The Campaign Trail: A Summer Training Series on How to Run for Office & Govern Effectively
Presented by WORC’s Grassroots Democracy Program
Online on June 30, July 28, & August 25, 2025
5:30 – 7 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Learn from current and former elected officials about how and why they decided to run for office, their tips on running an effective campaign, and how to govern effectively. No matter if you’re considering an office at your rural electric co-op or at the school, city, county, or even the state level, our training series will take you through the steps – all the way from deciding whether or not to run to effectively governing after you win.
Each of the sessions will feature three current or former elected officials from around the West who have first-hand experience of running for office, winning, and governing. Moderators include WORC Political Director and former La Plata County (Colorado) Commissioner Gwen Lachelt and WORC Political Campaign Coordinator Kendal Pittman.
How to Run for Office: Part One
June 30, 2025
Perhaps you haven’t quite decided yet that you’re going to run for office. We’ll help you make that decision by helping you understand:
- What are the characteristics and qualifications I need to run for office?
- Am I ready to run?
- What does it take to run and what am I going to need?
We’ll also dig into why now it really is more important than ever to run for office, build governing power, and protect and strengthen democracy.
Speakers:
Katie Sullivan, Montana State Representative and House Minority Leader
Stacie Anderson, Missoula City Councilor, Montana
Kevin Williams, Delta-Montrose Electric Association board member, Colorado
How to Run for Office: Part Two
July 28, 2025
In this session, you’ll learn how to develop your campaign plan, build your team, fundraise, get out the vote (GOTV), and other helpful tips for running an effective campaign.
Speakers: To be confirmed
Effective Governance
August 25, 2025
Learn what it takes to become an effective elected official. We’ll cover how to set an agenda, accomplish your goals as an elected official, and build a power map that will tell you who’s with you, who’s not, and whom you need to bring to your side.
Speakers: To be confirmed