Meet the Team Behind: Running Start

Running Start is a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for political office. By getting women involved in politics at a young age, Running Start is building the leaders of the future and increasing representation in government. Learn more about their work here!

Can you tell me about your programs? 

In our programs, young women develop the skills they need to run for office and win. Elect Her is a one-day workshop to learn how to run for student government and political offices. Our Congressional Fellowship is an all expenses paid trip to Washington, DC for intensive leadership training. We also have a summer training where high school students can participate in a campaign simulation, learning from high-level political mentors along the way. Our alums can take the next step in their political journeys with supportive cohorts and mentorship. 

What makes your approach different? 

Our work focuses on confidence, capabilities, and connections. We seek to increase the confidence of our participants while acknowledging the serious systemic barriers to political parity. Nothing beats the power of hands-on learning and real world practice to build capabilities. We provide a supportive environment where young women are seen, heard, and able to be their authentic selves. We do things collaboratively and prioritize opportunities for shared leadership. Our participants discover that leadership skills can be learned, practice campaign skills taught by experts, participate in simulations, and meet new people and mentors who have similar interests and goals. 

Who are your participants?

Young women, aged 13-25, have what it takes to lead now, and investing in their political engagement early is key to a representative future. Research shows that political confidence generally decreases for young women in high school and college. We believe, and research shows, that the best debates and decisions happen when governments are representative, which is why all of our programs include people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, nationalities, income levels, religions, abilities, and more. 

What have your alums accomplished? 

Our alums have proven that young women can be involved in politics while still being their authentic selves. Lauren Underwood is the youngest elected Black woman in the country, and Shannon Kang is the youngest ever elected official in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our participants have gone on to run for office, become Running Start ambassadors, lead high school and university level student governments, and more.