Okay, so you’ve done your homework and now you’re ready to start preparing to run for Office.

Obviously, at this point, you’ve double-checked when you can declare your candidacy. Is it in a couple of weeks? A couple of months? A couple of years? Perfect. That means that you’ve got some time to get your ducks in a row before you make your big splash and announce your run. But there are some things that you can get started on now that will help you get started.

Start by Beefing up your leadership skills

Name recognition is very important in elections, particularly municipal elections. Ask yourself: are you considered a leader in your community? Does your community know you? If they don’t, that’s okay! There are things that you can do that will help you establish community recognition. If you haven’t already, check out the ideas that we wrote in our guide: Things You Can Do Right Now If You’re Thinking Of Running For Office. There, you’ll find 22 ideas that can help get you started, as well as some community ideas that will help you make connections.

Here are some other ideas:

• Join a local board of directors.

• Join a local committee.

• Join your community action network.

• Join an advisory panel.

• Apply for a legislative appointment.

• Volunteering for a local charity or cause that you care about.

• Organize a local fundraiser or charity event.

• Join your child’s school council.

• Join your local church.

Getting governance experience is a really good beginning to help you build community connections, get used to how meetings function, and learn a little bit more about governance before diving into the municipal council.

But this is also a really great opportunity to get to know your community and for your community to get to know you. While you’re out and about in your neighbourhood, take the chance to listen to people and ask them what their concerns are. See how those align with your values and your plans. This is the time to help you get prepared and network to support your candidacy. Take full advantage of the opportunity!

Need a resource to help?

We created a resource especially to help inspire your next adventure in volunteering to help you level up your qualifications before you run for office, and it’s absolutely free.

You’ve decided that you’re going to make a run for it, and you’re feeling inspired … but what next? Here is a handy list of 22 things that you can do right now to help you reach your goal — even if the election is years away.

Use this list to help inspire you or to point you in the right direction.