Are you thinking about running for elected office? The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Aberdeen Home Builders Association are hosting a Campaign School in Aberdeen on Thursday, March 23 from 11 am to 5 pm. It will be held in the Chamber of Commerce conference room, 514 South Main Street.

Running for elected office is one of the best ways you can give back to your community. Elected officials have a great deal of power and influence over the daily lives of people they serve. Local government has the ability to raise taxes, put forth new laws, and improve their constituents’ quality of living. But getting yourself on the ballot takes time, effort, and money. It takes personal sacrifice and extracts a toll not only on you, but also on your family and close supporters. Before deciding to embark on a career as a politician, there are many questions you’ll need to answer. Campaign School is designed to help answer some of those questions.

The class will be facilitated by Karl Eckart, Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He will be teaching participants about the basics and how to fine tune a campaign with topics including campaign planning, fundraising, media, voter targeting & contract and research. In 2011, Eckhart published a grassroots campaign guide titled Fifty Percent + One: The Fundamentals of Running a Successful Campaign.

Cost to attend is $40, which includes light breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required by calling 605-225-2860, emailing info@aberdeen-chamber.com or going to aberdeen-chamber.com/campaign-school. Space is limited to 20 participants.