State Representative Noel Frame is a long-standing supporter of children, education, and mental health awareness. As a progressive organizer, communications specialist, and public speaker, she has been an outspoken advocate for improved facilities and conditions for Washington students. A former foster parent, she has been a vocal supporter of increased awareness of mental health issues and the need for increased funding for our stateai??i??s social safety net.

For five years Noel was the Director of Progressive Majority Washington, where her organizing and presentation skills were put to good use as she partnered with groups representing communities of color, youth, women, and the LGBTQ community to increase the number of people from those communities running for office. She recruited, trained, and advised candidates for political office, from local government all the way to the state legislature.

Why do you spend so much time helping other progressives get elected? Why is that important to you?
My ability to advance a progressive agenda depends a lot on how many other progressives serve with me! So I work to elect fellow progressives to the legislature to ensure we’re in the majority and that we have progressive voices in leadership. I also work to elect progressives to municipal offices so progressives legislation is being enacted locally. Plus, local office holders are often our strongest candidates for higher offices, so I’m working to build the bench.

What is one important lesson youai??i??ve learned from your years of electoral work?
Authenticity matters. The 2016 campaign proved that point, even if we didn’t like the outcome. Voters are tired of what they perceive as dishonest politicians. We need more authentic public servants running to affect change in a positive way for their constituents.

What are you working on right now in the state legislature?
We are in our second special session, negotiating a state budget …

Supporters are often a campaignai??i??s greatest asset — they amplify your message and generate enthusiasm for your race within their community and networks. Donai??i??t leave that energy untapped! Here are three ways to give your supporters a stake in your campaign that will take it to the next level.

1. Hold a strategy discussion.
Invite supporters to join a potluck discussion. Explain how many votes you need to win or where you need greater name recognition. Invite them to brainstorm ways to build on your campaignai??i??s successes and overcome challenges. At the end of the discussion, ask them to sign-up to work on one of the areas you identified together (fundraising, volunteering, hosting events, etc.).

2. Ask them to take a formal role.
There are lots of specific titles and responsibilities that you can give your supporters. You can ask someone to act as ai???Office Manager,ai??? and keep your campaign space efficient and organized. You could ask other supporters to act as the ai???Correspondence Team,ai??? writing thank you notes to donors and volunteers. If supporters have a title and responsibility, they will feel like a bigger part of the campaign.

3. Be honest about your obstacles.
Some candidates think that supporters just want to hear the good news — that everything is going great. But honesty goes a long way with supporters, especially when you are facing challenges. They will love helping you overcome the hurdles of running for office, whether itai??i??s a tough opponent, a nasty rumor, or a hard fundraising quarter. You donai??i??t have to take on the burden of your campaign alone — and your supporters will feel as though they made a real difference at a critical moment.

The #MillionsOfJobs Coalition is a growing group of organizations, elected officials and labor unions who support efforts to enact a bold jobs and infrastructure package that benefits all Americans. To learn more or become involved, email us: tate@millionsofjobs.org