Candidate & Campaign Training

“[My victory] began with the expert Candidate and
Campaign Training I received through the Gay & Lesbian
Leadership Institute, which provided the guidance,
skills and support I needed to run for a seat that
no Democrat had won in more than 25 years –
and no woman had ever won.”
-- Sheriff Lupe Valdez, Dallas, Texas. First Latina,
first lesbian sheriff elected in the U.S.

We'll show you how to win

Political campaigns are both art and science, but most people only pay attention to the art. That's where we come in.

Understanding how to develop a winning strategy that uses campaign tools effectively is what leads a campaign to victory. The Leadership Institute’s Candidate and Campaign Trainings provide comprehensive, nonpartisan training to present and future openly LGBT candidates, campaign staff and community leaders. Training attendees learn about skills and strategy by engaging in tough, realistic campaign situations. The Leadership Institute offers intensive basic training as well as an advanced training for current elected officials who are planning to run for higher office.

The Leadership Institute has trained hundreds of openly LGBT candidates and campaign workers how to build winning campaigns.

Join us for an intensive, hands-on workshop weekend at one of the following future trainings.

2008 Training Schedule
Charlotte, NC Basic Training
February 21-24
Baltimore, MD
Campaign Training for
Candidates of Color*
April 23-26
St. Louis, MO Basic Training
June 5-8

Washington, DC
Basic Training
December 3-6

*all are welcome, but this session focuses on the unique challenges of running a campaign as a person of color

Format

The Leadership Institute’s four day basic training is conducted several times a year in various cities across the country. Training attendees learn from leading political strategists during the day and work with their peers on a complex campaign simulation at night. The simulation models a real campaign complete with district background, media information and voter files. Similar to an actual campaign, trainees work long hours and compete against each other using the skills they have learned to build a strategy to win. To enhance the peer learning process, we conduct an extensive outreach effort to find trainees who have demonstrated leadership in their community and have great potential for public service.

Curriculum

The trainings teach that a political campaign is a complex undertaking, which requires discipline, talent and expertise. A successful political campaign is achieved by applying skills and knowledge, not luck. The curriculum addresses three primary themes:

Fundraising

Developing a prospect list
Utilizing multiple funding mechanisms
Creating a reliable donor base

Message

Running as an out candidate without becoming a single-issue candidate
Crafting and communicating a consistent message
Managing the press for positive results

Planning & Strategy

Evaluating viability as a candidate
Creating a campaign plan
Crafting a realistic budget
Maximization of time and resources
Campaign management

Hear what others have to say

“Growing up in North Carolina, I never thought I would be elected to public office. The Candidate & Campaign training helped me run a winning campaign and realize my dream of public service.”
--Sen. Julia Boseman, first lesbian elected to the North Carolina Senate

Read comments from recent Candidate and Campaign Training participant evaluations:

"Included MANY insights and strategies I’ve never learned in other trainings.”
“An interactive, hands-on approach to putting the campaign together.”
“One of the most effective trainings I have ever been to!”
“I really enjoyed all of you. The expertise and knowledge of the presenters was incredible.”
“Loved it. Wish I had taken the training 2 years ago, before I ran my first race.”
“This program was invaluable! I’m grateful for your input and knowledge. Thank you!”

To learn more or to apply for a training, please contact Lauren Peters at lauren.peters@glli.org.