Ever wonder who really holds power in Philadelphia politics? Join the Committee of Seventy for a practical breakdown of the city’s ward system – the behind-the-scenes structure that shapes elections, endorsements, and turnout – and learn how becoming a committee person is one of the simplest ways to get involved locally.
Co-hosted by Young Involved Philly and 5th Square PAC, this event includes a nonpartisan training on how to run for committee person in the May 19 Primary Election. Committee of Seventy Senior Program Director Tanisha Bezue and Andrew McGinley, Vice President of Policy and a former committee person, will lead the session and walk through the nomination petition process and answer questions live.
Committee people are the link between neighborhoods and local politics – sharing resources, answering questions, and helping democracy work on the ground. Attendees will learn why this role matters, what it looks like day to day, and how accessible it is to run.
What you’ll learn
In this training, we will cover:
- What a committee person does and why the role matters
- How Philadelphia’s ward and division system works
- Eligibility requirements to run
- Nomination petitions, and how to avoid common errors
- Key deadlines and what happens after you file
- Live Q&A
Who should attend
This session is for:
- Civic-minded neighbors who want to better understand the ward system
- Philadelphia residents considering a run for committee person in 2026
- First-time candidates looking for step-by-step guidance
- Community leaders who want to support others who are running
No prior experience required.