When you want to change your community for the better, one of the best ways to do so is to hold a public office. Public officials have the influence and power to really affect policies and government services, which can be crucial for people who are living with disabilities. Before you can wield this influence and power for yourself and your community, however, you need to run a successful political campaign. Disability Action Center NW shows you how to do so.

1 – Look to the Past & Present for Inspiration

Need a little motivation to run for office? If you are anxious about running for office as an individual with a disability, you should know that you’re in pretty good company. Even though they may not have advertised it, several presidents and world leaders were also living with disabilities. Franklin Roosevelt may be the most famous of influential political figures with disabilities, but George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, and even George Washington struggled with dyslexia both before and while in office. If you are looking for more modern inspiration, try reading about Eleonore Laloux, who is a woman with Down Syndrome who ran for office in France. So you see, disabilities don’t have to keep you from becoming a leader in your community.

2 – Assemble an Experience Campaign Team

Much like building an autism village can help children become thriving adults, building a campaign team can help your bid for office become a success. As Harvard Law School explains, most campaign teams consist of a campaign manager, fundraising consultants and volunteers, but it may be beneficial to bring in legal consultants and other professionals for your first campaign. As an example, if you want to connect with more constituents via social media, you can hire someone to manage Instagram as well as other social media platforms. If you’re wondering where to look for experienced Instagram specialists and other freelance professionals, try using a job board like LinkedIn. They make it effortless to connect with, interview and hire the freelancers you need for a successful campaign.

3 – Work on Refining your Skills

One thing that you won’t be able to hand off to your team is public speaking. If you want to win over voters, you have to be able to work through any public speaking anxieties so you can ensure success at events. If you’re simply nervous about speaking in public, reframe that energy as excitement, and it could very well do the trick. The US Chamber of Commerce has other tricks & tools you can use to improve your skills around public speaking, including preparation, practice and a slower pace. Consider using engaging visual aids, just try not to rely too heavily on visuals, so that people will be able to connect with you.