Why do you want to run?

Deciding to run.

Are you running for the right reasons?

Family and personal considerations.

Motivation to compete for office.

Can you afford to run?

What every candidate needs to know.

Ethics rules for candidates and elected officials.

Application of the Code.

Filing a financial disclosure form.

Field Coordination: Melba Depeòa

Door to door campaigning (walking lists)

A voter registration drive.

Creative scheduling/using crowds formed for other reasons.

Finding and using volunteers effectively.

Organizing "coffee hours."

Using absentee voters to advantage.

Visibility -- using campaign signs, bumper stickers, etc…

Getting out the vote on election day.

Election Day tasks: poll workers, absentee vote review, precinct visits, etc.

Voter lists and local boards of canvassers.

Opposition research.

The elderly and senior high-rises.

Giving an effective speech.

Coalition building.

Developing varying types of campaign literature.

Responding or not responding to opponents.

Efficient use of postal resources.

Using advertisements.

Anticipating and dealing with "midnight flyers."

Managing your time and resources.

Finding the right campaign manager for your race.

Life on the campaign trail.

Time expenditure and schedule.

Putting together an effective volunteer staff.

Targeting voters.

Polls and surveys.

How to select a competent staff and delegate accordingly.

Sticking to an outline to keep the campaign on track.

Maintaining and projecting the image of a competent and well run campaign.

Dealing with crises in the campaign.

Recount procedures.

In depth knowledge of state, town and community issues that affect targeted constituents.

Local demographics.

How to stay current on issues.

Knowledge of the office they are running for.

Being prepared for debates with opponents.

How and when to contact the media.

Creating media events.

Issues that are sure to get covered by print and electronic media.

Key words and phrases to use for target audience.

Producing and buying paid media (cable, TV, radio, newspaper, brochures).

Cable TV programs and commercials.

Public access programs.

Getting free media (press releases, letters to the editor, events, etc.)

Dealing with reporters.

Setting up a website and using the internet.

How to approach regular, potential and non-registered voters.

Projecting an image.

How to develop and communicate an effective campaign message/theme.

Effective advertising.

Negative campaigning.

Questionnaires and endorsements.

Alliances and coalition building.

Multicultural campaigning.

Appearances at events.

One-on-one communication with voters.

Phone banks.

Candidates, campaign managers and other support staff.

Some fixed issue topics but mostly open to questions.