Workshop on running for local office

MILFORD, Pa. — For all those people who have ever thought about serving on their school board, borough council or township board — here’s your chance to learn how to do it. Penn State Extension is offering a workshop, ‘Toss Your Hat in the Ring,’ which includes:

an overview of Pennsylvania local government and the responsibilities of a township supervisor, a borough council member or a school board director — presented by a Penn State Extension Educator
instructions on how to run: filing a petition, reporting campaign expenses and other important information, usually presented by a county director of elections
a panel of local officials who will talk about why they decided to run for office and some of their experiences since they were elected

The workshop won’t offer campaign tips or strategies; rather the focus is on understanding the roles, responsibilities and personal rewards that come with public service.

“The people who run our local governments are our friends and neighbors — people just like us,” said Penn State Extension educator Peter Wulfhorst. “You don’t need special training or experience to serve your township, borough or school district. If you’re interested in serving, care about your community, and are willing to learn on the job, we’d like to encourage you to toss your hat in the ring.”

The workshop will be offered as a webinar on Jan. 17 and 24 as well as various locations throughout the state. All face to face workshops will run from 7-9 p.m. The fee is $25 per person. Details and registration information is available at http://extension.psu.edu/community/ecd/courses/toss-your-hat-in-the-ring or by contacting Peter Wulfhorst, Penn State Extension ptw3@psu.edu or 570-296-3400.

— Penn State Extension