Hi John,

I just wrapped up our one-day Candidate & Campaign Training in Washington, DC — and the energy in that room was electric. Dozens of future leaders showed up ready to dig in, ask tough questions, and learn how to run. It was inspiring to see so many people stepping up to lead, because the truth is simple: we need more LGBTQ+ voices in the room and in the halls of power — now more than ever.

If you’ve been thinking about running, supporting a campaign, or stepping into public leadership, there’s no better time to start. Victory Institute’s early-year lineup is packed with opportunities to learn the skills, build the confidence, and join a community that has your back.

Free Time2Run Webinars & Information Sessions to Kick Off the Year:
We’re offering a series of free virtual trainings at the start of the year! Join us for this skills-building webinar to give you the tools to assess how prepared you are to run and how to elevate your candidacy and/or a information session all about our Candidate & Campaign Trainings!

Whether you’re exploring a run or getting ready to hit launch, these sessions will help you take that next step with clarity and confidence. Click on each date to register: Time2Run Webinar: January 2026, Information Session: 2026 Candidate & Campaign Trainings (January 2026), Time2Run Webinar: February 2026 and Information Session: 2026 Candidate & Campaign Trainings (February 2026)!

LGBTQ+ Leadership Summits:
If you’re curious about public leadership — especially local offices like school board, city council, or state legislature — our Leadership Summits are the perfect on-ramp. These one-day events are built for first-timers: high-energy, welcoming, and designed to help you see yourself in the arena. Join us at the Minneapolis LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit or the Seattle LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit!

Upcoming Candidate & Campaign Trainings:
Our flagship programs are hitting the road again — bringing hands-on campaign strategy, messaging, fundraising, and field training to cities across the country. These are immersive, nuts-and-bolts experiences that help LGBTQ+ leaders launch viable, values-driven campaigns from day one. Register for the Philadelphia Candidate & Campaign Training or Denver Candidate & Campaign Training here! All applications due by March 4, 2026.

The fights ahead demand LGBTQ+ leaders who are ready to show up, speak out, and win. If you’re ready to learn how to run — or even just wondering if you could — we’re ready to help you get started.

Let’s keep that DC energy going!

Itay Balely
Pronouns: he|him|his
Director of Training, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute