Alaska Women Ascend

is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that provides comprehensive training for progressive women from diverse communities to win public office.

Training FAQs

Alaska Women Ascend offers an eight-month "Get Elected" training program designed for progressive women of all ages who are interested in learning more about running for public office, managing a campaign, or being a campaign treasurer. 

Who is eligible? 

Progressive Alaska Women* (Registered Democrat, Nonpartisan, or Undeclared). We train women who are pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ rights, pro-union, anti-racist and pro-racial justice. *We accept those who identify as a woman and/or are gender-expansive (e.g., two-spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid, etc.) regardless of sex assigned at birth. While this program is open to gender-expansive people AWA, is learning, and we recognize that this program contains language primarily focused on electing Alaska women.

When is the program? 

Trainings are held annually, one Saturday per month from September through April. The trainings last approximately four hours and there is some optional homework.

Where is the program? 

Trainings are held online. 

Who are the trainers? 

Program trainers are Alaska leaders, including current and former elected officials, candidates, managers, and campaign professionals, who are volunteering their time to prepare progressive women to win public office.

What will you learn?

  • Session One - Introduction to Alaska Women Ascend & Values Overview – The Difference Women Make

  • Session Two - Making the Decision to Run, Nailing Your Public Presentation

  • Session Three - Introduction to a Campaign Plan

  • Session Four - Building a Campaign Team

  • Session Five - Fundraising Fun – Raising Money and Complying with Fundraising Rules

  • Session Six - Know the Issues and Feel Comfortable Talking About Them; Responding and Framing Issues

  • Session Seven - Dealing with Reporters, the Media and Social Media

  • Session Eight - Inspired to Run & Graduation

What is the cost? 

The total fee is $200 for the entire training. Scholarships arer available upon request.