Political Leadership Program

Dates: Spring - Summer 2024

Time: 3-day in-person workshop (Friday-Sunday) with about 1-2 hours of required pre-work

Location:

TBD

Registration Deadline: TBD

Representation matters.

We need leaders like you at decision-making tables whose perspectives and voices reflect the lived experiences of their constituents. It is all too common that our communities are represented by individuals who don’t understand the strengths, challenges, or need of marginalized peoples across the country.

For years, LEE has helped hundreds of people like yourself – sometimes filled with many doubts or facing significant barriers – envision themselves creating positive impact in elected office. Through this program, we seek to leverage our collective voices and leadership to ensure that our communities are represented, championed, and honored.

Let’s create a more reflective democracy and, together, end inequity in our country.

People of Color Cohorts

Many of the cohorts we offer for this program are specifically for our members of color. In these identity-specific spaces, we do all the same things with extra emphasis on what it means to be a leader of color and how to navigate that. You’ll do this in an intentional and safe space with other members of similar backgrounds and identities.

Workshop Outcomes

The Political Leadership Program brings together LEE members who are committed to pursuing elected office to build their skills and confidence through a immersive learning and networking opportunity.Over the course of this three-day program, you will find the support and knowledge you need to make your future as an elected leader a reality in the next one to three years. You will:
- Find the confidence and conviction to start taking the next steps toward actualizing your potential impact as elected leaders.
- Learn the fundamentals necessary to run a successful campaign for elected office.
- Develop strategies to overcome the systemic and psychological barriers that have historically discouraged members of color from engaging in the political process.
- Build relationships with LEE members of color with different backgrounds and experiences who are interested in serving in their communities
- Deepen your commitment to running and serving in elected leadership and supporting others in that pursuit
- Gain confidence in your ability to run for and serve in elected office
- Build knowledge and develop skills that are critical for candidates, including messaging and fundraising

Who Should Join

All LEE members who are interested in pursuing elected leadership in the next one to three years are encouraged to apply to our program.

Workshop Details

Dates: Spring - Summer 2024

Time: 3-day in-person workshop (Friday-Sunday) with about 1-2 hours of required pre-work

Location:

TBD

Registration Deadline: TBD

Hear from Past Participants

Facilitators

Rizwaan Akhtar is the Senior Director of Learning, Development, & Inclusion at Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) where he designs learning experiences that support leaders to engage politically and build more just and liberatory systems. Based in Chicago, Rizwaan is a Board Member of the Chicago Community Bond Fund and a former Local School Council member of Reilly Elementary School in Avondale.