FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When is your next workshop? How do I come to one?

Answer:  We’re tentatively planning our next workshop in DC for July 21st 2012.  Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll contact you when registration opens.

Question: I’ve thought about running for office, but I have little to no political experience. Will your workshops be appropriate for me?

Answer: Absolutely. Veterans Campaign’s workshops are designed to train participants regardless of experience. Instructors will cover general topics that apply to all levels of campaigning, from the local school board to federal office.

Question: What makes Veterans Campaign different from other campaign training programs?

Answer: Veterans Campaign is designed to complement other training programs, not compete with them. Veterans Campaign is the only program specifically designed for military veterans. In addition to teaching campaign basics, instructors focus on issues that specifically apply to veteran candidates, such as presenting your military background, interfacing with the veterans within your community, legal issues that uniquely pertain to veterans, and bulletproofing your service record.

Question: I am a veteran running for office. Can Veterans Campaign support my campaign?

Answer: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, we are best thought of as an educational organization: we teach veterans about campaigning, but do not manage individual campaigns or endorse candidates. However, we would like to make available the full extent of our educational resources to best help veteran candidates. Please consider attending a workshop, attending a lecture, and learning from the materials available on our website.

Question: Can I volunteer to help Veterans Campaign?

Answer: Absolutely. Veterans Campaign depends on volunteers and pro bono work. Whether your skills are in campaigning, legal work, business, accounting, public relations, or simply elbow grease, Veterans Campaign can use your skills and enthusiasm to provide our nation’s veterans the skills they need to successfully run for office.

If you are interested in more information on how you can help, please email: info@veteranscampaign.org

Question: Is Veterans Campaign progressive or conservative?

Answer: Neither. Veterans Campaign trains veterans of all political stripes to campaign effectively. Our speakers and trainers come from across the political spectrum and act in a nonpartisan capacity.

Question: Does Veterans Campaign engage in lobbying of any kind?

Answer: No, Veterans Campaign exists solely for educational and civic participation purposes.

Question: Is Veterans Campaign a non-profit organization?

Answer: Yes. Veterans Campaign has been granted tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible.

Question: I’m still on active duty. Can I attend Veterans Campaign’s workshop?

Answer: Yes, active duty status does not preclude you from attending the workshop. For more information on political involvement by active duty service members, please consult the following Department of Defense Directive.

Question: I’ve never served in the military. Can I still attend a workshop?

Answer: Absolutely. While Veterans Campaign’s workshops are tailored to future candidates with a military background, all are welcome. If you plan to work on the campaign of a military veteran, we expect that you will find our workshops to be quite valuable.

Question:  How can I get a copy of the Field Manual?  

Answer:  We plan to publish the final version of The Candidate’s Field Manual after the 2012 election.  In the meantime, we’re giving a free working copy to everyone who attends a workshop, and everyone who makes a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more to Veterans Campaign.

Question: How many veterans are currently in elected office? How many are running?

Answer: For detailed information on candidates and elected officials who have served in the military, please see our Field Report.