidates’ night). If this makes you uneasy, take some public speaking classes or join Toastmasters for a while before throwing your hat into the ring. You will probably have another opportunity to run at the local level in two years.
- Do you have experience in leadership positions with organizations in your area? This has three benefits: you will have networked with people who are potential campaign helpers, your leadership experience will look attractive to the voter, and it will show that you care about your community.
- Are you sensitive to criticism? If the answer is yes, stop right here. You’re not ready to run for anything yet. Do those public speaking classes or Toastmasters, and pick up some leadership experience to toughen your hide before taking on a political campaign.
- Winning a political campaign will take all the energy you have! Do you have the blessing of your family and your employer? Will you be free from demanding personal, work, and organizational commitments?
- Will you listen to advice? Most embarrassing mistakes made in campaigns come from people who do not listen to knowledgeable people they trust.