Your Community Needs You
You care about what happens in your community, country, and world.
You want to make a difference on the issues most important to you.
When women run for office, they win at the same rates as men.
Not enough women are running for office, and the gender gap starts in middle school: boys are encouraged to run for office much more than girls.
Consider yourself encouraged: You should run for office!
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About Running Start
We are a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women like you to run for office. At Running Start, you’ll build the Confidence, Capabilities, and Connections you need to run for office now and in the future.
Confidence: You’ll discover that leadership skills can be learned. You have peers who are just as interested in running for office as you are. You’ll meet people just like you who’ve run and won!
Capabilities: You’ll practice campaign skills taught by top operatives and experts who’ll share lessons from their real work in the field. You’ll participate in a campaign simulation where your new tools will be put to the test.
Connections: You’ll meet new friends and mentors. Long after the program has ended, Running Start will offer you continued connections to our 20,000+ alums online.
Find the Running Start program that's right for you
High School Program: Join us for an intensive summer training where you will participate in a campaign simulation, learn from high-level political mentors, and meet with Members of Congress.
Congressional Fellowship: Spend a semester interning for a Congresswoman in Washington, DC. Get weekly hands-on training on how to run for office. Receive free housing and a stipend.
Elect Her: Participate in a one-day workshop to learn how to run for student government and political office. Find an upcoming workshop or help to plan one for your school or community.
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