Interested in learning more about our Candidate & Campaign Trainings, ask questions about the training or application process or talk through logistics? Join us for free, virtual Information Session: Candidate & Campaign Training, Tuesday, August 8, 2023! Learn more and register for this free event here.
Our team just returned from a very successful Candidate & Campaign Training in Orlando, Florida (right in Ron DeSantis’s backyard!). We trained 40 LGBTQ+ leaders and candidates (including our Victory Empowerment Fellows) on how to run winning campaigns. Participants learned how to craft a field program, make a successful fundraising ask, and heard from Florida’s LGBTQ+ elected officials about their experiences on the campaign trail. We had some incredible participants at this training. Below are some brief highlights (and photos) from the weekend!
Our attendees heard from Congressman Maxwell Frost, who joined us virtually, state Senator Shevrin Jones, state Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby, Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Sarasota County School Board Member Tom Edwards, and former state Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith. For the training, we partnered with Equality Florida and SAVE Florida to recruit local folks and build a lasting pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders in Florida!
Of our 40 participants from across the country, 48% were people of color and 32% transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, intersex, or two-spirit. 20% of participants are CURRENTLY running their campaign while 75% are seriously considering running in the next 2-5 years. No matter when they hit the campaign trail, they’ll be ready to run – and we know they’ll stand up for equality while in office.
These trainings elevate LGBTQ+ leaders and create a ripple effect in their communities. Our next Candidate & Campaign Training will be in Detroit in October of this year. Learn more about our Detroit training here! Not quite ready to sign up, but want to learn more? Join us for a free, informal Q&A on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 4:30pm ET.
For any questions or interest in attending our programs, contact us at training@victoryinstitute.org.
