JOIN US
Dare to Run is a brand new organization, and we're currently building our exciting new team of candidates, faculty, and mentors. Wherever you are in your career, whatever your niche of skills, if you're interested in building the capacity of women to lead a better world, we want to hear from you.
DARE TO RUN
If you want to make your community a better place, and you think you might have some great ideas on how to do it, serving as an elected official is a powerful way to make a difference.
But first, you've got to dare to run. If you're looking for a way into understanding the process, meeting the right people, and learning how to be the best candidate and public servant you can be, this is your chance. Whether you're fresh out of college looking to do meaningful work or a career switcher looking to use your expertise in a new way, running for office could be just what you're looking for.
Excited? Or even just a little curious? Let us know, and we'll keep you updated as we develop our first cohort of candidates.
BECOME A MENTOR
Students will be assigned a female elected official who will mentor them as they begin the campaign for public office. In addition, upon completion of the Dare to Run program, they will complete an internship for one semester with an elected official to learn the process of running a successful legislative office and how to interact positively with constituents to address their needs.
Elected Officials who want to serve as mentors for Dare to Run must meet the following criteria:
​At least five years serving in office at the local, state or national level of government​
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Membership in at least two committees in her particular chamber of government (preference will be given to those who have chaired at least one committee throughout their time in office)
Demonstrated leadership on issues of importance to members of her community, by completing 3 or more of the following:
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An elected official who has drafted legislation on two or more significant issues affecting her community
An elected official who has cosponsored legislation on two or more significant issues affecting her community
An elected official who has spoken on the floor of their chamber on two of more issues affecting her community
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An elected official who has encouraged members of their district/state to participate in the political process by holding a fair, council meeting or town hall at least twice a year
An elected official who has succeeded in obtaining funding for at least two issues of importance to her community
All elected officials will be screened and interviewed by the Mentor Recruitment Committee of Dare to Run. There will be two interviews in the process, a first round and a second round interview. Candidates will sign a partnership agreement with Dare to Run that outlines the frequency of meetings, what topics will be discussed and how they plan to be of service the candidates in the program. Dare to Run will select mentors in part based on political ideologies to ensure candidates receive mentors from across the political spectrum.
JOIN THE FACULTY
Dare to Run is looking for the following credentials among its faculty members:
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​Passion and Commitment to training more women to run for public office
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In-depth knowledge and understanding of the political process in the state the instructor is teaching in
Previous experience working on campaigns, preferably with female candidates and in a management capacity (i.e. campaign manager, director of fundraising, director of advocacy)
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Comprehensive understanding of U.S. Government and political processes, particularly with regard to the interactions between federal, state and local government and how they impact elected officials
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Preference will be given to candidates for instructor positions in part based on political ideologies to ensure a balanced pool of political ideologies among the faculty members.
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