NERVE

Do you have the NERVE to run for public office?Running for office takes more than passion, experience, and a desire to serve. It takes courage, resilience, strategy, relationships, resources—and a whole lot of nerve.In NERVE and Other 'Ish It Takes to Run for Public Office, Paula DeBoles-Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of her own journey into the political arena, sharing the lessons, surprises, challenges, and hard truths she encountered along the way.From knowing your "e;why"e; and building the right team to fundraising, navigating political relationships, facing criticism, confronting race and gender biases, making difficult decisions, and dealing with the aftermath of an election, Paula offers an honest look at what candidates may encounter when they put their names—and themselves—on the ballot.But NERVE is more than a political memoir. It is a practical guide for aspiring candidates, community advocates, change agents, and emerging public servants who want to understand what it really takes to pursue public office. Drawing from more than three decades of public service and her firsthand experience as a candidate, Paula combines personal stories with practical lessons designed to help others enter the political process better informed and better prepared.Whether you're considering running for office, helping someone else pursue elected leadership, or simply curious about what happens beyond the campaign signs and political slogans, NERVE offers an unfiltered look at the courage, preparation, integrity, and determination required to step into the arena.You may not know everything that awaits you on the campaign trail—but you can have the NERVE to step forward anyway.