YOUR SERVICE SHAPED YOU.
ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT?

Apply for our program Answering the Call.

Spring applications open now. Apply by 11:59 PM ET, March 31st.

YOUR COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY NEED LEADERS WHO'VE ACTUALLY SERVED.

We'd be living in a different country if the people who ran for office were the same ones who'd spent years on the front lines — serving communities, working across difference, sacrificing for something bigger than themselves.

New Politics Academy exists because we believe the leaders our democracy needs are already out there. They've served in the military, in classrooms, in nonprofits, and in communities across the country. You believe in service over self and values over ambition.

Answering the Call is the first step for servant leaders ready to ask: "Do I want to engage in politics as my next mission?"

WHAT ANSWERING THE CALL IS

THE INNER WORK BEFORE THE PUBLIC STEP

Answering the Call isn't campaign training. It's a space for deep personal reflection. In community with other servant leaders, you'll explore what drives you, what kind of leader you want to be, and whether politics is the right next step for your service.

Through guided reflection across five weekly sessions (or a single intensive day), you'll clarify your mission and connect with people who share your commitment to country and community.

"Do I want to engage in politics as my next mission?"

That's the question at the heart of this program. And whatever your answer, you'll emerge with clarity.

5-WEEK COHORT

1-DAY INTENSIVE

FREE TO ATTEND

WHO THIS IS FOR

SERVANT LEADERS CONSIDERING WHAT'S NEXT

If you've served your community or country — in the military, through AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, in public service, healthcare, education, nonprofits, or national security — and you've ever wondered what role you might play in revitalizing American democracy, this program is for you.

Regardless of how or where you served, Answering the Call unites people who share a commitment to something larger than themselves and are ready for a values-based exploration of political leadership.

HEAR FROM GRADUATES

VOICES FROM THE PROGRAM

ATC was formative in my decision to transition from the private sector back into public service. It helped me clarify my purpose, understand how I could best put my skills, background, and passions to use, and gave me a community of diverse — but likeminded — compatriots.
ATC GRADUATE
Transitioned to public service
My path to politics was never clear until I took this course. Now I undoubtedly know that I will be serving my community politically.
ATC GRADUATE
Now serving politically
I appreciate how the program focused not on learning a formula to get elected, but on understanding what it would feel like for me, with all my strengths and weaknesses and values and priorities, to run for and then be in office.
ATC GRADUATE
Exploring a future run
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WHAT YOU'LL GET

CLARITY, COMMUNITY, DIRECTION

New Politics Academy isn't a campaign shop. It's where people who led with integrity in one arena come to figure out if they're ready to lead in another. ATC is free, nonpartisan, and designed to meet you wherever you are.

2,500+

Alumni nationwide

50

States represented

96%

Recommend the experience

Space to reflect

Structured programs that help you explore your values, your motivation, and whether political leadership is your next chapter — without pressure to commit.

Practical tools

When you're ready: storytelling, fundraising, public narrative — the real skills of running, taught by people who've been in the arena.

A community that lasts

Veterans, service members, teachers, nonprofit leaders — all values-aligned, all figuring out how to serve in a new way. You join a network, not just a program.

Support that stays

NPA doesn't disappear after graduation. From alumni networking to ongoing mentorship, we're with you for the long run — wherever the journey takes you.

THE PROCESS

HOW OUR APPLICATION WORKS

01

APPLY

15-minute application. Tell us about your service and what's motivating you. Choose your preferred session format and schedule.

02

GET ACCEPTED

We personally review every application. Expect to hear back within two weeks.

03

ENROLL & BEGIN

Confirm your spot with a quick enrollment form. We'll send you everything you need to get started.

COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQ

Not at all. A commitment to run is not a prerequisite. We're looking for people who want to reflect on their aspirations to become more politically engaged — whether that's running, staffing campaigns, working for officials, or being a more engaged citizen. If you're already 100% certain you want to run, our Foundations program may be a better fit.

Two options: a five-week cohort meeting once per week, or a one-day intensive. Between five-week sessions, expect 15–45 minutes of reflection work. You must attend the first session. After that, you can miss one session and still graduate. Make-up sessions are available.

No. All New Politics Academy programs are free. We believe our programs should be accessible to all servant leaders considering a path into politics.

Answering the Call is specifically designed for people interested in exploring political leadership — whether that's running for office, seeking an appointment, or deepening their civic engagement. If your primary interest is working on a campaign as staff, this isn't the right fit. Contact us and we can help point you to the right resources.

No formal obligations. You join our alumni network and can access ongoing programming, networking events, and the Alumni Directory. If you're considering running for office after ATC, we recommend our Foundations program as the next step. Many alumni also volunteer, pursue policy roles, or simply stay more civically engaged.

Life happens. You can defer your acceptance and join a future cohort. We offer ATC every spring, summer, and fall. Just let us know and we'll keep your spot warm.

Still have questions? Contact Laura at lauraperez@newpoliticsacademy.org

APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 31

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER?

You don't need all the answers. You just need to be willing to ask the question.