1	Anyone Can Run
2	Tonight’s Trainers
3	A Message from Our Founder In my mind, voting gets you a D….To get an A+, you have to run for office yourself….If ordinary Americans like you don't run, people from the right wing will. -Howard Dean
4	DFA Can Help Recruiting grassroots candidates Training candidates, staff and volunteers Endorsements and funding
5	Goals of this Session Prepare you to run for office Have 10% of this call’s participants run for local office
6	Rep. Elesha Gayman Iowa State House District 84 Elected in 2006 Represents Davenport, IA Youngest woman ever to serve in the Iowa Legislature www.eleshagayman.com
7	Why You? Why Now? A political and a personal decision Others will believe in you when you believe in yourself Provide a contrast Have a compelling story
8	Maria Chappelle-Nadal Missouri State House District 72 Elected in 2004 Represents St. Louis DNC At-Large Member www.maria2006.org
9	Know Your District What is the political climate? Previous election results Demographic makeup Important issues Who are your likely opponents? Build coalitions of different constituency groups
10	Ty Harrell North Carolina State House District 41 Elected in 2006 Represents just outside Raleigh, NC Fundraiser for Howard Dean in 2003 & 2004 www.votetyharrell.com
11	Building Networks and Fundraising Start saving business cards Establish relationships with institutions and opinion leaders You are your campaign’s best fundraiser Start with family, friends and business colleagues Expand your network outwards Know the law
12	Irene Wrenner Essex, VT Select Board Member Elected in March 2007 Represents Essex, VT Grassroots community organizer DFA volunteer www.votelevywrenner.org
13	Don’t Just Stand for Office, RUN No one is entitled to office Voters decide the election; Talk to them directly Be involved in the community Join local civic and political groups “90% of life is showing up” Write a campaign plan
14	Things to Research Are you eligible? How do you get on the ballot? What are the important deadlines? What are the relevant campaign finance laws?
15	Homework Research the requirements for getting on the ballot for an office in your area. Recruit someone to run for office – How about you? Email us at field@democracyforamerica.com and let us know if you decide to run.
16	DFA Training Academy
17	Thank you for joining us!