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“Exploring Your Run” 2026 Edition Is Here
The 2026 edition of Exploring Your Run for Municipal Office is live! Fully updated with new resources, a chapter on protecting your peace, bonus audio, and worksheets to help you explore your run with confidence.
Explore Your Run
It’s time to figure out whether or not you’re ready to run for office.
It’s time to figure out whether you’re ready to run for office — and the 2026 edition of Exploring Your Run for Municipal Office is finally here.
This fully updated workbook is designed for anyone who’s ever thought: “Could I run municipally — and what would it actually take?” It’s a step-by-step guide to exploring the decision to run, helping you get clarity, build confidence, and plan ahead without pressure.
Everything you need to explore your run, make confident decisions, and prepare for a successful campaign — all in one digital workbook.
Running for municipal office is exciting, meaningful, and yes — a little intimidating. That’s why I created this workbook: to help you explore the possibility, ask the right questions, and get organized before making any big commitments.
The 2026 edition is fully updated, with clearer guidance, new resources, and a brand-new chapter on protecting your peace — because running for office is serious work, and you deserve to feel good doing it.
What’s Inside:
Updated Guidance: Refreshed examples, links, and resources relevant to 2026.
New Chapter: Protecting your peace, including a worksheet to help you set healthy boundaries.
Bonus Audio: A reworked workshop in audio format, perfect for listening on the go.
Clear Explanations: Simplified, step-by-step guidance to take the guesswork out of early campaign decisions.
Practical Worksheets: Define your mission, map your community, and build your campaign team.
Why This Workbook Works:
Helps you make a confident decision to run
Breaks down complex campaign steps into simple, actionable exercises
Created by Amanda Kingsley Malo — educator, campaign veteran, and your personal guide through local politics
Format:
30+-page PDF
Instant download
Works on computer, tablet, or phone
What’s new in 2026:
The workbook is 33 pages of practical guidance designed to make exploring your run feel achievable and structured, not overwhelming.
What you will get in this resource:
Updated links and resources relevant for the 2026 municipal cycle
Improved explanations and tighter language
A brand-new chapter on protecting your peace, with a worksheet to help set boundaries
A bonus audio resource: a reworked workshop you can listen to anywhere
Expanded worksheets to help you define your mission, research your community, and map your campaign team
“I tell everyone who says they want to run that they need this workbook.” - a real politician
If you’ve already purchased the 2022 edition, you’ll get the full 2026 update for free — just shoot us an email for your special code.
This workbook is for you if you’ve ever dreamed of running for office but:
didn’t know where to start.
weren’t sure if you were ready.
felt like you needed to do some introspective to make sure that this is the next step.
This workbook was created by our founder, Amanda Kingsley Malo, drawing on over a decade of experience running campaigns and supporting candidates. It’s the resource she wishes she’d had when she first considered running and now it’s available to anyone thinking about taking the next step.
We want you to be ready to run and win.
Campaigning in the Digital Age
Master the digital landscape of municipal elections! From crafting an authentic online persona to leveraging social media, DIY graphic design, and the power of email, this guide unveils a tactical arsenal for success. Success in the digital age is within reach—navigate the online battlefield and propel your campaign forward with strategic planning and authenticity.
Navigating the Online Landscape for Election Triumph
Welcome to the digital battleground of municipal elections, where the endless symphony of online noise can either drown you out or catapult your campaign to victory. In this whirlwind of pixels and hashtags, we get it – budgets are tight, resources are scarce, and the thought of navigating the vast digital realm can feel like trying to find a needle in a virtual haystack.
We're here as your digital compass, unveiling not just tools but a tactical arsenal of tips and tricks to turn your digital campaign into a resounding triumph.
craft your digital persona
Your online presence is the canvas of your campaign. Paint it with authenticity, passion, and dedication. Let voters see the person behind the politician. Share your journey in a way that resonates, cultivating a digital persona that's not just about politics but reflects your values, making you relatable to constituents.
leverage social media
Social media is your trusty sidekick, even on a shoestring budget. Choose platforms wisely, ones that resonate with your audience. Engage your community with realness – not just with polished posts but through behind-the-scenes glimpses and genuine interactions. Remember, it's not about the number of followers but the quality of connections you build.
dIY Graphic Design
Graphics are pivotal in the digital battleground. Don't fret about lacking a design degree; embrace accessible tools like Canva or Adobe Spark. Thanks to templates and user-friendly interfaces, even if your design skills currently lean more towards stick figures than Picasso, you can effortlessly create visuals that powerfully amplify your campaign's message. Moreover, it aids in maintaining a consistent brand tone, ensuring your message remains recognizable to all your followers—and the broader community!
master the email game
In the realm of digital campaign strategies, emails remain an unsung hero, quietly but powerfully delivering your message directly to your constituents' inboxes. Think of your email list as a treasure chest, one you're not just filling but curating strategically. While social media helps you connect, the email list is the lifeline you get to keep, even if the social media landscape changes overnight.
Consider this: if the social media platforms we rely on today vanished tomorrow, how would you maintain a direct line to your constituents? Here's where your email list steps in as a crucial asset. Unlike social media, where algorithms and trends can shift unpredictably, your email list provides stability and ownership. It's a direct communication channel that remains under your control, offering a dependable means to reach your audience, no matter the digital tides. So, as you build your email list, you're not just accumulating contacts; you're fostering a resilient community and securing your ability to connect authentically, even in the face of digital uncertainties.
host virtual town halls
With limited capacity for in-person events, take your campaign to the digital town hall. Platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live allow you to engage with voters, address concerns, and present your platform. Schedule these events strategically, providing an accessible and intimate forum for interaction.
use community-centric blogging
Blogging isn't just for the tech-savvy. Establish a simple blog on your campaign website, sharing insights, updates, and your vision for the community. It's a powerful yet cost-effective way to position yourself as a thought leader and keep constituents informed.
use tools for campaign analytics
Even with limited resources, harness the power of data. Utilize free or affordable analytics tools to track the performance of your online efforts. Understand what resonates with your audience, refine your strategy accordingly, and make informed decisions to optimize your digital campaign.
ensure you have a flexible digital strategy
Flexibility is key in the digital age. Regularly assess your digital strategy's performance, adapt to emerging trends, and refine your approach based on what resonates with your audience. Embrace a dynamic online presence that evolves with the changing landscape of digital politics.
Digital Triumph on a Limited Budget
In the digital age, success is not reserved for those with hefty budgets. With strategic planning, authenticity, and a willingness to adapt, you can maximize online platforms to propel your campaign forward. Your limited funds and capacity need not be limitations – consider them opportunities to craft a digital campaign that's not just impactful but also uniquely yours.
Onward, towards a victorious digital campaign!
TL;DR
From crafting an authentic online persona to leveraging social media, DIY graphic design, mastering the power of email, and hosting virtual town halls, this blog unravels a tactical arsenal for success. Embrace community-centric blogging, use data-driven campaign analytics, and ensure a flexible digital strategy. Success in the digital age is within reach, even with limited resources—navigate the online battlefield and propel your campaign forward with strategic planning and authenticity.— More Resources —
Unlock Your Political Potential
Empower your political journey with our curated resources designed to elevate women in municipal politics.
Guide to Building Strong Relationships with Reporters
Navigate municipal politics with finesse by strategically building relationships with the media. Your story, authenticity, and timely communication are key to impactful connections.
Navigating the Media Maze
As you embark on the exciting and challenging journey into the realm of municipal politics, it becomes increasingly crucial for you to understand the importance of forming strong and mutually beneficial alliances with the media. These alliances serve as a strategic playbook, guiding you through the intricate dance of information dissemination, ensuring that your message reaches the intended audience effectively. By building relationships with journalists, engaging in open and transparent communication, and providing them with timely and relevant insights, you can cultivate a positive and influential presence in the media landscape, amplifying your voice and enhancing your chances of success in the political arena.
So, let's dive into the art of building relationships with reporters.
1.Know Your Media Landscape
In the realm of politics, knowledge is power. Take the time to dissect the local media scene. Understand the journalists who cover political matters, their reporting styles, and the outlets they represent. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your engagements effectively, ensuring your message aligns seamlessly with their journalistic values.
2. always have a purpose
Your presence is your power. Attend local events, press conferences, and networking functions purposefully. Forge connections by introducing yourself and engaging in meaningful conversations. Be a discerning presence, allowing reporters to recognize the substance behind the politician. Establishing a prominent and purposeful presence will position you as a valuable source for insightful commentary.
3. Craft a Compelling Narrative
Every politician has a story, and yours is an invaluable asset. Share your journey, motivations, challenges, and triumphs in a way that captivates and resonates. Journalists are storytellers; empower them with the material to weave a compelling narrative around your political journey. In doing so, you shape the public discourse and solidify your presence in the media landscape.
4. establish a foundation of trust
Authenticity is a currency that holds immense value in politics. Be yourself. Reporters are astute and can discern sincerity from pretense. Let your genuine passion for public service shine through, fostering a relationship built on trust. Authenticity not only earns respect but also solidifies your standing as a politician driven by a commitment to your constituents.
5. keep them informed
Communication is the lifeblood of effective relationships. Keep reporters abreast of your activities, achievements, and upcoming events. Distribute regular updates and press releases, facilitating accurate and comprehensive coverage of your endeavors. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to transparency and ensures journalists have the information needed to report accurately.
6.timely engagement is key
In the fast-paced world of journalism, responsiveness is a virtue. Promptly address inquiries, even with a brief acknowledgment, showcasing respect for the journalists' time. Your timely responsiveness communicates a dedication to open communication and elevates your professional standing.
7. navigate critique with grace
Criticism is an inevitable facet of politics. When faced with criticism, respond with resilience and grace. Address concerns thoughtfully, using the opportunity to clarify your position and demonstrate a capacity for constructive dialogue. Handling critique with poise not only garners respect but reinforces your ability to navigate the challenges of political discourse.
8. offer exclusive opportunities
Elevate your relationship with reporters by providing exclusive access. Offer interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, or early access to significant announcements. By making journalists feel like strategic partners, you position yourself for favorable coverage and cultivate a sense of mutual collaboration.
9. build connection beyond politics
Reporters are individuals with diverse interests beyond the political spectrum. Seek common ground outside the realm of politics. Whether it's shared hobbies, a mutual appreciation for local culture, or a collective commitment to community development, building personal connections enriches your professional relationships.
As you navigate the intricate media landscape, do so with strategic intent.
Your intelligence, ambition, and capability are your greatest assets. Harness them to forge meaningful connections that amplify your message and impact.
TL;DR
In the intricate realm of municipal politics, building robust relationships with the media is crucial for success. Key steps include understanding the media landscape, purposeful engagement at events, crafting compelling narratives, and fostering authenticity. Timely communication, graceful handling of critique, and offering exclusive opportunities elevate relationships with reporters. Beyond politics, building personal connections and navigating the media landscape with strategic intent solidify a politician's standing. Ultimately, this guide empowers women to leverage their strengths, shape narratives, and make a lasting impact in the world of municipal politics.— More Resources —
Unlock Your Political Potential
Empower your political journey with our curated collection of resources designed to elevate women in municipal politics.
5 Reasons Why Teachers Make Great Politicians
Ready to level up from the classroom to the political stage? Discover why teachers make stellar politicians and how their skills can rock the world.
we need more teachers to run for office
As we approach October 5th, World Teachers' Day, it's a fitting moment to reflect on the invaluable role educators play in shaping our future. But here's something you might not have considered: teachers possess a unique skill set that extends far beyond the classroom.
In recent years, we've witnessed a powerful surge in teachers stepping out of their classrooms and into the realm of public office. These educators have demonstrated that their passion for education and their communities translates seamlessly into effective leadership on a larger scale. As we celebrate the beginning of a new school year, it's worth taking a moment to recognize why teachers make exceptional politicians, both inside and outside the classroom.
Here are 5 compelling reasons why teachers should run for office.
1.They are strong communicators
Effective communication is at the heart of both teaching and political leadership. Teachers must convey complex ideas to their students in an easily understandable way. Similarly, elected officials must communicate with constituents about legislative matters and government actions. Teachers excel in this area because they can articulate their thoughts clearly and engage with diverse audiences.
2. They Are active listeners
Listening is a fundamental skill for teachers and politicians alike. To support and serve their students or constituents, both must actively seek and consider feedback. Teachers constantly adapt their teaching methods based on students' needs, while elected officials should be open to their constituents' concerns and ideas. Teachers' strong listening skills make them responsive and empathetic leaders.
3. they have a collaborative spirit
In both education and government, collaboration is essential for success. Teachers frequently work in teams and adapt to various teaching styles to provide the best education for their students. Likewise, politicians must collaborate across party lines and work with diverse groups to enact effective policies. Teachers' experience in teamwork and their openness to learning from others makes them adept at building bridges and fostering cooperation.
4. they are lifelong learners
The commitment to continuous learning is a hallmark of great teachers and politicians. Teachers must stay updated on educational practices and trends to serve their students best in an ever-changing world. Elected officials must adapt to new challenges and be knowledgeable about current issues. Teachers' dedication to lifelong learning equips them to be informed and adaptable leaders who can address evolving community needs.
5. the job teaches them patience and empathy
Whether in a classroom or a political office, patience is a virtue that cannot be underestimated. Teachers exhibit patience in managing classroom dynamics and working with students of varying abilities. Similarly, politicians encounter diverse perspectives and must remain patient when addressing contentious issues. Furthermore, teachers and politicians share a deep sense of care and empathy for their communities, driving them to work tirelessly for the betterment of others.
As we celebrate International Teachers' Day, we're giving a high-five to all the teachers out there. If you're a teacher stoked about making a difference outside the classroom, think about running for office. Your experience as an educator equips you with the skills and values needed to be an awesome leader. Representation matters, and your voice is key in shaping the decisions that affect us all.
Your journey towards a future in politics starts now, and the future is brighter with dedicated teacher-politicians shaping it.
TL;DR
Teachers bring essential qualities to the political arena. Their adeptness in clear communication, active listening, and collaboration stems from classroom experiences. Lifelong learning, a core aspect of teaching, equips them to adapt and remain informed amidst evolving challenges. The virtue of patience, honed in classrooms, serves them well in navigating diverse opinions and contentious issues. Their innate empathy and care for communities drive a passion for creating positive change. Encouraging teachers to embrace political roles enriches representation, infusing decision-making with their valuable perspectives and ultimately benefiting society. The impact of teacher-politicians is pivotal in shaping a brighter future.— More Resources —
Everything you need to explore your run, make confident decisions, and prepare for a successful campaign — all in one digital workbook.
Running for municipal office is exciting, meaningful, and yes — a little intimidating. That’s why I created this workbook: to help you explore the possibility, ask the right questions, and get organized before making any big commitments.
The 2026 edition is fully updated, with clearer guidance, new resources, and a brand-new chapter on protecting your peace — because running for office is serious work, and you deserve to feel good doing it.
What’s Inside:
Updated Guidance: Refreshed examples, links, and resources relevant to 2026.
New Chapter: Protecting your peace, including a worksheet to help you set healthy boundaries.
Bonus Audio: A reworked workshop in audio format, perfect for listening on the go.
Clear Explanations: Simplified, step-by-step guidance to take the guesswork out of early campaign decisions.
Practical Worksheets: Define your mission, map your community, and build your campaign team.
Why This Workbook Works:
Helps you make a confident decision to run
Breaks down complex campaign steps into simple, actionable exercises
Created by Amanda Kingsley Malo — educator, campaign veteran, and your personal guide through local politics
Format:
30+-page PDF
Instant download
Works on computer, tablet, or phone
"Exploring Your Run" Is Out Now
Learn how to run for office with our new workbook.
Explore Your Run
It’s time to figure out whether or not you’re ready to run for office.
time for a little bit of homework.
If you’ve been following PoliticsNOW for a little while, you know how hard we’ve been working on this product. After three months of writing, revising and testing, it’s finally here —
Everything you need to explore your run, make confident decisions, and prepare for a successful campaign — all in one digital workbook.
Running for municipal office is exciting, meaningful, and yes — a little intimidating. That’s why I created this workbook: to help you explore the possibility, ask the right questions, and get organized before making any big commitments.
The 2026 edition is fully updated, with clearer guidance, new resources, and a brand-new chapter on protecting your peace — because running for office is serious work, and you deserve to feel good doing it.
What’s Inside:
Updated Guidance: Refreshed examples, links, and resources relevant to 2026.
New Chapter: Protecting your peace, including a worksheet to help you set healthy boundaries.
Bonus Audio: A reworked workshop in audio format, perfect for listening on the go.
Clear Explanations: Simplified, step-by-step guidance to take the guesswork out of early campaign decisions.
Practical Worksheets: Define your mission, map your community, and build your campaign team.
Why This Workbook Works:
Helps you make a confident decision to run
Breaks down complex campaign steps into simple, actionable exercises
Created by Amanda Kingsley Malo — educator, campaign veteran, and your personal guide through local politics
Format:
30+-page PDF
Instant download
Works on computer, tablet, or phone
Explore Your Run With Us
The first module of our planned How To Run For Municipal Council workbook series is called Exploring Your Run, and it’s all about helping set you up for success before you officially make the decision to run for office.
The workbook was written by our founder, Amanda Kingsley Malo who took every single thing that she learned about preparing a candidate and a campaign and infused it with her over a decade of experience working in education — which means that you’re not only getting the step by step of preparing for a run for office, but you’re also getting original, complete and engaging resources that are going to help set you up for success.
What you will get in this resource:
30 pages of content that give you the step by step on how to explore a run for municipal council.
an overview of how to discover your mission and vision for your campaign, how to better understand the community that you want to represent, how to go after leadership roles and expand your knowledge, an outline of how to get to know more about politics and policy, understanding the rules of running for municipal office and an overview of the campaign team that you’ll have to assemble.
10+ worksheets to guide you through the process.
links to inspiring videos, lessons and articles that help guide further learning.
our very best resources that we adapted for this workbook (including some great new ones— like a win vote number calculator and a news resource list).
a special bonus gift as a “congratulations on doing the work!” — our way of wishing you luck for the next chapter of your journey.
Amanda couldn’t find anything else like this out there — so she made it.
She the product that she knew she would need to help support her if she ever decided to run for office. And she backed all of that up with tons of research, all of the experience she has from nearly a decade of running political campaigns, and all of my knowledge about learning styles, resources and creating engaging materials from her 12 years as a teacher.
This workbook is for you if you’ve ever dreamed of running for office but:
didn’t know where to start.
weren’t sure if you were ready.
felt like you needed to do some introspective to make sure that this is the next step.
We’ve been stuck there. We get it.
And we want to help you break through that uncertainty.
We want you to be confident when you declare your candidacy.
We want you to be ready to run and win.
How To Expand Your Qualifications
The first question you have to ask yourself before you run for office is this: does your community see you as a leader? We’ve got some ideas on how to help you expand. your qualifications before you run for office.
Expand Your Qualifications
So that you can be ready when you run for office.
Okay, so you’ve done your homework and now you’re ready to start preparing to run for Office.
Obviously, at this point, you’ve double-checked when you can declare your candidacy. Is it in a couple of weeks? A couple of months? A couple of years? Perfect. That means that you’ve got some time to get your ducks in a row before you make your big splash and announce your run. But there are some things that you can get started on now that will help you get started.
Start by Beefing up your leadership skills
Name recognition is very important in elections, particularly municipal elections. Ask yourself: are you considered a leader in your community? Does your community know you? If they don’t, that’s okay! There are things that you can do that will help you establish community recognition. If you haven’t already, check out the ideas that we wrote in our guide: Things You Can Do Right Now If You’re Thinking Of Running For Office. There, you’ll find 22 ideas that can help get you started, as well as some community ideas that will help you make connections.
Here are some other ideas:
Join a local board of directors.
Join a local committee.
Join your community action network.
Join an advisory panel.
Apply for a legislative appointment.
Volunteering for a local charity or cause that you care about.
Organize a local fundraiser or charity event.
Join your child’s school council.
Join your local church.
Getting governance experience is a really good beginning to help you build community connections, get used to how meetings function, and learn a little bit more about governance before diving into the municipal council.
But this is also a really great opportunity to get to know your community and for your community to get to know you. While you’re out and about in your neighbourhood, take the chance to listen to people and ask them what their concerns are. See how those align with your values and your plans. This is the time to help you get prepared and network to support your candidacy. Take full advantage of the opportunity!
Need a resource to help?
We created a resource especially to help inspire your next adventure in volunteering to help you level up your qualifications before you run for office, and it’s absolutely free.
You’ve decided that you’re going to make a run for it, and you’re feeling inspired … but what next? Here is a handy list of 22 things that you can do right now to help you reach your goal — even if the election is years away.
Use this list to help inspire you or to point you in the right direction.