PAR’s Campaign School Launching Next Week

Have you considered a run for elected office? Are you interested in assisting with an upcoming political campaign?

Sure, you’re busy and adding another thing to your plate may seem overwhelming. But PAR is again offering a campaign school, with five, hour-long virtual sessions over the next month, beginning July 27 through Aug. 26. The sessions will begin at 10 a.m.. This program includes courses covering fundraising, grassroots, communications, digital strategy and more. The first session will guide you through the decision-making process of whether or not to run for office and a step-by-step process to get onto the ballot. The registration deadline for the first course is tomorrow. 

Candyce Chimera, a member of the Tri-County Suburban Realtors®, successfully ran for a seat on the board of supervisors in Montgomery County after attending the campaign school last summer. Though Chimera had previously held elected positions in the area, she said this was the first one she was comfortable with fundraising, thanks to the campaign school.

“The campaign school was helpful in learning to put yourself out there. I hadn’t known that my local association would financially support a candidate. I put myself out there and they supported me, which really helped. The campaign school helped me learn how to reach more people,” she said. “Fundraising is very important so you can run the campaign you want to run.”

Chimera said learning to plan and writing everything down was also a game-changer for her campaign. “Put it on paper or it won’t happen,” she said.

“I’d tell Realtors® to definitely sign up for the campaign school if they have any interest in running for office or helping with a campaign. It is only a few classes and worth every minute, especially hearing others’ points of view. We hear the spiels from the local Democrats and the local Republicans. The campaign school was more about how to market yourself and not get yourself caught in anyone’s political goals. You were able make yourself a successful Realtor ® in your community, now run for office,” she added.

Finally, Chimera stressed the importance of not getting wrapped up in the politics of it all. “The campaign is not the be-all end-all. You still have to live here and work here. You don’t want to jeopardize your career as a Realtor®. Be yourself and be kind.”

The campaign school is open to all Pennsylvania Realtors® for free.