Candidate Development Program begins in June 2026!
TFRW is proud to introduce its next Candidate Development Program!
Mark your calendars for Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. starting on June 18, 2026, and ending on August 13, 2026.
The purpose of this program is to:
- Empower women to run for elected office at all levels of government
- Build capacity among TFRW members to run for office
- Help women to gain confidence needed to run for office
- Reduce barriers to running for office
The application is available HERE and submissions are due on Monday, April 20, 2026. We’ll evaluate the applications, check for TFRW membership, and priority will be given to those who wish to run for office within the next two years. Applicants will be notified by May 10th of acceptance into the program.
The class fee of $75 will be due for those accepted by May 31, 2026. Classes will be an 8 week course starting June 18th to August 13th.
The registration fee will cover the cost of the Board Meeting luncheon in January 2027, where graduates will receive their certificates.
About the Program
- Eight (8) 2-hour training sessions
- Price: $75
- Maximum class size: 16 women
- Schedule: Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
- Completely web-based video conferencing via Zoom online platform
- Guest speakers TBA
- Participants will be asked at times to read or prepare in advance for discussion
- Participants will have short, practical weekly assignments, goal-setting, and action
planning - Professionally facilitated meetings
Training Schedule
Week 1: Introductions and Why Not Run for Office?!
Week 2: Find Your Story
Week 3: NO CLASS THIS WEEK DUE TO HOLIDAY
Week 4: Candidate Image Development
Week 5: The Buck Stops Here: Candidate Responsibility
Week 6: Effective Candidate Communication
Week 7: Social Media and Marketing
Week 8: Financing Your Campaign
Week 9: Legal Aspects of Running for Office
Click here to register online by April 20, 2026.
Priority is given to those who wish to run for office within the next two years.
Questions?
Contact TFRW Candidate Development Program Coordinator Trasa Robertson Cobern at 817-901-0571 or [email protected]
2026 CDP Summer Cohort – Important Dates
March 9th – Applications available on TFRW website
April 20th – Applications due to TFRW
May 10th – Notifications of applicants’ acceptance
May 31st – Last day to pay Registration Fee
June 18th – August 13th Zoom sessions
July 2nd – No Zoom session (holiday)
Campaign Management School: TBD
Campaign Management Schools are conducted throughout the state. These full-day seminars teach potential candidates and campaign staff about important topics such as campaign finance law, fundraising, and public relations.
