You! Get ready to run for office
Gettysburg DFA will be hosting a series of candidate recruitment and training sessions early next year. Our goal is fill out the rosters of Democratic candidates in three specific races: township supervisor, school board, and the election supervisory positions.
We’ll cover issues such as requirements of the job; getting on the ballot; thinking through why you’re running, why people should vote for you, and what your message is; and how you’ll get your message across.
The main focus right now should be on the November elections, but prospective candidates need to take some actions now.
First, get over the idea that candidates are some other kind of people. So you’re 70 years old (or 22), you’re not naturally outgoing, or you haven’t been involved in local politics. None of these disqualify you.
Second, make sure you (and your family) understand the time commitment.
Third, do some research and acquaint yourself with local issues. If you’re running for township supervisor in Cumberland township, you better understand the proposed development at the old Country Club, while in Mount Joy, you should understand solar farms.
Following up on that, in the few months remaining, try to establish a presence. Attend every meeting of the group you hope to join. Learn ALL the issues, not just the prominent ones. If there is Citizen’s Time, speak. Make sure you have something to say. Write a letter to the editor at the Times, or see if the Gettysburg Connection will publish a guest opinion by you. Or the blog where this post is appearing (www.gettysburgdfa.org).
Ideally, you start establishing the sense of incumbency – or at least name recognition – a year or more ahead of time but you don’t have a year before the primaries. Do what you can.
Last, go through your social media and clean it up NOW! Politically controversial posts, youthful indiscretions, angry posts. Go back to day 1. Assume they will. And start thinking about what you want to present: family, volunteer activities, concern with local issues. Are you a youth soccer coach? Volunteer at the food pantry? Rotary Club member? Did you just go to the National Cemetery and found it a really moving experience you want to reflect on? It’s all part of your message.
If you have any questions, contact us. Good luck and see you on the campaign trail.
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This series is written to promote political discussion and organizing. Permission is given to use this in fact sheets, talking points, letters to the editor, etc. We’d appreciate if you notified Gettysburg DFA (leonsreed@gmail.com) of any uses. Written by Leon Reed.