About the LBJ Women's Campaign School

A student addressing the room at an event at the LBJ Library
About the LBJ Women's Campaign School

The purpose of the LBJ Women's Campaign School is to increase the number of women in elected office and campaign senior staff positions — regardless of political affiliation — through a structured curriculum, high-impact mentorship, and alumnae support.

Why women?

The 2020 election was historic as record numbers of women, women of color and LGBTQ+ women ran and won races for elected office. However, progress has been incremental and women are still underrepresented at every level of elected office.

Graphic about women in office after the 2020 election: 18% of governors, 30% of state legislators, 27% of Congress, 30% of statewide elective office

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted women, especially women of color, differently abled women and LGBTQ+ women. This is why, as we work to rebuild our communities, it is critical that women be represented in all levels of government.

Philanthropist Melinda Gates has said that when we lift up women, we lift up humanity. But there is still so much work to be done to lift up women in the United States.

 

Structured Curriculum from a Top 10 public policy school

The heart of the experience combines three days of in-person training with six months of live online course work. Topics include storytelling as a basis for a campaign, paid media, working with the press, campaign cyber security, fundraising, budgeting, and data and field organizing. Below are a few of our over 50 speakers:

Lauren Underwood; Rebeca Martinez; William McRaven; Janelle King; Kevin Sullivan

 

Six sessions of high-impact mentorship

Studies show an 88% productivity increase for those who receive mentorship, compared to a 24% increase from training alone. We have recruited 85 mentors — and over half are elected officials or former elected officials. Below are a few of our mentors:

Mara Candelaria Reardon; Dasheika Ruffin; Cristal Retana; Karen Harris; Linda Koop

 

Network building and alumnae support

We are building a network of women in politics that will last a lifetime. Through thoughtful in-person and digital networking activities, we are creating a network that embodies the principle of #womenhelpingwomen.

Important Dates

If admitted, you will be required to participate in full. Please mark your calendar for these important dates:

In-person training session in Austin

  • May 11–13, 2023

Five virtual training sessions, 9 a.m.—11:30 a.m. CT

  • Saturday, June 3, 2023
  • Saturday, June 24, 2023
  • Saturday, July 15, 2023
  • Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023
  • Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023

Virtual Networking Workshops, 6:30 p.m.—8 p.m. CT

  • Tuesday, June 13, 2023
  • Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023

Virtual Campaign Plan Competition

Block off time on your schedule (evenings and the weekend) between October 10th through October 21st in order to complete the competition. 

  • Oct. 10, 2023: 6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. CT
  • Oct. 21, 2023: 9 a.m.—12 p.m. CT

Virtual Closing Ceremony and Family Training, 10 a.m.—12 p.m.

  • Nov. 18, 2023