CLARKSVILLE, TN – If you’ve ever considered running for public office, you now have an opportunity to learn about the process and whether it’s right for you.
The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a course from the Political Development Institute that will help leaders decide if they want to take the step into politics, and get prepared for a campaign.
The program is designed to identify future leaders and give them an intense look at the community, its strengths and weaknesses, according to a news release.
As an example, here’s some important information a candidate should have to run a campaign:
- Run for the right reason.
- Get to know what is involved in running a successful campaign.
- Do research to obtain factual information on the office you seek.
- Get a good working knowledge of local government.
- Attend legislative sessions and committee meetings of office sought.
- Get to know where your opponent stands on important issues
- Get in front of voters as much as you can.
- Know the financial cost of running up front and be prepared to tap into financial resources outside of your own personal funds.
- Prepare yourself, your family and your friends regarding negative, hurtful comments said about you.
- Be prepared for the loss of virtually all of your privacy and personal time.
- Expect some voters to ask for political favors in return for their vote.
- Know that you can make a difference, although that difference may seem small and long in coming.
Each person in the Institute makes an extensive time commitment, the release said. Attendance is mandatory for the three-month program that begins in September. One monthly meeting that averages 1-2 hours each on the second Wednesday of the month at the Chamber office, 3rd Floor 4:30 p.m.
- Sept. 8
- Oct. 6
- Nov. 10
Participants receive a diploma at the end of the course.
To fill out an application, go to the Chamber’s Political Development Institute application site.