When the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber launched the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) last fall, the goal was clear: inspire and equip more individuals to step into civic leadership. 

The response to the recent Candidate Workshop 101: From Interest to Informed demonstrated that our region is ready for that call. The event brought together a full room of community members interested in learning how they can play a more active role in shaping the future of their communities. 

Some attendees are actively running for office, others are considering a run and others came to better understand how local elections work and how they can contribute to civic life. Regardless of their starting point, participants left with a clearer understanding of the path to public service. 

That outcome reflects exactly what the Center for Civic Engagement was created to do: provide practical, nonpartisan resources that help individuals move from curiosity about civic leadership to confidence in taking the next step. The Center’s mission is to inspire, empower, and educate current and future leaders to expand their civic engagement and strengthen participation across our communities.  

Demystifying the Path to Public Service

The workshop began with a keynote discussion featuring North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe, who provided an overview of the election process and what prospective candidates should expect when launching a campaign. 

Participants learned about the mechanics of filing for office, including petition requirements, campaign finance reporting and other administrative steps. The discussion helped clarify what can sometimes feel intimidating and reinforced the idea that individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds can successfully serve in public office. 

Following the keynote, attendees received an overview of the 2026 local political landscape, highlighting the many boards, commissions and legislative seats that will be on the ballot. The presentation focused on helping participants understand the mission, responsibilities and time commitments associated with offices such as city commissions, school boards and the state legislature. 

For many participants, this portion of the workshop helped reveal that meaningful public service opportunities exist at every level of government and that many roles are accessible to individuals with experience in business, health care, education, nonprofit leadership and other sectors. 

Campaign Fundamentals for First-Time Candidates

The workshop also featured a Campaigning 101 session led by Velocity Public Affairs, offering practical guidance on how campaigns operate and what first-time candidates should prioritize. 

Topics included developing a clear message, connecting with voters, organizing volunteers and planning fundraising efforts. For many in the room, the session helped translate the idea of running for office into a manageable series of steps. 

Participants also discussed campaign logistics, including time management, organizing communications and maintaining transparency through campaign finance reporting. 

Thoughtful Questions and Practical Insights

Interactive discussions throughout the workshop generated thoughtful questions about the realities of campaigning and serving in public office. 

Participants explored topics such as researching campaign donors, creating practical campaign plans and separating personal finances from campaign operations. Conversations also touched on the responsibilities of local elected officials, including how city commissioners may be assigned policy portfolios and how workloads can fluctuate depending on community issues. 

These discussions reinforced a key message of the workshop: public service is a significant responsibility, but the process becomes far more approachable when individuals have access to the right information, preparation and support. 

Building a Pipeline of Civic Leaders

One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was the diversity of professional backgrounds represented among attendees. Business leaders, nonprofit professionals, young professionals and community members at different stages of their careers all came together to explore how they could contribute their experience to public leadership. 

Strong communities benefit when public leadership reflects the expertise and perspectives of the people who live and work there. 

Building that pipeline of civic leaders is central to the Center for Civic Engagement’s work. Through programs such as candidate workshops, mentorship opportunities and employer engagement initiatives, the Center aims to make civic participation more accessible for professionals across our region.  

Continuing the Momentum

The enthusiasm from Candidate Workshop 101 is only the beginning. Due to the strong interest in the program, the Center for Civic Engagement is already planning Candidate Workshop 201, an extension of the curriculum that will dive deeper into the practical aspects of campaigning and public service. 

In the meantime, community members can continue the conversation at Civics on Tap: Brewing Pathways to Civic Action on March 19 at Swing Barrel Brewing Company in Moorhead. The event will feature Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart, followed by small-group discussions with local elected officials about how they balance public service with careers and family life.  

Whether someone is considering running for office, supporting a candidate or simply becoming a more informed citizen, these conversations are essential to strengthening civic participation across the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region. 

Because when more people step forward to serve, our entire community benefits.