The American Council Launches Statewide Candidate Training Program for Local Candidates
Rocklin, California — The American Council today announced the launch of its new statewide candidate training program, a practical and values-driven initiative designed to prepare men and women across California to run for local public office with clarity, competence, and character. The program is built to help prospective candidates by equipping them with the tools needed to campaign, govern, and serve their communities well.
The training, titled Public Leadership Training: Supporting Principled Candidates for Public Office, is tailored especially for local races, where public trust is personal, relationships matter, and decisions directly affect families, classrooms, neighborhoods, and community life. The curriculum helps candidates think seriously about why they are running, how to file and remain compliant, how to communicate clearly, how to fundraise ethically, how to engage their community, and how to lead responsibly after an election.
“This program exists because local government matters,” said Tanner DiBella, President of The American Council. “Too many good men and women care deeply about their communities but feel unprepared to step into public life. We want to change that. Our goal is to equip principled leaders to serve with seriousness, integrity, and a deep sense of stewardship.”
The statewide training emphasizes that local campaigns are not just about visibility or online performance, but about trust and service. According to the program materials, candidates are encouraged to build campaigns rooted in internal clarity, moral seriousness, strategic planning, respectful discourse, and long-term public responsibility. The course also stresses that winning the office is not the finish line, but the beginning of stewardship.
The training includes modules on defining purpose, filing to run, fundraising, community engagement, discourse and debate, messaging, and public leadership. It also offers practical guidance on campaign structure, voter contact, endorsements, compliance, budgeting, and transition planning for life after election day. The American Council describes the initiative as part of its broader commitment not only to help candidates run, but also to continue supporting leaders after they take office through prayer, counsel, and principled training.
The program is intended for those considering local offices such as school boards, city councils, and similar public service roles throughout California. It reflects the American Council’s belief that healthy communities require principled leaders. The organization also notes that rules and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and encourages all candidates to confirm ballot access and campaign finance requirements with the appropriate local and state authorities.
The American Council’s candidate training program is now available statewide. Individuals interested in learning more or receiving support through the Political Outreach Office can click here.
Tanner DiBella
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The American Council works to strengthen public leadership and help officials remain connected to the communities they serve.