Frequently Asked Questions

Demand a Seat is open to anyone who is interested in running for office as a Gun Sense Candidate, as well as anyone who is interested in working or volunteering for the campaigns of Gun Sense Candidates. To be eligible for the Demand a Seat training program, applicants must be a volunteer with their local Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action chapter in order to be eligible for graduation from the program.

Questions about your eligibility? Email [email protected].

Individuals who have not previously served as volunteers with Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, and the Everytown Survivor Network may be accepted into the Demand a Seat program.

However, individuals who have not previously served as volunteers will be expected to participate in at least 3 events or actions in support of their local Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action chapters in order to be eligible to graduate from Demand a Seat.

Yes. Demand a Seat is open to volunteers who are considering running for political office at any point in time, or those who would like to work on campaigns or in support of Gun Sense Candidates. If you are not sure if you are going to become a candidate or work on a campaign, you are still welcome to participate in the Demand a Seat program. Our hope is that learning more about the process will help you to make more informed decisions about running for office or working on future campaigns.

Yes! Demand a Seat is also open to volunteers who may be interested in becoming campaign managers or campaign staff. Our hope is that participating and learning will help people to make more informed decisions about running for office or working on campaigns for future Gun Sense Candidates.

Training will focus on key topics including:

• Building a campaign
• Recruiting volunteers
• Campaign budgeting and fundraising
• Communicating with voters and media
• Digital and social media tactics
• Gun safety messaging and polling.

The program typically consists of seven sessions (two-hours each) that are offered virtually over the course of 4 months. Additional optional sessions will also be offered as an opportunity to meet and network with cohort members and to practice skills that are taught during the training sessions. Sign up today to be the first to hear about the next cohort.

The more you attend, the more you will get out of the training. We understand that you may not be able to make every session. To participate in the program, there is an expectation that you will be able to attend most of the sessions in real time, and you must attend a minimum of 3 training sessions in order to graduate. All trainings are recorded and made accessible, along with other training tools provided over the course of the program, on our Demand a Seat training portal so that participants can refer back to them at any time.

If you have questions about these requirements, or would like to connect with our team about potential accommodations, please email [email protected].

The program will provide educational training on the nuts and bolts of building and running successful campaigns. Training will focus on a range of topics, including: organizing, messaging, and fundraising best practices. A key feature of the program is exposure to a powerful network of potential candidates and mentors from across Moms Demand Action and Everytown volunteer networks who will be available to share best practices and provide support as participants navigate the electoral process.

Demand a Seat does not provide tailored training or resources for any specific campaign or race, nor does it provide any other monetary or in-kind support to candidates. Everytown organizations may separately provide support to candidates where possible, including making campaign contributions and providing other resources, but participation in Demand a Seat does not guarantee any such support or an endorsement.

Applications for the next Demand a Seat cohort will open in Fall 2024. Sign up today to receive additional information about the program and be the first to hear about the next cohort.

This program is open to individuals interested in exploring all levels of elected office.

The Demand a Seat program is meant to provide tools and training to volunteers considering a run for any elected office where they intend to govern with gun safety in mind.

Please fill out this form to receive additional information about the program and application process.

Additional questions? Email [email protected].