Frequently Asked Questions

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 this workshop be appropriate for me?

Answer: Absolutely. The Veterans Campaign workshop is 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: 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 applied to the IRS for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, and expect to be approved shortly.

Question: Am I eligible to participate in workshops?

Answer: Currently, the Veterans Campaign welcomes all veterans of the uniformed services who are interested in running for public office. The uniformed services include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the future, we plan to offer our training workshops to any individual who is interested in helping veterans run for office.

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.

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: 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: Is Veterans Campaign a part of Princeton University?

Answer: No. Although Veterans Campaign was founded by members of the Princeton University community, it is a separate organization.