Taking the LEAD

Taking the LEAD

In 2023, GLPA-LEAD launched Taking the Lead a four-part virtual candidate training series offered to potential and future candidates throughout Michigan.

This series is designed as 201 training program for progressive candidates running at the local level for city council, township trustee, school board, county commission, or county-wide office or at the state level running for state house or state senate. This series of trainings is more advanced and for those candidates who have already attended our Becoming a LEADer training or are comfortable with the basics of campaigning.

Program Structure:

Each week we’re joined by a guest trainer who will spend the first hour or so discussing best practices and detailing real examples of effective campaign strategies around fundraising, field, and campaign compliance. We’ll take participant questions and also demo popular online campaign tools such as ActBlue and VoteBuilder which are designed to help progressive candidates succeed.

We’ll cover:

  • how to build a campaign plan

  • tips and tricks to maximize call time and make a financial ask

  • how to target voters and talk to them at the doors

  • Best ways to utilize Votebuilder (VAN)

  • the do’s and don’ts of campaign compliance as well as good record keeping practices

  • Online fundraising tools

After the program is over, participants who opt to complete a campaign plan will be connected with a campaign staffer or former candidate to provide feedback.

Our Taking the LEAD training series will resume in 2025.

We will only be accepting a limited number of applicants. Candidates accepted into the training will receive an email from GLPA-LEAD staff with the zoom information.

As a 501(c)4, GLPA-LEAD is required to charge for candidate trainings. The training fee for our Taking the LEAD series is $50. If cost is a barrier, please let us know as there are scholarship opportunities available.

For questions about our Taking the LEAD program, email emily@glpacademy.com.