5 Things to Do Before Running for Office as a Person With a Disability
Gettysburg DFA welcomes guest writer Emily Graham with a very timely column on running for office. Although she aims the article at people with disabilities, much of her advice is valid for anyone thinking of running for office.
Do you want to run for political office? Great! As a public figure, you’ll enjoy a unique opportunity to create change within your community. However, it is not as simple as putting your name on a ballot and watching the votes roll in. Whether your goal is to be elected as a school governor or into a local government position, there are five actions to take now before you put on your political party hat.
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1. Get involved in your community and political party
First, get involved with your party and get out into your community. Find volunteer opportunities to get to know the people who will be on your side. You might, for example, become a precinct organizer, join a committee, or even lend your administrative skills in the office. Each of these is an excellent way to support your party, meet the candidates for different offices, and learn more about the inner workings of local politics.
If you are running for school board member, get involved in academic life. Many skills are valued in these leadership positions, so find roles that suit your interests and strengths. Volunteering can also get you connected with influential people and parents, so network while you work.
2. Learn about how people with disabilities in office can affect change
One example of a politician who did make a difference was former Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib who introduced legislation to improve education and made many other political contributions to his community, particularly for disabled individuals. You can affect the same types of change within your own community. One example is to advocate for an inclusive playground so that people of all ages and abilities can experience the simple joys of childhood, or maybe you want to see improved sidewalks and accessible trails in your area. Consider what you feel would be meaningful, and go from there.
3. Master social media
Before social media, politicians spent lots of time knocking on doors. While this is certainly an admirable way to beat the streets, there is a much easier way: social media. Social media allows you to enter the homes of people who may not be willing to answer the door. Plus, you’ll have a further reach and more control over your own image. Be strategic with your marketing campaign. Don’t just jump in without a plan. Stick to the messages in your political platform, and draw a clear line between your political and personal life so that the two don’t merge in your posts.
If marketing and social media aren’t your forte, check into a PR agency. They can help you get set up and either guide or manage your social media accounts so that you can focus on other aspects of your campaign. Remember, social media is more involved than simply posting an update every now and then. Your helpful social media expert understands timing, content, and when to pay for advertising versus keeping things organic.
4. Know the answers to common questions
As a public figure, your life will be under constant scrutiny. As a politician with a disability, so will your physical and/or mental capabilities. Understand that your potential constituents and others will ask questions about otherwise personal topics. Be prepared to answer these without getting offended. Likewise, as you interact with other people with disabilities, keep etiquette in mind. Even if you are not sensitive about your condition, others might be.
Days spent campaigning and facing difficult questions in public can be draining. You don’t want to bring that energy home and sit with it. Making your home a place of positive energy can help you recover. You always want to be presenting your best self to the public.
5. Ensure you are qualified
Most importantly, no matter how much you want things in your community to change, ensure that you are qualified for the position you’re running for. For example, you’re unlikely to get voted into a school board position if you haven’t shown an interest in school issues beforehand.. Similarly, your run for mayor is doomed if you don’t live within the borough. People want people in office that understand their lives. Be that person, and you’ll be in a much better position to capture a high vote count.
If the office you seek requires advanced knowledge or skills, you can always go back to school to bolster your talents. For example, an MBA degree can help you lay the foundation for running a political campaign. You’ll learn management, accounting, and leadership techniques, all of which will be of use while you run for election and serve in office. Or, attend the meetings of the organization you want to serve on. If citizen comments are permitted, make comments. You’ll learn what the issues are and raise your profile as well.
Running for office as a person with a disability comes with many benefits and challenges. Be aware of these before you take the plunge. Your campaign and your community will benefit from your knowledge and from each action you take to prepare yourself for the journey.
It is important to stay up to date on the latest political events, especially if you are running for office. Visit Gettysburg DFA’s website to get updated on current events and political occurrences.
Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.