Run 4 Rural

 

Engage Winona supports communities by strengthening connection and civic participation.

Here in SE Minnesota, communities need people who are willing to step into leadership. An average of 1 in 21 individuals in Winona County need to serve in positional leadership (local government or nonprofit) in their lifetime. In surrounding counties, that number jumps to as many as 1 in 11. (From How Many People Run our Towns, pub. 2024 by Benjamin Winchester, Rural Sociology Educator, Center for Community Vitality at University of Minnesota Extension)

Engage Winona is a 501c3 nonpartisan organization that aims to build a deeper pool of homegrown community leaders. We work across Winona and surrounding areas to create space for everyday people to build skills and get involved in shaping their communities. Our other civic engagement programs include Winona Together, block parties, Engagement is For Everyone, and Lived Experience Leaders.

Run 4 Rural Public leadership training program

This 1.5 day program is designed for people interested in strengthening their local communities through nonpartisan elected office and other forms of public leadership. It was created by West Central Initiative Foundation and Bending the Arc Strategies.

Coming to Winona October 3-4, 2025

As part of a partnership with West Central Initiative Foundation and the Winona State University Civic Center, we are excited to offer this program in Winona. It will be open to residents of Winona, Wabasha, Houston, and Fillmore Counties.

This training is useful for people who want to deepen their civic participation, whether or not they have decided to run for office. It creates a nonpartisan* space for participants to build practical skills needed for authentic, community-oriented leadership.

Topics include:

  • The role of local nonpartisan elections

  • Personal motivation to serve

  • Communicating through stories and shared values

  • Community engagement that brings people together

*Nonpartisan means "not supporting or affiliated with a specific political party." In Minnesota, our county, city, township and school board offices are nonpartisan.

How to participate

The program will take place at Winona State University on October 3 and 4, 2025, roughly Friday late afternoon-evening and all day Saturday. You must be available for the full training on both dates.

The training is free for most participants, and meals are included. People running for office or re-election will need to pay a $160 fee.

Space is limited to 30. This is a noncompetitive process, and we will welcome people as long as space is available. 

To apply, fill out the application form here. Click the orange underlined link.

What happens after you fill out the application form:

  • You will receive an automatic email copy of your responses

  • A team member from Engage Winona will reach out to schedule a short call. The purpose of the call is to confirm your interest in participating and ensure you understand and agree to the program expectations.

  • If we do not hear back from you, we will not hold your spot.

Program FAQs

What does the training cost?

The training is free for anyone who hasn’t filed to run for office. A $160 fee is required for those who have filed to run for office, are actively running for election, or are running for reelection.

What levels of elected offices will the training cover?

County level (e.g., County Commissioner, Soil & Water Conservation District Board), city level (e.g., Mayor, City Council), township level (e.g., Clerk, Township Supervisor), and school district (e.g., School Board).

Can I participate if I am currently in office?

Yes, however, a fee of $160 will be collected if you are running for reelection.

Is lodging available?

No, you are not expected to stay overnight. We are not able to provide lodging for the training sessions.

I’m not interested in running for office, but I’d like to help with a local nonpartisan campaign, should I attend this training?

Yes, this training is for anyone interested in learning more about local-level elections and campaigns.

How are people selected for the program?

There are a total of 30 spots available. This is a noncompetitive process, and we will welcome people as long as space is available. There is a simple application form to fill out. The form will ask how you have been involved in the community and why you are interested in the training. We will also have a short informational interview with you.

Can I participate if I am a Republican or Democrat?

Anyone interested in community service can participate! This training will be a nonpartisan space, so participants are expected to engage respectfully with different views. In Minnesota, our county, city, township and school board offices are nonpartisan.

Does Engage Winona endorse or support candidates?

Never. Engage Winona is a 501(c)(3) organization, and our approach, mission, vision, and values are nonpartisan. By law, none of Engage Winona’s staff, board, or volunteer time or resources can be used for partisan political purposes or to support or oppose any candidate running for public office, including local office. This is a strict prohibition. Participation in an Engage Winona program does not imply endorsement, and we ask that participants refrain from suggesting that Engage Winona supports or endorses any campaign.