Vote Run Lead envisions a country with women as the majority of office holders at every level of government, forging the reflective democracy we deserve. Our goal is to dismantle obstacles to equal and equitable representation and place women’s experiences, perspectives, input, and expertise at the forefront of the democratic process to transform the lives of our families, communities, and our country. We also embrace gender-expansive people seeking to step into roles as candidates and campaign managers. Join a powerful community ready to represent Minnesota and access VRL’s results-oriented support.

With a multi-faceted and empowering agenda, this training will meet you where you are at!

A core belief driving Vote Run Lead’s approach is that YOU are enough, just as you are, to do this important work. You just bring your skills, passion, and experience — and we’ll give you tools, best practices, support, confidence, and community to help you succeed and thrive.

This training day, Saturday, September 23, at the Water Street Inn, will be a dynamic, participatory, and supportive learning environment where you can explore your strengths and learn from the best. We’ll include small group discussions for campaign management and staff too! We’ll kick off at 8 a.m. with an energizing breakfast followed by an opening session starting promptly at 9 a.m. We’ll work until 5 p.m. and then send you off with take-home materials (and a few snacks to go!).

Through this training, you will learn directly from experts on the ground who have built and managed successful campaigns around Minnesota, and you will forge connections with fellow leaders and campaign managers.

Who should attend?

This training is primarily designed for women and gender-expansive folks ready to run for seats in the Minnesota State House in 2024, plus aspiring or novice campaign managers.

Unsure whether to run for office/run a campaign? That’s okay! Join us to learn the right steps to running, and winning, in 2024. We want to share this knowledge, and think it can only help inform your decision!

Running for a different elected office? That’s okay too! We know that the school board, city council, county commissioner, and other positions can serve as rungs on a ladder leading to the State Legislature someday. You’re welcome to join us, wherever you are on your campaign journey. Our context will be Legislature campaigns, but the lessons are very transferable.

Not from Minnesota? No worries! You are welcome! We’ll be using Minnesota and its State Legislature as specific context and case studies, but we think you can take the insight you’ll gain home to your own races (and it will help you win!).

Cost to Attend:

All Vote Run Lead training program registration fees are subsidized and offered at reduced cost with adjusted fees, as needed, to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Participants can choose the level of registration paid based on their capacity to pay.

The full registration cost for this training is $100. Registration is available at reduced/adjusted rates to participants needing financial support at the rates of $50 and $25.

Registration covers the full day of training, all materials, coffee, breakfast, and lunch on Saturday, plus a snack box to go at the end of the day. Any other expenses or meals not outlined, are not covered.

Financial Assistance for Travel Costs:

To ensure that our training is accessible to everyone who wants to attend and that cost is not a barrier, we are also able to offer some financial assistance to offset the direct travel costs of car travel and hotel, if needed. You can request that, and learn more about the process, within the registration form.