As a Running Start alum, you’re already on the path to leadership, and now you need support as you move through your professional career. Next Step provides ongoing experience as you navigate the political and professional world. Apply by 1/31 at runningstart.org/next-step

Next Step is for you if you are: A Running Start alum 18+ years of age Pursuing your next political/civic leadership opportunity Excited to access monthly virtual programming in 2025 Willing and open to working on a team Learn more and apply by 1/31 at runningstart.org/next-step

Alums: apply for Next Step to get firsthand experience with fundraising, leadership, and teamwork. Build critical skills like negotiation and fundraising via real-world challenges in a supportive environment. Learn more and apply by 1/31 at runningstart.org/next-step

Participants of Next Step get the chance to join Running Start's delegation to the Reykjavik Global Forum in Iceland in November 2025! Alums of all programs are invited to apply by 1/31 at runningstart.org/next-step

Alums: apply by tomorrow! Join a close-knit community of peers and mentors in Next Step. Meet mentors of your own, and pay it forward by supporting and advising the next generation of Running Start participants. Apply by 1/31 at runningstart.org/next-step

Last day to apply! By Joining Next Step, you'll build your speaking and facilitating experience. Speak at virtual and in-person events and salons, and be the featured facilitator at Elect Her workshops across the country! Deadline today! Apply at runningstart.org/next-step

Looking for advice or your next opportunity? Find it all in the Running Start LinkedIn group! Join the best community online at bit.ly/RS-LGroup

Your next big opportunity is being shared in the Running Start LinkedIn Group! Alums and supporters, join us at bit.ly/RS-LGroup today!

We are proud to welcome these six valued members of our community to our Board of Directors in 2025! Ashley McNeil, American Hotel & Lodging Association Erica Johnson Creamer, Walmart Harmony Barbera, Pacific Gas & Electric Jim Loi, The Asia Group Leigh Calvo, The Home Depot Melina Carnicelli, 1st Amendment, 1st Vote

On #InternationalWomensDay we are grateful for the 30,000+ alums and countless mentors & supporters who make up our incredible community.

Running Start alum Shreya Srivathsan shares her best tips for building and sustaining your network: a key skill for a leader! How do you keep up with your professional network?

Sound off on our favorite icebreaker! Naming the things that give us confidence--big or small--help us get used to talking about our accomplishments; a critical campaign and job search skill. Tell us your answer in the comments!

Running Start alum Nia Talbott can give a speech even when she is nervous. What are your favorite tips for public speaking?

Runing Start alums: what's a skill you learned at Running Start that you use today? Campaign skills are transferrable to countless leadership opportunities; let us know how you've used them lately!

Running Start alum Emma Destito's #1 tip when networking for a job? Just send the email. Go ahead and send it. We'll wait.

The best mentors can both open doors and give us the courage to walk through them. Shout out your best mentor (or even better- tag them!)

🌟Meet Our 2025 Summer Interns — Maya & Esha!🌟We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these two incredible women to the Running Start team! They’ve jumped into the action, bringing passion to everything they do! #RunningStartInterns #NextGenLeaders #WomenInPolitics #OntheHill

Running Start alum Khanh Doan has several strategies to avoid burnout as a student leader. What are yours?

In an increasingly polarized climate, working across the aisle is a more difficult AND more important skill than ever. What are the ways you have worked across difference or disagreement lately? What can we learn from your experience? Tell us in the comments!

When Running Start alum Emma Martins is stressed, she leans on her family. Who supports you in your community?