Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in conjunction with American Farm Bureau Federation, hosted a successful two-day Candidate School in August at the historic Goodwood Museum and Gardens in Tallahassee. The school was designed to help individuals considering public service gain the tools and insight needed to run effective campaigns.
The Candidate School drew 21 interested participants, with 18 attending. Registered participants included current elected officials, declared candidates and others interested in learning more about pursuing public office.
American Farm Bureau has conducted its Campaign School since 1987, with thousands of candidates for local, state and federal office having participated. The program is taught in a non-partisan manner and is designed not only for candidates, but also for spouses and campaign staff. Its curriculum emphasizes the theory behind campaign decisions, giving participants the ability to understand why certain strategies work. That approach has made the program one of the most successful in the country, with an average of 84% of graduates being elected overtime.
The Candidate School included a reception at the Hayward House in downtown Tallahassee. The reception was sponsored by the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) and provided a valuable networking opportunity in a relaxed setting.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and allowed them to walk away with a strong foundation to build on as they consider future leadership roles.
“The training was incredibly practical and encouraging. I feel much better prepared to take the next steps,” said Ryan Mosley, Dade County Farm Bureau member
“I appreciated hearing directly from people who have ran and won campaigns—it made the process feel attainable,” said Jeremy Rolling, Holmes County Farm Bureau President. “The training was very in-depth and interesting. I was really impressed by the presentation.”
“I found Candidate School to be a great experience,” said Chase Brannan, candidate for Florida State House District 10. “It was interactive and gave us a chance to sharpen our skills while being reminded of the fundamentals of campaigns. Having worked on different campaigns, I appreciated the opportunity to step back, learn from others, and continue growing as a candidate.”
