Women's Political Power Map

Resources across the country for women interested in running for office, working on political campaigns, or holding appointive office. 

Map of the United States.

Locate state-based and national resources for women interested in elected or appointed office or work on political campaigns. 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 Cai Barias.

Program State(s) Party
Leadership St. Pete

St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Leadership St. Pete (LSP) is a six-month experience designed to promote and enhance community leadership through an in-depth introduction to social, economic, business and political issues in the St. Petersburg area.  LSP class members interact with diverse, high-level community leaders and decision-makers by organizing and attending a series of seminars and retreats in fields ranging from business, government, education, media, social services, criminal justice, diversity, the arts and more.  Participants will learn from leaders from all branches of state government during a two-day government seminar in Tallahassee.

Florida Nonpartisan
Leadership Tallahassee

Leadership Institute

Established in 1983, Leadership Tallahassee is a year-long educational program for adults designed to educate and engage community leaders. Twenty-five to 30 selected applicants meet in monthly day-long sessions to learn about key issues affecting political, business, human service and cultural activities in Tallahassee and to encourage and facilitate positive change in the community through volunteer involvement.

Florida Nonpartisan
Leadership Tampa

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Leadershipi Tampa is a nine-month program developing participants community awareness and leadership skills. Fifty to 60 class members are chosen annually to meet every other week for briefings, tours, seminars and hands-on learning. Topics covered include health sciences, law enforcement, education, redevelopment, tourism, government and other important community issues. Members of Leadership Tampa are business/professional people who hold mid-to-upper level management positions within their companies or organizations and have demonstrated a concern for community issues and volunteered their time with service organizations.

Florida Nonpartisan
Leadership Texas

Foundation for Women's Resources

Founded in 1983, Leadership Texas, a program of the Foundation for Womens Resources, identifies and develops Texas' women leaders by providing them with essential information, an awareness of ongoing changes, sharpened skills, and an enduring network of women from diverse backgrounds. Women recognized as leaders throughout the state are chosen to participate in a year-long program structured around five two-and-one-half-day sessions exploring a wide range of issues including: science and technology, education, business, government, the environment and the economy. The curriculum also includes leadership skills enhancement through interactions with state and national experts, presentations by outstanding speakers and on-site visits to major business, education and cultural centers. One session is generally held in Austin, with the other four session locations rotating each year.

Texas Nonpartisan
Leadership Toledo

Established in 1980, Leadership Toledo is a non-profit organization that fosters leadership and involvement in the Greater Toledo area. Its adult program, Community Leadership Toledo, is a nine-month program that educates about 50 selected particpants annually on community issues and leadership skills.  Participants attend monthly, day-long sessions that cover topics like government, education, health care, human diversity, law enforcement, media, cultural arts, history, and leadership development.

Ohio Nonpartisan
Leadership Tomorrow

Leadership Institute

Leadership Tomorrow prepares, challenges and engages emerging and existing leaders through leadership development for the benefit of the Puget Sound region. Each year, approximately 72 emerging and existing leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors of the community are selected to participate in a nine-month program designed to raise awareness of needs and challenges that affect the region and to enhance leadership skills with a focus on community stewardship. 

Washington Nonpartisan
Leadership Tulsa

Leadership Tulsa is a nonprofit organization promoting leadership development and community engagement. The flagship Leadership Tulsa adult program is a nine-month program for area professionals to build leadership strength, learn about the issues and needs of the city of Tulsa, and develop skills to lead in the city's public and private sectors. Approximately 45 applicants are chosen annually to participate in once-monthly meetings on these topics. Leadership Tulsa also offers an executive leadership program for top-level executives.

Oklahoma Nonpartisan
Leadership Twin Cities

Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Twin Cities is a nine-month program designed to provide emerging community leaders with an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting the region. Fifty-five selected applicants meet the second Thursday of each month, from September to May, for full-day sessions focusing on regional issues and developing leadership skills and networks.

Minnesota Nonpartisan
Leadership Utah

Leadership Utah is a year-long program designed by the Salt Lake Chamber to provide opportunities for business leaders to learn more about challenges facing the community. It is ideal for those who are interested in becoming involved, who want to gain the tools to make more informed decisions, and who want to improve their leadership abilities.  Up to fifty applicants are selected each year participate in ten monthly, day-long sessions that emphasize knowledge of policy, politics, and government; participation in community and local affairs; and networking with one another and the community's current business and civic leadership. Candidates must currently hold middle- or upper-level management positions within their organizations.

Utah Nonpartisan
Leadership West Virginia

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Leadership West Virginia is a statewide program to develop, strengthen and connect emerging leaders for the Mountain State. Each year, 50 leaders are chosen to participate in eight monthly two-day educational sessions from March through November conducted in different communities and addressing key subjects and critical issues facing West Virginia. Those selected must have demonstrated skills and experience in civic activities, public affairs and their professional careers.

West Virginia Nonpartisan
Leadership Wichita

Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce

Introduced in 1983, Leadership Wichita identifies and trains local leaders to take increasingly significant roles in the community. Each year, a committee selects 24 individuals to attend sessions from September through November. Sessions focus on developing leadership skills and introducing community issues. Those interested in participating must be nominated by another person and then submit an application.

Kansas Nonpartisan
Leadership Winston-Salem

Leadership Winston-Salem is a nine-month community leadership development program for emerging and existing community leaders. Selected participants build lasting relationships and cover critical areas that define quality of life in a community through monthly full-day seminars, an opening retreat, and a final action learning project.

North Carolina Nonpartisan
Leadership Wisconsin

Established in 1983, Leadership Wisconsin develops state leaders in communities, businesses, and government. Forty-eight fellows are chosen to participate in real-world learning experiences, classroom activities, and field experiences organized into a series of practical seminars over a two-year period. They gain analytical tools, sharpen their communication skills and engage in a growing network of leaders. In addition to the three-day seminars in-state, the program includes a one-week seminar in Washington, DC, a two-week seminar in another country, and a one-week seminar in another state outside of the Midwest. All applicants must be Wisconsin residents with demonstrated leadership abilities.

Wisconsin Nonpartisan
Leadership Women

Founded in 1973, the Foundation for Women's Resources works with program affiliates and women leaders to advance and improve the personal, economic and professional status of women. The Foundation's programs include Leadership Texas - an education and training institute for Texas women leaders - and Power Pipeline - a program which provides mentors and training to emerging women leaders. In addition to these programs, the Women's Museum is an affiliate of the Foundation for Women's Resources, providing exhibits and programs that detail women's participation in U.S. history.

Texas Nonpartisan
Leadership Wyoming

Wyoming Heritage Foundation and the University of Wyoming

Formed in 1999, Leadership Wyoming is a nine-month educational program for a diverse group of approximately 40 Wyoming leaders, ages under 30 to over 60, that consists of a one-day orientation, two-day retreat, five two-day program sessions and graduation. Program sesssions prepare participants to be active leaders in the state by giving them the opportunity to better understand general public policy issues, economic and social diversity, and the challenges facing Wyoming.

Wyoming Nonpartisan
League of Women Voters of North Carolina

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina is a nonpartisan member supported, political organization. The League encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

North Carolina Nonpartisan
League of Women Voters of Oregon

League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) is a grassroots, nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government in order to build better communities statewide. LWVORs purposes are to influence public policy through education and advocacy, and to provide support for League members and the League organization.

Oregon Nonpartisan
League of Women Voters of Texas

The League of Women Voters of Texas, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Texas Nonpartisan
Leap into Leadership

Wyoming Womens Legislative Caucus

The Wyoming Women's Legislative Caucus hosts the annual Leap into Leadership event at the Wyoming State Capitol in partnership with Equality State Policy Center, The White House Project, Wyoming Business Alliance, and Wyoming Womens Foundation. The program prepares women to run for office by emphasizing leadership, communication, and advocacy training while also providing participants with a first-hand glimpse into the Capitol and its daily business.

Wyoming Nonpartisan
LGBTQ Victory Institute Candidate and Campaign Training

Victory Institute

Founded in 1993, the LGBTQ Victory Institute runs candidate and campaign trainings that provide comprehensive, nonpartisan training to present and future openly LGBTQ candidates, campaign staff and community leaders. Attendees learn about skills and strategy by engaging in tough, realistic campaign situations. The Victory Institute offers intensive basic training as well as an advanced training for current elected officials planning to run for higher office.  The Victory Institute's four-day basic training is conducted several times a year in various cities across the country.

National Nonpartisan