ABA this fall will pilot a program designed to help bankers run for state or federal office as part of its efforts to promote a pro-growth policy environment in Washington. ABA’s Candidate School is a comprehensive two-day program that will provide bankers with information on how to file necessary paperwork, manage paid and earned media, fundraise, conduct research, target their message and get out the vote.

“It’s critically important that those casting votes on banking policy fully understand and appreciate the impact their decisions will have on a community and its residents,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols, noting that just 18 of the 535 members of the current Congress have a banking background. “When it’s time to set banking and economic policy, we strongly believe nothing beats real-world banking experience.”

Applications — which are due June 1 — are open to bankers and bank directors with concrete plans to run for state or federal office in the next two election cycles. The workshop will take place Sept. 13-15 in Washington, D.C.

“Bankers are already in the business of serving their communities, through their bank and through service on the boards of the local nonprofit, hospital and school system,” Nichols said. “That makes serving in public office more of a logical next step than a giant leap. If you’re a banker interested in public service, we want to give you all the tools you need to run and win your first campaign for office.”