Candidate Training Program

Overview

The Sorensen Institute's Candidate Training Program (CTP) is an intensive, three-day program focused on the fundamentals of a winning campaign for office. Participants explore the nuts and bolts of building a strong campaign from the ground up—all within the context of ethics and principled public service. The curriculum does not prescribe a particular set of campaign guidelines or rules, but does provide candidates with a framework for developing their own code of conduct to run a winning and ethical campaign. Participants in the program represent  a broad range of ideologies and a diversity of communities from throughout Virginia. The CTP was first offered in 1999 with support from a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Click here to learn more about the history of the program.

Of the 212 graduates of the Candidate Training Program since 1999, 55 have served in elected office around the Commonwealth, including one in the Virginia State Senate and seven in the Virginia House of Delegates; 24 have been appointed to state boards and commissions. Click here to meet the alumni of this exceptional program.

The Candidate Training Program Class of 2008 was held January 25th-27th at James Madison's Montpelier in Orange County.

Curriculum

The Candidate Training Program is focused on giving participants the knowledge and practical skills they will need to build a winning campaign from the ground up. The program may include in-depth coverage of the following:

• Message Development and Delivery
• Ethics in Campaigns
• Planning and Budgeting
• Direct Mail
• Organizing an Effective Field Operation and GOTV (get out the vote)
• Election Law in Virginia
• Fundraising
• Virginia Politics
• Opposition Research
• Crisis Management
• Media 101
• Online Campaigning
• Dealing with Stresses on Candidates and their Families
• Roles and Responsibilities of Candidates, Managers, and Consultants

Speakers

We are absolutely committed to maintaining a careful partisan balance among the campaign consultants and political experts who speak as part of the program. All our speakers have a wealth of experience in Virginia campaigns and elections.

Applications

The application process is open to Virginia residents who are eligible to run for political office. Preference will be given to first-time candidates. A commitment to fully participate in the program is required. We are not currently accepting applications for the Candidate Training Program. For future reference, click here to see last year's application questions.

Tuition

The cost for participants in the Candidate Training Program Class of 2008 was $500. Tuition covers food, lodging and all program materials. Acceptance to the program is not dependent on ability to pay; financial aid is available.

Program Schedule

The CTP is offered annually in the month of January. A typical program day starts at 7am with breakfast and class begins promptly at 8am. Presentations, discussions, and workshops run throughout the day with multiple breaks and a catered lunch. The evening sessions include a dinner, speakers, and discussion. The program culminates with a Sunday afternoon graduation at around 2pm.

If you have any questions about the Candidate Training Program,
call Amber Capron at (434) 982-5234.