The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is launching a program aimed at empowering Native Hawaiians seeking election to a state or county seat in 2020.

Maui County residents are encouraged to apply for the Ho’opono Candidate Training Program, a four-day bootcamp, at hawaiiancouncil.org/hoopono through Friday, Feb. 28.

Overnight lodging, airfare to Oahu and transportation to and from the airport will be provided for Neighbor Island participants.

In this educational, non-partisan training program, CNHA will not endorse candidates, advocate for a particular issue or encourage or make campaign contributions to any candidate.

Over the course of four training sessions in March, participants will gain knowledge on how to effectively run a political campaign.

Topics to be covered include understanding political landscapes, completing a full issue profile, creating a campaign message, identifying key supporters, understanding your strengths, getting your campaign infrastructure in place, setting a realistic budget, canvassing, engaging donor networks, winning endorsements, earning media, motivating volunteers, polling and more.

Participants will be trained by seasoned campaign experts and elected officials.

To be eligible, applicants must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry, a current resident of the State of Hawaii, a registered candidate or managing a campaign for a registered candidate, and commit to attending all four days of training.

Are you ready to be a leader? If you plan to run for office, this training will kick-start your campaign.