How to Prepare to Run for Political Office

Tired of the same meaningless sound bytes from candidates year after year? Is there a local issue that has you hopping mad? Think you can do a better job than the people who represent you? Don't just sit there - help fix the problem by running for office.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephones
• Travel Services
• Calendars
• Cellular Phones
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Take a personal inventory. Do you have the time, family support, name recognition, drive to win and public speaking skills necessary to run a good campaign?

2. Get involved in your community, and join both civic (Rotary and Kiwanis) and political (local Democrat or Republican club) organizations.

3. Increase your credibility by learning more about the issues that concern you.

4. Volunteer for causes like the PTA if your passion is education, or the neighborhood watch if you're interested in fighting crime.

5. Build grassroots support. Make a list of your fellow club members, family, friends and colleagues you think will support you. The longer the list, the stronger your campaign will be.

6. Research the office you want to hold. Who will vote in the election, what will you do as an elected official, and what legal obligations do you have to meet? Your local Board of Elections can help you with demographics and legal questions; attending meetings of the office you want to hold will familiarize you with the duties.

7. Share with your family all the information you've gathered, and decide if running for office is right for you.

Tips & Warnings

• To find out what issues are important to your community, read the local section of the newspaper, listen to local talk shows and talk to your colleagues.
• Increase your name recognition and credibility by holding office in an issue advocacy group. Offer to be the media contact or write the club newsletter.
• Join the Toastmasters club to polish your public speaking skills.