10/16/2026
Networking when you don’t know anyone in the room can feel intimidating, but building connections is a skill you can practice. 👀
Here are 5 ways to start building your political network:
1️⃣ Introduce yourself first. Don’t wait for someone else to make the introduction. Get comfortable starting the conversation.
2️⃣ Be memorable. Share where you’re from, what you’re doing, and what you care about beyond your résumé.
3️⃣ Lead with your interests. Talking about the issues you care about can help create genuine connections.
4️⃣ Don’t be afraid to cold call. 📞 As Running Start Fellow Jazmine shares, sometimes you have to reach out first. You don’t always need an introduction to make a connection.
5️⃣ Follow up. Meeting someone is only the beginning. Stay connected and continue building the relationship.
Your network doesn’t start with knowing everyone. Sometimes it starts with having the confidence to introduce yourself to one person. 💗
Ready to build the skills to lead? Running Start, a bipartisan organization, trains young women to run for office and become political leaders. Follow Running Start to learn more.
