Luke Attends LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Training

The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is an organization that provides leadership development, trainings, support and a professional network for LGBTQ+ leaders in an effort to increase the number of out LGBTQ+ people serving in public office. I was fortunate to be selected to attend its Western Candidate and Campaign Training in Tempe Arizona over the first weekend in February.

Over the course of the intensive 4-day training, the prospective candidates were taught by numerous professionals on establishing a campaign team, conducting voter research and coalition building, creating fundraising goals and budgets, identifying major cost centers, navigating endorsements and partnerships, setting a media and field strategy, get out the vote planning, and more. Throughout the weekend, I also got to hear from a panel of out politicians, participate in role play scenarios, and execute a full-fledged campaign simulation.

Attending this training gave me further confidence to run for office. Next stop, city hall.

Onward, Together

Luke Zak, Candidate for Portland City Council District 3