The Boulder County Democratic Party provides many types of support for Democratic candidates in all phases of the election process- from individuals considering whether to become a first time candidate to experienced campaigners who need some extra people power. In order to ensure fair, unbiased and equal treatment all Democratic candidates, Boulder County Dems follows candidate assistance guidelines as described by the
BCDP Candidate Assistance Policy. This policy is particularly important in contested races between more than one Democrat.
BCDP's Candidate College:
Boulder County Dems organizes a series of workshops to encourage and inform candidates, potential candidates and campaign staffers. Attendees can expect to learn about the steps to becoming a successful candidate for
office. The Fall 2011 Candidate College has concluded, but you may contact the organizer
here for more information. We expect to hold another series of Candidate College workshops in the spring of 2012. Sample materials from the course are listed below:
General Info on Running For Office:
Is Running for Office Right for You?
BCDP's Upcoming Election Voting Info page
Upcoming Election Calendar
Boulder County Clerk's Info on Qualifications & Ballot Access for County Candidates
CO Secretary of State Info on Qualifications for State and Federal Candidates
Sample Campaign Schedule
List of Campaign Staff Positions & Job Descriptions
Basic Qualifications for Office (residence, age, etc.)
Signature Requirements for Major Party Candidate Petitions
Daily Kos: GOP's Strategy for Winning Elections
Article: Things to Consider Before Running for Office
Article: Getting Ready to Run for Office- 8 Steps
EMILY's LIST: Thinking about Running for Office- Women's Guide
Communications Workshop:
Workshop agenda
Message Box Strategy
Fundraising & Finances Workshop:
Fundraising 101 presentation
Candidate Campaign Finance Filing Checklist
Colorado Campaign and Political Finance Manual (FULL)
Colorado Campaign Contribution Limits (QUICK REFERENCE)
ActBlue: online fundraising tool for Democratic candidates/groups
Caucus Workshop: (coming soon!)
Caucus Quick Reference by CO Dept. of State
Other Organizations that Help Nurture and Inform Candidates:
EMILY's List: info for women candidates & training opportunities
Progressive Majority: info on trainings, candidate manuals, links to other candidate assistance groups
Democracy For America: website with info on trainings and resources
Candidate Project: affiliate of DFA, trainings and resources to focus on cultivating candidates for local elections
Center for Progressive Leadership: training institute for leaders to advance progressive political and policy change
Local Victory: articles and tips on how to win elections
White House Project: non-partisan group that promotes nad trains women leaders
Democracia USA: increases participation of Hispanics in all aspects of the Democratic process (Colorado chapter)
APIA Vote: nonpartisan organization to mobilize Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders in electoral and civic participation
Emerge America: campaign training for Democratic women
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund: works to train and elect LGBT leaders to change politics
Young Elected Officials Network: leadership and olicy training for young progressives
21st Century Democrats: provides training for all levels: field organizers, campaign staff, progressive candidates
Wellstone Action: trainings for candidates in the progressive movement
International Women's Democracy Center: strengthens women's global leadership through training & networking
Democratic Women of Boulder County: resource includes list of workshops and advice from local leaders