League of Our Own Washington

League of Our Own Washington League of Our Own WA is dedicated to train and recruit talented women to run for office.

Clear communication is one of the most important skills candidates and community leaders develop along their leadership ...
06/27/2026

Clear communication is one of the most important skills candidates and community leaders develop along their leadership journey.

Whether you’re speaking at a city council meeting, presenting to a community group, or sharing your vision with voters, clear and confident communication helps people understand who you are and what you stand for.

The good news is that strong communication skills are not something you have to be born with. They can be developed with practice and experience.

Here are a few tips that many candidates find helpful as they begin speaking in front of groups.

1. Start with your “why.”
People connect with stories and purpose. When you speak about why you care about your community or what motivates you to serve, it helps listeners understand the heart behind your campaign.

2. Focus on clarity, not perfection.
You don’t need a perfectly memorized speech. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas clearly and authentically so people can easily follow your message.

3. Practice active listening.
Great communicators aren’t just strong speakers, they’re also strong listeners. Taking time to hear questions, feedback, and concerns helps build trust and meaningful connections.

4. Practice regularly.
Like any skill, communication improves with repetition. Leaders build confidence with lots of practice.

Strong communication is one of the key capabilities of effective candidates and leaders because it allows them to share ideas, build relationships, and inspire others to get involved in their communities.

At League of Our Own Washington, we help women develop these communication skills through mentorship, training, and coaching opportunities, so they can step forward and share their voices with confidence.

Because leadership often begins with the courage to speak up.

Debates, forums, and candidate interviews can feel intimidating but preparation can make all the difference.In League of...
06/24/2026

Debates, forums, and candidate interviews can feel intimidating but preparation can make all the difference.

In League of Our Own Washington’s candidate communications seminar, Janelle Guthrie shared practical debate prep tips to help candidates lead with more confidence, clarity, and control.

Here are few key takeaways from Janelle:
You have more control than you think.
Preparation reduces fear. When you understand the format, know your message, and practice ahead of time, you are less likely to feel thrown off in the moment.

Know your message.
The best candidates do not reinvent their answers every time. They know what they stand for, what voters care about, and how to communicate those priorities clearly.

Repetition is not a bad thing.
If there are 2–3 key points you want voters to remember, say them more than once. Strong communicators repeat their message with purpose so it actually sticks.

Know your audience.
Before any debate, forum, or interview, review the organization’s website, look at past endorsements, watch previous events, and learn what issues matter most to that audience.

Practice matters.
The more you know your issues, discuss your issues, and practice your responses, the more natural and confident you will become.

Bring your key messages with you.
Keeping a few notes nearby with your main talking points, priority topics, and voter-focused messages is not cheating, it’s preparation.

And finally, learn to bridge.
Answer the question being asked, then bridge back to the message voters need to hear. The strongest communicators stay focused on their core message while still responding clearly and respectfully.

Debate prep is not about memorizing perfect answers. It is about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how to communicate with confidence when it matters most.

Future leaders don’t always start by thinking of themselves as candidates.Many begin as community members who care deepl...
06/23/2026

Future leaders don’t always start by thinking of themselves as candidates.

Many begin as community members who care deeply about the places they live: people who volunteer, serve on local boards, support their schools, or advocate for issues that matter to their neighbors.

At League of Our Own Washington, identifying future leaders starts with recognizing those community-minded individuals who demonstrate a commitment to service and a willingness to step forward when they are needed.

Often, these women are first encouraged by someone else who sees their potential. Within the League community, these individuals are known as Scouts—people who help identify and recruit women who would make strong candidates for public office.

Scouts play an important role by encouraging women to consider leadership opportunities they may not have previously imagined for themselves. Sometimes, it’s a simple conversation, a recommendation to attend a training event, or an introduction to League’s programs.

Once identified, these women are encouraged to join League as Prospects, where they can begin exploring public service and preparing for potential leadership opportunities in the future.

From there, League provides mentorship, training, and resources to help Prospects build the skills and confidence needed to step into leadership when the time is right.

Because leadership potential exists long before someone ever decides to run for office.

Sometimes all it takes is someone recognizing that potential and encouraging them to take the first step.

06/18/2026

Running for office is a unique experience, one that often teaches new candidates valuable lessons very quickly.

Many women who decide to run are stepping into the campaign world for the first time. While the process can feel daunting and unfamiliar at first, most candidates quickly discover that campaigns are built on a few core principles.

1. Relationships matter more than you think.

One of the first things candidates learn is that campaigns are deeply relational. Voters want to know who you are, what you care about, and why you’re passionate about serving your community.

The connections you’ve built through community involvement—volunteering, local organizations, schools, churches, or neighborhood groups—often become the foundation of your support network.

2. Preparation makes a difference.

New candidates also learn how valuable preparation can be. Understanding the issues in your community, developing clear messaging, and building a campaign plan early help campaigns run more smoothly and confidently.

While no campaign goes exactly as expected, having a strong foundation allows candidates to adapt and stay focused on their goals.

3. You don’t have to do it alone.

Perhaps the most important lesson many candidates discover is that successful campaigns are never solo efforts.

Mentors, volunteers, supporters, and advisors all play an important role in helping candidates navigate the campaign process. Having people who can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective can make a tremendous difference throughout the journey.

At League of Our Own Washington, we help women build these support networks and develop the skills they need to step confidently into leadership.

Because while every campaign is unique, one thing remains true:

Strong candidates are supported by strong communities.

Leadership journeys don't happen alone. Behind any successful candidate or elected official is someone who offered guida...
06/17/2026

Leadership journeys don't happen alone. Behind any successful candidate or elected official is someone who offered guidance, encouragement, and perspective along the way.

That’s where mentorship plays an important role.

For many women exploring public service, running for office feels unfamiliar. Questions about where to start, how campaigns work, or how to balance responsibilities are common. Having someone who has walked that path before can make the process far more approachable.

Mentors can provide practical advice, help future candidates navigate challenges, and offer honest feedback when important decisions arise. Just as importantly, they provide encouragement and confidence during moments when the path forward may feel uncertain.

At League of Our Own Washington, mentorship is built directly into the organization’s model. Women who join the League as Prospects can be connected with experienced mentors, known as Coaches—individuals who provide guidance, share knowledge, and support them as they explore leadership opportunities.

These Coaches bring valuable experience and insight, helping Prospects develop the skills and confidence needed to prepare for public leadership. Through one-on-one conversations, shared experiences, and ongoing encouragement, these mentorship relationships often become one of the most valuable parts of the leadership journey.

Mentorship doesn’t just prepare future candidates, it helps build stronger leaders and stronger communities.

Because when experienced leaders invest in the next generation, the impact extends far beyond a single campaign.

Winning an election is an exciting moment, but it’s also just the beginning of the leadership journey.After the campaign...
06/17/2026

Winning an election is an exciting moment, but it’s also just the beginning of the leadership journey.

After the campaign ends and the votes are counted, newly elected officials transition from candidate to public servant. The focus shifts from campaigning to governing, serving the community, and helping guide important decisions that affect everyday life.

For many new leaders, the first weeks in office involve learning the structure and responsibilities of their role. That might include reviewing policies, understanding local budgets, participating in committee meetings, and working closely with other elected officials and community partners.

Strong leaders also spend time listening—meeting with community members, learning more about local priorities, and building relationships that help them represent their constituents effectively.

Leadership in public office requires many of the same qualities that help candidates run successful campaigns: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to serving the community.

At League of Our Own Washington, our goal is not only to help women run for office, but also to help prepare them to serve effectively once they are elected. Through mentorship, training, and continued support, women are equipped with the tools they need to step confidently into leadership.

Because winning an election isn’t the finish line.

It’s the beginning of the work of serving your community.

06/13/2026

When preparing to run for office, one helpful exercise is developing a 30-second campaign pitch.

This short introduction helps candidates clearly communicate who they are, why they care about their community, and what issues they want to address. Developing a concise message early can help candidates connect more effectively with voters, supporters, and community members.

Your pitch doesn’t have to be perfect.

It just needs to be clear, authentic, and rooted in your commitment to serve your community.

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence....
06/11/2026

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
— Condoleezza Rice

Strong leadership isn’t measured only by titles or positions, it’s measured by the impact we leave behind.

When leaders invest in their communities, mentor others, and work to strengthen the people and institutions around them, their influence continues long after their time in a role has ended.

Leadership is about service, growth, and helping others succeed.

Thinking about running for office in 2026, supporting a candidate, or simply learning what it takes to build a strong ca...
06/10/2026

Thinking about running for office in 2026, supporting a candidate, or simply learning what it takes to build a strong campaign?

Join League of Our Own Washington and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) for the 2026 Virtual Candidate Crash Course. This is a free, half-day Zoom training designed to help current and future candidates understand the fundamentals of a successful campaign.

This interactive training will cover the building blocks every candidate should know, including:
✨ Campaign roles & structure
✨ Messaging & communications
✨ Voter contact strategies
✨ Fundraising basics
✨ Campaign budgeting
✨ Time management & organization

And while League of Our Own Washington focuses on recruiting and training women in politics, this event is open to both men and women, including candidates, campaign volunteers, supporters, and anyone interested in learning more about what it takes to run an effective campaign.

Whether you’re preparing for your first race, supporting someone else’s campaign, or exploring a future run, this training will give you practical tools, campaign knowledge, and confidence to take the next step.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Zoom Seminar
Registration is free, but required.

Reserve your spot today by clicking below:
https://leagueofourownwa.org/2026-candidate-crash-course/

One of the things that makes League of Our Own Washington unique is its team-based approach to leadership development.Ra...
06/10/2026

One of the things that makes League of Our Own Washington unique is its team-based approach to leadership development.

Rather than focusing on just candidates, League builds an entire community around women who are exploring public service. That community is made up of four key roles: Prospects, Coaches, Scouts, and Fans.

Prospects are women who are considering public leadership. Some may already be running for office, others may be planning a future campaign, and some are simply taking steps to prepare for opportunities that may come later.

Coaches are experienced mentors who help guide Prospects through the leadership journey. They provide encouragement, perspective, and practical advice to help future candidates grow in confidence and capability.

Scouts are the people who help identify and recruit potential leaders within their communities. Often, they are the ones encouraging women to consider leadership in the first place.

Fans are supporters who believe in the mission and help amplify the League’s work through community engagement, events, and social media.

Together, these four roles create a strong network that supports women throughout their leadership journey, from the moment they begin exploring public service to the day they step into office.

Because leadership doesn’t grow in isolation.

It grows through community.

Address

PO Box 2219
Snohomish, WA
98291

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when League of Our Own Washington posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to League of Our Own Washington:

Shortcuts

Share

Category