This election cycle was historic. More women than ever before were elected to public office, and women across the country feel inspired and empowered to seek office themselves. But many don’t know where to start.

WPLN Director of Programs and Partnerships Sarah Curran met with LJB Women’s Campaign School Executive Director Amy Kroll to discuss the work our training partner is doing in Texas, as well as what it takes for women to get involved with politics. The LBJ Women’s Campaign School is a non-partisan, issue-neutral training program for women who want to get involved in politics at any level. Kroll offered some sage advice for women interested in getting involved:

There is something for everyone. Kroll talks about just how many elected offices there are in the United States: over half a million! PoliEngine states that there are 519,682 elected positions in the United States--500,396 at the local level, 18,749 at the state level, and 537 at the national level. If you have an interest in it, there is probably an office for it. Looking at positions at the local level is a great place to start. Kroll states that the age range of people in her program is from 23 to 60, so anyone can run. 

Community is important. Kroll states, “When you decide to run for office, that shouldn’t be the first time your community sees you.” And there is no better time to get involved with your community than right now with the pandemic causing many meetings to go online and be more accessible to the public. When thinking about where to get involved, Kroll advises you to ask yourself four questions: 

• Where are my passions?

• What makes me happy? 

• What is my skill set?

• Most importantly, what does my community need?

At the intersection of all of these answers is the right place for you to get involved. Once your community knows who you are and you’ve gotten involved, you can access opportunities more easily. 

You are ready. Lastly, Kroll offers encouragement to those who want to run but don’t feel like their situation is optimal. She states, “You are ready. You are ready to take that leap, and you don’t need to have every box checked, every single thing in a row, before you can run.”

There is no better time than right now to get involved and take risks. You may be exactly what your community needs. 

Watch the entire conversation below or on WPLN’s Facebook page.