Joy Diaz and Mayor Parker with huge smiles
About the LBJ Women's Campaign School
We are a nonpartisan program that supports women in politics by training and empowering change-makers to lead in the political arena.
We provide practical skills and high-level insights to build confidence in those interested in running for office, managing a campaign or supporting women candidates at all levels. We work to ensure all voices are heard, which unlocks the best public policy solutions and strengthens our democracy. Through training, mentorship, and networking, we encourage collaboration across differences, and provide the political "know-how" to change the world.
Our program offers:
| Seven months of comprehensive campaign training, covering over 20 essential campaign topics | ||||
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| Guidance on crafting your stump speech to share your story with voters, or learn how to speak effectively on behalf of a candidate | ||||
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| A step-by-step process for calculating the number of votes needed to win — and understanding why it's crucial | ||||
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| One hour of personalized, 2-on-2 media training to sharpen your on-camera presence | ||||
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| Hands-on experience building a campaign plan as part of a team, culminating in our competitive campaign plan challenge | ||||
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| Six one-hour mentorship sessions with seasoned political professionals | ||||
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| Flash mentorship opportunities as needed | ||||
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| A lifelong network of peers and mentors for continuous support |
Structured curriculum from a top public policy school
The LBJWCS hybrid curriculum combines in-person and virtual campaign training taught by the nation's top political experts. Our goal is for each participant to leave the training with the concrete skills to launch a campaign from scratch, the confidence to enter the political arena when the opportunity arises, and the strategy and expertise to win.
The curriculum covers 20 critical campaign topics, including:
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Over 100 guest speakers have spoken to our change-makers. Past speakers include:
Mentorship: tailored support for each change-maker
The LBJWCS Mentorship Program matches individual participants with one of our 112 mentors for a six-month mentorship. Our handpicked mentors ensure that every participant has the personalized tools and connections they need to take the next step in their political careers, eliminating barriers that keep women from leading their democracy.
Half of our mentors are elected officials, the other half are political operatives or former candidates.
Network building and alumni 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.
In-person training session in Austin
May 21-May 23, 2025
Five virtual training sessions, 9 a.m.—11:30 a.m. CT
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
Virtual networking workshops, 6:30 p.m.—8 p.m. CT
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
Virtual campaign plan competition
Block off time (evenings and the weekend) between Oct. 6 through Oct. 18 to complete the competition.
Oct. 6, 2025: 6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. CT
Oct. 18, 2025: 9 a.m.—12 p.m. CT
Virtual closing ceremony and family training, 10 a.m.—12 p.m. CT
Nov. 15, 2025