“The only qualification you have to have is a desire to make a difference. If you have that desire to make a difference, then you are qualified to run for office.”
-Tameika Isaac Devine, former Council Member and Mayoral Candidate, City of Columbia, SC
Women often feel like they are underqualified for the job. Men rarely feel this way.
We’ll challenge your preconceptions of what an elected official is supposed to be and convince you that you are already qualified. Varied professional backgrounds and experiences are assets, not liabilities.
The kind of person you are is the kind of person we need in leadership.
Let go of your preconceptions of what an elected official is supposed to be.
- You DO NOT have to be: Ivy League-educated, a lawyer, a graduate degree holder, wealthy, or someone with a standing tee time at your local country club.
- An elected official can come from any background:
- Educators, farmers, ranchers, doctors/dentists/veterinarians, military reserve/National Guard, social workers, ministers, engineers, radio talk show hosts, car dealership owners, law enforcement/first responders, nurses, Peace Corps volunteers, scientists, veterans, moms, small business owners, retirees.
- All of these people should have their voices heard. Varied professional backgrounds and experiences are assets, not liabilities. Your experience is your expertise.
- Requirements are different from qualifications.
Exercise:
Use the interactive I’m Good Enough worksheet below to list all your personal and professional qualifications. All experiences are valid and relevant. Think about when you have identified and solved problems, managed a budget, helped out in your community/church, etc.
TIP: This exercise is useful, not just for convincing yourself you’re ready. If you decide to run, this will be useful in telling voters that you are qualified.
Additional Resources:
Books to inspire the leader in you:
- Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth