Leadership Resources

Leadership Resources Intro

Use this map, made possible with support from the Hunt Alternatives Fund, to locate state-based and national resources for women interested in elected or appointed office or work on political campaigns. Click on a state to find leadership development and campaign training programs, political action committees, and organizations and programs committed to supporting and encouraging women in politics.

Need more ideas on how to get involved? Check out the Women's Definitive Guide to Getting Political by CAWP associate director Jean Sinzdak.

If you know of other organizations to add to our list or have updates to our information, please contact Chelsea Hill.

National Resources

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Program Name	State	Party	Program Description
Campaign Training Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association	IL	Dem	The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association holds half-day training programs for campaign workers, local candidates, and people who are...	The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association holds half-day training programs for campaign workers, local candidates, and people who are politically engaged in preparation for general election campaigns. All participants must commit to helping to elect Democrats in the upcoming election.
Gender Balanced Appointments Act	IL	Nonpartisan	The Gender Balanced Appointments Act establishes that all appointments to boards, commissions, committees and councils of the state be gender...	The Gender Balanced Appointments Act establishes that all appointments to boards, commissions, committees and councils of the state be gender balanced to the extent possible. If balance is not possible, then significant representation is expected.
IDW Campaign Training Illinois Democratic Women	IL	Dem	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all...	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all levels of government, Illinois Democratic Women fulfills its mission through educational programs and fund-raising activities. The IDW provides free trainings for groups of women in Illinois upon request, covering topics such as field work, fundraising, communications, and vote-getting. These trainings are open to anyone who has demonstrated a committment to be active in politics.
Illinois Council of Women Legislators (COWL)	IL	Nonpartisan	The Conference of Women Legislators is a non-profit organization that encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bi-...	The Conference of Women Legislators is a non-profit organization that encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bi-partisan fashion to advance the interest of all women, children and families through state, local and federal initiatives. The Council serves as a forum for Illinois women legislators to join with colleagues in workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the state. Additionally, the Council encourages leadership among Illinois women by supporting NEW Leadership Illinois, a leadership program for college women that is part of the NEW Leadership Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Illinois Democratic Women	IL	Dem	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all...	Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all levels of government, Illinois Democratic Women fulfills its mission through educational programs and fund-raising activities. The IDW provides free trainings for groups of women in Illinois upon request, covering topics such as field work, fundraising, communications, and vote-getting. These trainings are open to anyone who has demonstrated a committment to be active in politics.
Illinois Federation of Republican Women	IL	Rep	Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies...	Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action.
Illinois NOW National Organization for Women	IL	Nonpartisan	Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to...	Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters.
Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership	IL	Dem	The Illinois Womens Institute for Leadership (IWIL) is an educational organization that exists to encourage and train women to become effective...	The Illinois Womens Institute for Leadership (IWIL) is an educational organization that exists to encourage and train women to become effective leaders in Illinois government and politics. Participants attend 7 monthly sessions (2 days each) where they are trained in campaigning, government and public policy, and leadership and networking. The program is open to all Illinois Democratic women who have a commitment to serve in public office and a willingness to commit the time necessary to participate fully.
Leadership Greater Chicago Leadership Institute	IL	Nonpartisan	Established in 1985, Leadership Greater Chicago is a ten-month program for high-potential people in greater Chicago's companies, nonprofit...	Established in 1985, Leadership Greater Chicago is a ten-month program for high-potential people in greater Chicago's companies, nonprofit organizations and government. Thirty-five Fellows are chosen annually to study key challenges facing the Chicago region while making lifelong connections with diverse leaders that help them advance professionally and in civic affairs. Fellows are typically sponsored and financially supported by their employers.
Leadership Illinois	IL	Nonpartisan	Established in 1988, Leadership Illinois is a professional network of women leaders from throughout the state. Class members participate in three...	Established in 1988, Leadership Illinois is a professional network of women leaders from throughout the state. Class members participate in three multi-day conferences throughout the year-long program that focus on government, the individual, and the marketplace. Candidates for Leadership Illinois must demonstrate leadership achievements in the private, public or volunteer sectors of their communities.
New Leaders Council Chicago New Leaders Council	IL	Nonpartisan	New Leaders Council (NLC) was formed in 2005 to train and support the next generation of progressive political entrepreneursyoung professionals in...	New Leaders Council (NLC) was formed in 2005 to train and support the next generation of progressive political entrepreneursyoung professionals in their twenties and thirties who are leading industries, setting trends, and building institutions that support robust civic and political life in a global America. NLC accomplishes this mission primarily through the NLC Institute - a political entrepreneurship training program held 10 days over a five-month period that builds local teams of young professionals in 19 cities across the nation. NLC Fellows learn entrepreneurship, leadership, and political management skills from over volunteer faculty from relevant industries. Fellows are also paired with career mentors, join a national alumni network, and agree to fundraise to support the next class of Fellows.
NEW Leadership™ Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois, Chicago and Conference of Women Legislators	IL	Nonpartisan	The NEW Leadership™ summer institute is an intensive residential program that educates college women about politics and policy making and inspires...	The NEW Leadership™ summer institute is an intensive residential program that educates college women about politics and policy making and inspires them to get involved in the political process. During the six-day program selected students meet with women in a variety of roles in the public sphere, learn about women's political participation, explore ideas about leadership and politics, and participate in hands-on skills building exercises. NEW Leadership™ Illinois is part of the NEW Leadership™ Development Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Political Trainings Illinois Republican Party	IL	Rep	The Illinois Republican Party holds campaign trainings for already-nominated Republican candidates once every two years to assist them in their...	The Illinois Republican Party holds campaign trainings for already-nominated Republican candidates once every two years to assist them in their general election campaigns.
Ready To Run® Illinois Western Illinois University	IL	Nonpartisan	Ready to Run® Illinois is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or...	Ready to Run® Illinois is a nonpartisan effort to train and engage women to consider running for elected office or seeking appointed office or being more engaged in civic involvement in their communities of interest. Ready to Run® Illinois is part of the Ready to Run® Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
The Lincoln Series	IL	Rep	The Lincoln Series, formally The Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series Program, provides leadership and campaign training to...	The Lincoln Series, formally The Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series Program, provides leadership and campaign training to increase the number of Illinois Republican women in elected and appointed governmental and political positions at the local, state and federal levels. Offering two tracks, The Lincoln Series is a statewide network encouraging, supporting and training women for careers in politics and government.

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Leadership Resources Intro