Candidate Training Program

Overview

The Sorensen Institute's Candidate Training Program (CTP) is an intensive, four-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.

Seven graduates of our 2009 Candidate Training Program were elected to office the same year— 3 Republicans, 3 Democrats and 1 Independent. That includes 2 Republicans and 2 Democrats of the CTP 09 class who were elected for the first time to the Virginia General Assembly on November 3— all four of whom were brand new to state-level campaign politics until they participated in Sorensen.

Of the 265 graduates of the Candidate Training Program since 1999, 67 have served in elected office around the Commonwealth, including one in the Virginia State Senate and 12 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.

We are currently accepting applications for the 
Candidate Training Program Class of Winter 2011.

The Winter 2011 class will be held in January at James Madison's Montpelier near Orange.

Click here to access the online application instructions for
the Candidate Training Program Class of Winter 2011.
 

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 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 currently accepting applications for the Candidate Training Program Class of Spring 2010. The deadline for applications is 5pm Monday, November 8, 2010.
Click here to access the application instructions.

Tuition

Tuition for the CTP Class of 2010 is $750 for a shared double room and $900 for a single room. Tuition covers food, lodging and all program materials. Acceptance to the program is not dependent on ability to pay; financial aid is available. In 2010 we met 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships and financial aid. No individual is ever denied participation in a Sorensen program because of inability to pay the tuition cost. The Candidate Training Program is sponsored in part by the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, which helps us keep tuition costs affordable.

Program Schedule

The program runs from Thursday morning until Sunday afternoon. 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 please contact
April Auger at  434-243-2470. 

Trust, Civility and Respect in Politics