The Candidate Training Academy gives REALTORS®, REALTOR®-friendly candidates and potential candidates an introduction to and expectation of how run for public office. It is a valuable head start in their political journey and information on how to run successful campaigns.

This program is typically run by the state or local association, either with an NAR provided facilitator or one provided by the association and should last no more than 5 hours. Materials are available from NAR at no cost to associations.

Goals and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this training session, participants will be able to:

  • Assess whether they possess the basic traits necessary to run for office.
  • Develop a clear, concise, and compelling message about why they are running for office.
  • Describe the elements necessary for developing a campaign plan and begin the planning process.
  • Maximize their fundraising.
  • Determine the best methods for contacting voters
  • Understand what makes compelling direct mail and effective digital advertising.

Facilitators

To request NAR’s professional campaign consultants tofacilitate the training, an association must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 25 guaranteed participants..
  • While allied organizations and coalition partners are welcome to take part, this is NAR’s Candidate Training Academy and must be billed as such.

Program Fees

NAR does not charge state and local association sponsors for using the training materials or offering the training.  Associations are encouraged to charge nominal fees to members to cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as printing and food/snacks provided during the training. NAR will not mandate what associations should charge for attendee registration fees.

Training Materials

All training materials will be available from NAR by request and upon registering your training session.  Training materials include:

  • Your Competitive Edge, a participant guide
  • PowerPoint slide deck
  • Attendee evaluation form

Training Offering Options

Association as Sole Host: This option makes sense for a state association or a rather large, local association with a large pool of members to choose from. These associations generally have several meetings during the year in which to offer this training.

Two or More Associations Host: Local associations may choose to pool their resources and memberships to offer a co-hosted training. This maximizes their resources, often enabling both associations to make their training dollars go further.

Association and Other Like-Minded Organizations Host: Some associations like to partner with a local chamber of commerce and other like-minded organizations to stretch training budgets, build partnerships and help craft a consistent message across memberships.

Register Your Session with NAR

In addition to being required to obtain authorization to provide the training and use the training materials, registering your session helps NAR identify opportunities to highlight success stories and allows us to measure the program’s use.

To Schedule a Training of if you have questions, Contact John Winston at 202-383-1235.