Recruiting Volunteer Form

By recruiting accomplished, progressive women in targeted districts and preparing them to launch competitive campaigns, Close the Gap is changing the face of the California Legislature. Nine CTGCA recruits are serving today, and eight of them are women of color. Our recruits support reproductive freedom, public school funding and combating poverty. CTGCA works in partnership with many allied organizations across the women’s and progressive movement spectrums. We’ve developed an internationally renowned exploration process that helps women determine if running for office is right for them, and ensure they’re prepared to win if it is.  We count on a team of volunteers to get potential candidates into that process and guide them through it. And with an unprecedented number of seats coming open in the Motherlode ahead, we’re looking to rapidly grow our team!

Close the Gap California is a registered 527 organization. We are not a political action committee and do not endorse, or fund candidates: We Recruit.

Preferred qualifications:

• A desire to identify traditional and non-traditional women candidates who are credible in their communities, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds
• Connections to leaders in one or more organizations focused on social justice, environment, labor, communities of color, women’s equity, health or education advocacy
• Mature judgment about people, solid political instincts, and excellent listening skills
• Discretion and the ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality


• Enthusiasm for learning the geography, demography, culture, traditions and history of a legislative district


• Experience in organizing people to achieve a goal


• Ability to work independently with remote guidance


• Comfort with (or willingness to learn) Google Suite, Zoom, and other new technologies


• Ability to join two mandatory team calls per month of approximately 1 hour each.

Over the next year, Close the Gap California aims to identify 1,000 progressive, self-identified women who could be competitive candidates for State Legislature in 2024, and we need help to do it! We have two volunteer roles to fit your schedule and skill level.

As a Scout you will:

• Keep your eyes and ears open for women in your assigned region who could be great legislators and ask them if they’ve considered running
• Prepare for and host Search Parties in your assigned region (gatherings of local allies and leaders who help brainstorm and vet a shortlist of highly regarded progressive women)
• Identify credible women in your assigned region and reach out to them to assess:
  • If they may be a good fit to represent their community
  • If their record of accomplishment and networks show promise to help them compete at the state legislative level
  • Their interest level in running
  • Their alignment with CTGCA’s progressive values
• Educate women about CTGCA’s role in the candidate pipeline and summarize our Exploration Process
• Embody persistence – women candidates are more likely to run when they are encouraged repeatedly and have guidance to overcome structural barriers and envision their path to victory
• Regularly provide updates on your outreach to the CTGCA team
• Introduce potential candidates to a Recruiter after you’ve determined that the candidate is a good fit for CTGCA and interested in considering  a run for the State Legislature
• Occasionally be asked to represent CTGCA at events or help host events in your community
• Participate in ongoing team trainings
• Always maintain a strict level of confidentiality

Recruiters also play a leadership role within our team, helping to shape our strategy and focus Scouts and Interns on regional goals. Recruiters are typically (but not always!) politically savvy individuals with experience working on a political campaign or within the California Legislature or progressive politics. Recruiters have confidence in assessing a candidate’s baseline strengths and weaknesses, asking tough questions, listening with kindness, encouraging vulnerability, offering advice, and helping connect a potential candidate with resources they’ll need to win.  Recruiters are supported by our full team, including Lead Recruiters, Senior Political Consultant, and Executive Director.

As a Recruiter you will:

• Receive training and tools on CTGCA’s Exploration Process and other extensive resources
• Work with Scouts in your assigned region to identify potential candidates who meet CTGCA’s criteria for the Exploration Process and host Search Parties
• Build relationships with qualified potential candidates and guide them through the Exploration Process
• In collaboration with the CTGCA team, assess a candidate’s readiness and chart a competitive path, guiding her to an informed decision, and an inspired launch. 
• Connect prospective candidates to resources and allies they’ll need to better prepare for a Legislative race
• Regularly provide updates on your outreach and conversations to the CTGCA team
• Participate in ongoing team trainings
• Always maintain a strict level of confidentiality