Join ‘Path to Power,’ labor’s candidate training

Training is designed for union members and labor supporters looking to hone skills as they prepare to run for office

SEATTLE, WA (February 4, 2025) — Are you a union member thinking about running for the city council, school board, or some other elected public office?

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, in partnership with our affiliated unions, is hosting Path to Power: A Political Candidate Training Program in Olympia on March 25-27, 2025. This training provides union members and local community activists with the tools and tips to run a successful political campaign and get elected. Our movement depends on members stepping up to build power and bring shared prosperity to our communities. Download and share the event flier.

Some of the 2024 cohort poses for a photo. Photo: WSLC

Path to Power training is geared toward people interested in running for political office who are looking to hone their skills and increase their effectiveness. The trainers include an array of union leaders, political directors, elected officials, and campaign experts with decades of experience working in the trenches and electing folks up and down the ballot—from the Parks Commission to the Governor’s office to U.S. Senate and beyond. The training covers fundraising, crafting an effective message, creating a campaign plan, building a campaign team, effective targeting, how to talk to voters, and more.

Since 2017, the WSLC has identified and trained dozens of union members and community partners to run for office through the Path to Power candidate training program. Many of them were successfully elected and are among an ever-expanding alumni network.

APPLY NOW for the Path to Power training on March 25-27 in person in Olympia. A reference from a union or community leader is required. Space is limited, so fill out and return the application before the Feb. 24 application deadline.

Know folks who may be interested? Download and share this flyer. For more information email Osta Davis, WSLC Political and Strategic Campaigns Director.

Some 2024 Path to Power participants pose for a photo after training. Photo: WSLC