✅ 1. Deciding to Run

Pro Tips:

• Anchor your campaign in a personal story. People vote for people, not platforms.

• Don’t wait to be asked — deciding to run is leadership in action.

• Start journaling your motivations and values now; they’ll shape your messaging later.

• Talk to trusted community members about what they’d want from a leader like you.

• Use the “My Why & Vision” worksheet to clarify your core message and priorities.

✅ 2. Choosing the Right Office

Pro Tips:

• Match your passion with a position that has real influence over those issues.

• Smaller offices = larger impact than you might think — especially locally.

• Check turnout data: Can you win with 1,000 votes? 10,000? That matters.

• Research filing requirements early — deadlines can sneak up.

• Use the “Choosing the Right Race” worksheet to evaluate what makes sense.

✅ 3. Building a Campaign Plan

Pro Tips:

• Work backwards from Election Day — every plan starts at the finish line.

• Set realistic monthly benchmarks: fundraising, outreach, messaging.

• Include a plan for self-care and rest. Burnout loses campaigns.

• Share your plan with a mentor or advisor — don’t build it in a vacuum.

• Use the “Campaign Timeline Builder” to stay focused and flexible.

✅ 4. Filing, Legal, and Compliance Basics

Pro Tips:

• Create a campaign bank account ASAP — keep personal and campaign funds separate.

• Assign a treasurer or someone to own financial tracking, even if it's temporary.

• Bookmark your state election website and read everything twice.

• Stay ahead of deadlines — a missed filing can end your race.

• Use the “Filing & Compliance Tracker” to stay legally protected and stress-free.

✅ 5. Assembling Your Campaign Team

Pro Tips:

• Start with 3 key roles: campaign manager, fundraiser, and digital lead.

• Trust is more important than experience — build your team with people who believe in you.

• Set clear expectations from Day 1: hours, responsibilities, decision-making.

• Build a culture of feedback and clarity — your team deserves to grow with you.

• Use the “Org Chart Builder” to define roles and avoid confusion.

✅ 6. Building a Budget and Fundraising Strategy

Pro Tips:

• Don’t guess — research what similar campaigns in your area raised and spent.

• Focus early energy on small-dollar recurring donors — they scale over time.

• Practice your fundraising ask until it feels natural — then make it daily.

• Events are great — but digital fundraising can move faster and cost less.

• Use the “Campaign Budget Calculator” and launch a CrowdBlue donation page ASAP.

✅ 7. Outreach and Organizing: Field Strategy

Pro Tips:

• Face-to-face contact is still the most effective way to win votes.

• Start with your personal network — then ask them to spread the word.

• Train volunteers before you send them out — it boosts impact and retention.

• Don’t neglect digital organizing — texting and email are powerful.

• Use the “Voter Outreach Planner” to set goals and manage voter touchpoints.

✅ 8. Communications, Branding & Digital Strategy

Pro Tips:

• Be consistent across platforms: same photo, slogan, color palette.

• Share value, not just requests — educate and inspire your followers.

• A great campaign brand feels personal and professional.

• Use storytelling to move hearts. Use policy to build trust.

• Use the “Brand & Messaging Toolkit” to sharpen your visuals and voice.

✅ 9. Using CrowdBlue Tools Effectively

Pro Tips:

• Treat CrowdBlue as your digital HQ — fundraising, messaging, organizing in one place.

• Set up email and SMS flows that thank, update, and mobilize supporters.

• Share your CrowdBlue campaign page often — every post is an opportunity.

• Use analytics to see what’s working and adjust quickly.

• Use the “Platform Activation Checklist” to go live in under a day.

✅ 10. Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

Pro Tips:

• Make a plan for who will talk to which voters and when — then execute hard.

• Prioritize voters who need a nudge — don’t waste time on guaranteed supporters.

• Use SMS and phone calls during early vote windows to increase turnout.

• Offer rides to polls and explain where, when, and how to vote.

• Use the “GOTV Countdown Calendar” to drive urgency and accountability.

✅ 11. Election Day Readiness

Pro Tips:

• Have a clear Election Day plan: volunteers, shifts, scripts, backup plans.

• Prepare your statement ahead of time — win or lose, you’ll want to say it right.

• Assign someone to monitor polls and flag issues — don’t try to do it all.

• Track turnout in real-time and adjust your outreach accordingly.

• Use the “Election Day Plan” worksheet to coordinate logistics and morale.

✅ 12. After the Election: Next Steps

Pro Tips:

• No matter the outcome, follow up with your supporters — gratitude matters.

• Host a post-election debrief with your team while it’s fresh.

• Archive data, feedback, and materials — you may run again.

• Consider how you’ll stay involved in your community.

• Use the “Campaign Reflection & Debrief” to learn, grow, and celebrate.