It's Never Too Early to Start Planning ...
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What you do now will help determine your future. (Shutterstock Photo from GaudiLab)
(Please Note: I’ve included the following thanks to Steve Redler, a great activist from the Albany Region who is the author of the Running for Office Guide. He includes several important tips about planning and I’ve included several them here. It’s great advice!)
One Year Out
“Hopefully you have led a life of community involvement and volunteer work to show the voters you care about the community. If not, you should start ASAP going to neighborhood association meetings, and get involved with other community organizations. Voters like to see candidates who volunteer and are concerned about the community. Get to know the issues. Seek out different perspectives on issues to broaden your understanding.”
Steve also recommends the following:
Review the website of the governmental entity
Go to a meeting of the governmental entity
Talk to friends and relatives
Talk to potential allies and influencers in your community
Find out who is also considering running
Talk to candidates who have run before and consider asking for their support.
Speak to those who are already serving or served in that office or similar offices to find out what are the time expectations once you are in office.
Be a good listener! Try to find out what issues or concerns are important to members of your community.
