We believe in the power of women to make a more perfect democracy.
And we believe our democracy works when women are in all the halls of power--from the drain commission to the school board to the township supervisor to the county chair and all the way up!
We have created a Women Lead resource page here where we will share videos, government and university informational resources, and other useful tools for equipping women who are interested in running for political office or who want to support other women in their run.
Women Lead: Lunch & Learn series with Dr. Melissa Shaffer-O'Connell. (2/26/2021)
Political Scientist and Professor, Dr. Melissa Shaffer-O'Connell
In our first Women Lead: Lunch and Learn video series, we're joined with Dr. Melissa Shaffer-O'Connell, Political Science professor at Lake Superior State University. In this video, Dr. Shaffer-O'Connell breaks down what the research has reported how voters, the media, and other candidates view female candidates. Moreover, her presentation addresses the additional challenges women face running a campaign and serving in elected office, personal and professional roles that men do not always have to balance or are expected to balance (perfectly).
Check out the recorded presentation here on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel so that others can easily find this information.
Mayor Jenna Smith, Mayor of Marquette, MI (3/12/2021)
Mayor of Marquette, Jenna Smith
In case you missed it, our second Women Lead: Lunch & Learn event was with Marquette, MI Mayor Jenna Smith. The Mayor shared how she came to politics, how she navigates her role as city leader with her professional and personal responsibiites, and how she stays focused on her constituents and their needs. Watch our interview with her here.
Executive Director for Center for Change (C4C) and Former Candidate for Michigan's 107th House District, Joanne Galloway
At our third Women Lead: Lunch & Learn we spoke with Joanne Galloway, former resident and Pickford farmer and candidate for Michigan's 107th House District. Joanne shared her insider's experience of what it was like for her to fundraise, to earn endorsements, and to traverse Michigan while campaigning. Joanne also share what it's like to observe Lansing and how she has changed as a person because of her involvement in politics. Check out our conversation with Joanne here.
MI House Representative Sara Cambensy (109th district)
Last Women Lead: Lunch & Learn event, we spoke with MI House Representative Sara Cambensy (109th district).A former Marquette City commissioner and Planning Board member, Representative Cambensy brings to this interview a wealth of experience about what it's like to serve as a woman in rural U.P. She shares advice about being successful and how to build power. Check out the conversation with Representative Cambensy here on our YouTube channel.
Resources for Running for Office
Checking the Michigan Secretary of State website has nearly all the administrative resources candidates need for running their political campaign. A few of these documents and instructions are below. Click the link below to find the form and to read about the requirements. For candidates seeking local offices--city, county, school board--reach out to the local office that facilitates that elections:
City Commission = Talk with City Clerk
Township Board = Talk with Township Clerk
County Commission = Talk with County Clerk
School Board = Talk with City/Township Clerk (depending on the district lines)
And for state and federal offices, contect with the Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections. Email: elections [at] michigan.gov and Phone #: 517-373-2540
Filing for political office (list of links to some offices in Michigan)
Affidavit of Identity and Receipt of Filing
Circulating and Canvassing Countywide Petition Forms, Nominating and Qualifying Petitions
Preparing, Circulating, and Filing Petitions for Public Office (Regularly Scheduled Elections)
Campaign Finance (Funding your campaign & keeping track of funds)
The Secretary of State website lists links for e-filing, mauals for getting the campaign started, filing guidelines, and more. Below are just a few resources local candidates will need for their campaign. It is recommended all candidates and their team talk with local clerk that oversees the election and to review the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Webinars on Campaign Finance Reporting
Online Candidate Committee Training
MERTS Video Library (to learn how to use and upload campaign reports)
Statement of Organization Form for local candidate committees filed with a county clerk
Instructions and Forms for Candidate Committees
Independent/Political (PAC) Committee Forms and Instructions
Learn to Lead: In Michigan Legislature or in the Political Campaign
For new leaders and experienced leaders, the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research College of Social Science, part of Michigan State University, has a variety of programs to teach about the state legislative process, policy, and running a political campaign. Additional, MSU has other programs that teach digital marketing, local government planning, and more. Many of these programs are online.
Michigan Legislative Leadership Program (LLP)
