IGNITE's Guide to Running for Office: Step 1
Step 1: Get involved in your community
Community involvement is meaningful, consistent participation in activities that build support and improve social well being. The opportunities are endless!
Successful candidates have a history of community involvement – they are running for office because they care about something that they want to change. As you are preparing to run, you can:
Call voters
Attend town halls
Campaign
Spotlight: Sherlyna Hanna
As a therapist, Sherlyna constantly comes face to face with the problems her clients, and the wider community, are up against. Poverty, recidivism, homelessness, and addiction are prevalent in her city. While Sherlyna passionately addresses client needs on an individual basis, she knows her impact will be magnified in a leadership role.
"I ran for office because I want to serve as an advocate. I will listen to the community’s needs and make informed decisions. Policy impacts wellbeing and it is imperative to have city leaders who are able to empathize with their situations."
Identify the issues you care about
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What issue(s) do I care about?
- Why is the issue important to me?
- What’s my personal history around the issue?
Need inspiration?
Here are some hot issues*:
.gif "Health Care Icons for run for office guide (5)")
Health Care
.gif "Environment Icons for run for office guide (4)")
Climate Change
.gif "Racial Equity Icons for run for office guide (3)")
Racial Equity
Higher Education
Get educated
Now that you've picked your top issue, ask yourself:
- What do I know about policies that have been enacted in my community to address this issue? How can I learn more?
- What do I think is effective or ineffective about these policies?
- What would I recommend and why?
Get involved
Good chance there are already awesome people and organizations working on the issue you care about. It's time to find them and get involved! Ask yourself:
- What are the organizations or people I know that work in the issue area I am interested in?
- How will I get involved in an organization that is doing the kind of work I like? Can I volunteer or intern?
Recommended Reading
There are so many issues! And it can be overwhelming to commit to a single one. Here are four quick reads on topics IGNITE cares about. Our issues don't have to be your issue, but maybe you'll be inspired!
Tips from an expert
At 21 years old, Deja Foxx is not afraid to advocate for reproductive health, educational reform, and protecting Title X.
"When I’m talking to young people about where to get started, I really encourage people to start with the personal. I’ve been doing this work for over five years now. Which at the age of 20 is sort of surprising. But I started out as a volunteer. I started out doing tabling events and door-knocking and canvassing. And I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything because it has given me the framework that I need to be successful as I’ve taken on leadership roles."