Prepare

You are already qualified to run for office.

You do not need to be an attorney or a business leader or have a resume full of impressive-sounding qualifications before you run for office. Your life experience, your knowledge, your perspective, and your voice are what your community needs now. As a member of the Church, you have probably been speaking in public since you were four years old. You likely have deep networks in your community. You probably have held leadership positions, performed significant service in your community, listened to others, planned in difficult situations, learned to delegate, expressed empathy. The list goes on.

You are qualified.

So we are not going to tell you how to become more qualified to run for office. We might have some tips on how to prepare to run, however.

CLEAR SPACE

The first and most important thing you can do to prepare to run for office is to make a space in your heart for the possibility that you could run for office. Clear away just a little room—push aside the self-criticisms, the doubt, the fears, the logistical questions, the worries—and see if you can open up a little heart area in which you and/or God and/or inspired others can plant the seed of government service.

PRAY

Then pray. Pray a lot. MAYBE! Maybe you’ll feel a green light. And maybe you’ll feel and hear nothing, and you’ll have to use your agency and wisdom and desires to guide you and trust that God will work with you when you’re acting on your honest desires to serve.

TAKE ACTION

Run if you want to, if God tells you to, if you have time to, if you’re at all willing, OR (that’s an OR, not an AND) if no one else you respect will do it. You don’t need any better reason than “just ‘cause.”

Resources to get you started

Podcast: Listen to our Project ElectED podcast for campaigning tips and inspiration from trailblazing women.

Resources Page: Take a look at our resources page for links to a wealth of sources to get you going.

Mentoring Program: Sign up with our mentoring program to get connected with women who’ve been through a campaign before and can help you along your way.

Discussion Group: Join our private Project Elect Facebook group for access to incredible women in all stages of running for office. Connect with potential mentors and campaign volunteers. Find resources and encouragement.

Updates: Follow our Facebook page and sign up for email updates for news and help along your way.