IGNITE's Six-Step Guide to Running for Office

Congrats, you're one step closer to running for office!

In IGNITE's Six-Step Guide to Running for Office, you'll learn about what it takes to run for office on your campus or in your community. We also provide additional resources to guide you on your path to leadership. Finally, as you dive into the guide you may need to use the internet or talk to others around you to find the answers to your questions.

Spoiler alert - running for office is easier than you think! All you need to get started is a love for your community and a desire to initiate positive change. To inspire you, IGNITE will spotlight young women who have run for office and are driving big impact in their communities. 

Spotlight: From City Council to Mayor

Jocelyn Yow, age 25, is not only the  youngest mayor in California's history, she is the youngest woman of color to serve as mayor in California.

“On my City Council, I’m the only person of color. Whenever I see the photo of my colleagues and me, I am still in awe. I’m so proud to be setting an example for girls.”

jocelyn yow city council campaign
jocelyn yow mayor eastvale

More about this guide

IGNITE's guide is a great place to start for people who are considering running for office for the first time or for those who want to go back to square one and brush up on some essential components of running for office.

Here's a section by section break-down of what to expect from this guide. Visit our training calendar to find more opportunities. IGNITE's training and conference  build on everything covered here.

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Step 1:

Get involved in your community

Successful candidates have a history of community involvement – they are running for office because they care about something that they want to change or improve. Take me to step one.

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Step 2:

Identify the office you want to run for

Research to figure out what office you want to run for. Will you run for office at your high school? Your college? Or will you run for office in your community, like City Council? Take me to step two.

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Step 3:

Get politically involved

There are lots of ways you can get politically involved to build your expertise and credibility around the office. Take me to step three.

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Step 4:

Build a broad network 

Successful candidates have a large network of people behind them. They are well-known members of their community. You can and should establish this network purposefully. Take me to step four.

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Step 5:

Get a political mentor

Be clear about your goals! Find someone who wants to support your political ambition. Take me to step five.

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Step 6:

Declare your political power

You are building your ambition and now it is time to declare your political power to your community and most importantly, to yourself. Take me to step six.

Recommended Reading

Throughout this guide, IGNITE will share additional resources to keep building your toolbox. To kick things off, here are three great reads on running for office.

Tips from an expert

In 2019, Karla won her race and was elected as a Trustee to Dallas Independent School Board District 4, becoming the youngest person to serve and the first Latina on the board.

“My background puts me in a position where I recognize there are perhaps more barriers that other people may not think of. There’s a lot of things going on both inside and outside of the school that affects the educational experience of the students, so I carry those in mind every time I make a decision at the table.”

karla campaigning with friends

I am ready to go!