1. By Martha Buhner and LindaDunn

2. Get Involved Service oriented groups Kiwanis, Rotary, etc. Political groups Local PTAs Coach sports Help others with their campaign

4. Learn The demographics of their community Age Occupation Income levels Neighborhood differences

5. Learn Attend local political committee meetings to determine: Important issues Political positions available Budget

6. What Candidates should know before they run Position they want to hold Party of choice, if any Make sure all forms are submitted Be comfortable with their choices because it is the base of their political career

7. Raising Money Find a professional political campaign manager Determine who to solicit funds from Continually press for funds through fundraisers, meetings, and phone calls

8. Organize Have a succinct answer why they are running for a position Create a theme with priority issues and position statements Meet with media, press conferences Brochures/bumper stickers Plan community events Continually reassess political standing

9. CAMPAIGN Attend community meetings Canvas neighborhoods personally, and by volunteers Arrange short speech opportunities Know opponents various stands on issues

10. ELECTION Voters are top priority Election Day Get them to polls by: Personally phoning, and getting volunteers to phone voters Get volunteers to transport anyone in need Have volunteers at the polls

12. Political information web sites:  www.vote-smart.org www.campaignline.com www.politicaljunkie.com www.electionline.org www.eac.gov www.fairvote.org www.lwv.org www.politico.com