Campaign Boot Camp 2025

API Building Community Leaders is kicking off with a two-day campaign boot camp for API leaders ready to dive into the political process.

This training experience will include leadership development, campaign and election basics, messaging and speaking, and API community issues. This first cohort will get an overview of how to get started on a political campaign, take on a leadership mindset, and plug into a network of community leaders and current and former API elected officials.

Experience

Two days of campaign training, self-inquiry, and networking
Content will be highly participatory and include leadership development, campaign and elections 101, messaging and speaking, and API community issues
Learn from those who have walked this path before
Build connections with other participants and enter a network of API community leaders and current/former elected officials

You are

Ready to step into your power and want to run for elected office or lead political campaigns in the near future
Have an established connection to API communities in San Francisco
Have made leadership moves (we are not focused solely on job title)
Add to the group's diversity of backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, industries, and lived experiences that represent a broad cross-section of API communities
Live in San Francisco; other Bay Area API leaders are welcome to apply and may be invited to participate if space allows

APPLY

HERE

FAQ

When will the Campaign Boot Camp take place?
- Saturday, November 15, 2025 and Saturday, December 6, 2025 in San Francisco, CA. Attendance on both days is mandatory.
What if I can't commit to those dates?
- In-person attendance is mandatory for the entire time on both days. If you accept the invitation to participate, you are committing to attend. Your fee is non-refundable after November 1st if your availability changes.
What is the program fee for the Campaign Boot Camp?
- $150; please contact us to discuss any need for scholarships.
Will there be food?
- Yes, light morning refreshments and lunch on both days will be provided. We will survey program participants for dietary preferences.
How many participants will be in the Campaign Boot Camp?
- We anticipate approximately 15 participants.
How will you decide?
- We are seeking a diverse cross-section of leaders to participate, as opposed to a particular job title, seniority level, age, or educational background. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply!
- Applications are open through Wednesady, October 22, 11:59PM Pacific. We will invite selected applicants for an interview the week of October 27, and anticipate making final decisions by November 1.
Does my political ideology matter?
- Instead of political labels, we are focusing on celebrating diversity and lifting up what unifies us. We are looking to invest in leaders who have a demonstrated connection to San Francisco's API communities.
Will boot camp participants get endorsed by BCL?
- No. The campaign boot camp is a nonpartisan training program that will not involve any lobbying nor endorsement of political candidates.
What opportunities will there be beyond the 2025 Campaign Boot Camp?
- Our intention is to provide additional networking and supports to the 2025 cohort, future campaign trainings, and other leadership development opportunities. We will continue to learn and iterate after our first program offering.

More questions about the Campaign Boot Camp? Please reach out and ask!