What are the requirements to be a WE PAC future candidate?
Do you have to be a Democrat or a Republican?
Do you endorse candidates or give to campaigns?
How often do classes start, how long do they last and what can I do to start or refer someone to WE PAC?
Are the women who enter the program required to run for office at any particular time?
How is WE PAC different than organizations such as Eleanor’s Legacy and Emily’s List?
How much does it cost to be a WE PAC future candidate?
What are the requirements to be a WE PAC future candidate?
A:
We are seeking women from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience who believe that they can make real and positive change in their own communities, whether on the local, state or national level. WE future candidates have an issue or an area that they are currently championing in their own community and that experience has shown them that their passion, commitment and voice can be used to make life better for themselves and their family, friends and neighbors.
The only requirement we have is that each future candidate be committed to the reproductive rights choices that women now have under U.S. law.
Do you have to be a Democrat or a Republican?
A:
No, WE PAC is a non-partisan organization; we will work with women in any political party, or those that have chosen not to affiliate with a party.
Do you endorse candidates or give to campaigns?
A:
Our work is leadership development, before a women decides to run for office. Individual members of WE PAC are encouraged, as individuals, to volunteer or work on the campaigns of their own choosing so that they can learn more about political campaigns and gain valuable experience. WE PAC does endorse from the pool of candidates that have completed the WE PAC training, and other established female candidates that the Board may choose to endorse.
How often do classes start, how long do they last and what can I do to start or refer someone to WE PAC?
A:
Classes start in January and September and last for six months, meeting 2-3 times a month. If you, or someone you know, is interested in the WE PAC program please email info@WE PAC.org and we will set up a time to meet and talk about the WE program.
Are the women who enter the program required to run for office at any particular time?
A:
The WE program is specifically designed so that a woman can evaluate what office she is best suited for and what time is the best for her, her family and supporters, to begin that campaign. Most women will choose to run for office 6 months – 2 years after they complete the program.
Additionally, the women that attend the WE program are not required to run for office – though we strongly encourage that they do. We understand that some women that start the WE program may decide after further exploration and consideration that public service is not right for them. Or they may choose to further their career in another field, such as the corporate or non-profit world before pursuing public office.
The WE program is about leadership development at all levels and we respect that the women that enter the program will find a unique path that will help them create real and positive change in their communities in many different ways.
How is WE PAC different than organizations such as Eleanor’s Legacy and Emily’s List?
A:
WE PAC is designed to help women who are not sure about the path to public service and want to prepare themselves before entering a campaign school or seeking funding from the many great organizations that help support the campaigns of women. We hope to help strengthen the women that these organizations can help get elected to public office.
How much does it cost to be a WE PAC future candidate?
A:
It is extremely important that no women be denied the opportunity to serve her community in public service due to financial constraints, so the WE PAC program tuition is an affordable at only $150.
As an important part of the WE PAC program we ask each candidate to hold their first fundraiser, with the proceeds benefiting WE PAC, during their time in the program. We will provide guidance to each candidate as they plan their fundraiser and the list they create of guests will remain with the candidate for future fundraising efforts when running for office.
One of the most important aspects of the WE program is to help women build networks of financial and volunteer support from their own friends, family and neighbors. We believe that candidates can grow an effective campaign even with small donations from those who believe strongly in the candidacy and message.