Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When is your next workshop? How do I come to one?

Standby! We have not set a date for our next workshop--in the busy lead-up to the 2010 elections, our instructors have busy and changing calendars. Once a date is settled, an announcement will be made on our website, social networking platforms, and to our mailing list.

Due to the volume of interest in attending, after we announce the workshop date we will select participants from applications submitted on our Enroll page. Until then, join our mailing list by emailing apply@veteranscampaign.org and check us out on Facebook, Twitter,
and LinkedIn!

Question: I’ve thought about running for office, but I haven’t made any firm decisions yet. Besides, I have never worked on a campaign before. Will your workshops be appropriate for me?

Answer: Absolutely. Veterans Campaign workshops are designed to train veterans of all experience levels. The seminar will cover everything from campaign organization to fundraising and public speaking.

Question: I’m planning to run for office in the near future. I’ve heard of other campaign training programs. What makes Veterans Campaign different from these other workshops?

Answer: Veterans Campaign is designed to complement other training programs, not compete with them. Veterans Campaign is the only program specifically designed to train military veterans to successfully run for office. Additionally, Veterans Campaign is non-partisan. At partisan seminars, participants often don’t ask certain questions because they worry about seeming unprepared and/or losing party support. Veterans Campaign is different. It is both nonpartisan and designed to help people at multiple experience levels. Participants can feel free to ask questions and to discuss concerns that they might not discuss at other programs. Furthermore, Veterans Campaign's diverse and unique mix of instructors tailor their instruction specifically to veteran candidates, especially communicating your characteristics as a veterans to your constituents.

Question: Will the workshops focus more on federal, state, or local elections?

Answer: The workshop will feature speakers from all levels of government, and will focus on elements common to all elections. Our instructors come from a variety of levels of government, political backgrounds, and geographical areas.

Question: I am a veteran running for office. Can Veterans Campaign help out with my race?

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, we are best thought of as an educational organization: we teach veterans about campaigns. While we do not manage any individual campaigns, we would like to make available the full extent of our educational resources to best help veteran candidates. Please consider attending a workshop, getting in touch with our our staff and instructors, and engaging with our online training material. Additionally, our social networking platforms on Facebook and LinkedIn provide a forum to network and discuss with like-minded veterans.

Question: Can I volunteer to help Veterans Campaign?

Answer: Absolutely. Whatever your skills and availability, you can help. Please visit our Get Involved page for contact information, and to spread the word about Veterans Campaign.

Question: How can I donate to Veterans Campaign?

Answer: Please visit the Get Involved page for donation information. We would not be able to provide training at no cost to veterans without outside donations. Please contact donate@veteranscampaign.org with any questions.

Question: Is Veterans Campaign ideological?

Answer: No, Veterans Campaign trains veterans of all political stripes to transition into political life. Our speakers and trainers come from across the political spectrum and act in a nonpartisan capacity.

Question: Does Veterans Campaign engage in lobbying of any kind?

Answer: No, Veterans Campaign exists solely for educational and civic participation purposes.

Question: Is Veterans Campaign a non-profit organization?

Answer: Yes. We have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, so any donations you make are tax-deductable.

Question: Will I need to prove my veteran status before attending the workshop?

Answer: While the purpose of the workshop is to train veterans specifically, we will not ask for any proof of veteran status.

Question: I’m still on active duty. Can I attend Veterans Campaign’s workshop?

Answer: Yes, active duty status does not preclude you from attending the workshop. For more information on political involvement by active duty service members, please consult the following Department of Defense Directive.