The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics is now accepting registrations for the 2013 Ready to Run™ Iowa workshop series.
Ready to Run™ Iowa is a non-partisan, political leadership program designed to recruit and train women to run for elected office, to prepare for appointive office or to become involved in public life as leaders in their respective communities. Since 2007, the Catt Center has offered the Ready to Run™ Iowa program every other year as part of a national network founded by the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University. The 2013 program will be offered as a six-part series of workshops that begin in January and conclude in June.
“Each interactive workshop is taught as an individual training session that can be attended separately or in conjunction with the other workshops,” said Valerie Hennings, Catt Center scholar-in-residence, who is directing the 2013 program. “Each session emphasizes practicing key campaign skills and networking with political leaders in Iowa.”
Each workshop costs $20. If participants register for four or more workshops, the fee is reduced to $15 per workshop. This fee includes the workshop materials, parking pass and light refreshments.
The 2013 Ready to Run™ Iowa program includes the following six workshops:
January 18: “Introduction to Iowa Politics”
- This workshop will answer the most common questions about politics and government in Iowa. Topics will include an introduction to Iowa party politics and resources, the various types of elected office to consider and a discussion of women’s political status in the state.
2 to 5 p.m. Gallery, Memorial Union, Iowa State University
February 15: “Launching Your Campaign”
- Through the use of multiple interactive exercises, this workshop will provide an overview of the key elements of a campaign, including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization and voter contact.
2 to 5 p.m. Gallery, Memorial Union, Iowa State University
March 8: “Navigating the Routes to Public Service: Appointment to Boards and Commissions”
- Given Iowa’s law regarding gender balance on state and local boards and commissions, this workshop will focus on how to position oneself for appointment to a public board or commission, including how to submit your resume, who to contact to follow-up and tips for improving your chances of selection.
2 to 5 p.m. Gallery, Memorial Union, Iowa State University
April 26: “Fundraising for Success”
- This workshop will cover the key components of campaign fundraising, with special emphasis on understanding why people give and making the in-person “ask.” This session will also address developing a strategy for your campaign, building a donor list, recruiting and motivating a finance committee, and special events.
2 to 5 p.m. Gallery, Memorial Union, Iowa State University
May 31: “Advocating an Issue”
- This workshop will review effective advocacy techniques for promoting an idea or issue across various political and community contexts.
2 to 5 p.m. 302 Catt Hall, Iowa State University
June 21: “Conquering the Camera: An Interactive Media Training”
- This workshop will include tips for successful interviews on tough topics, how to look poised and professional on camera, staying on message, public speaking techniques, and strategies for using online and social media tools.
1 to 5:30 p.m. 1320 Communications Building, Iowa State University
The 2013 Ready to Run™ Iowa workshop series is sponsored in part by the Ames Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters of Ames, the League of Women Voters of Iowa, and a Women’s and Diversity Grant awarded by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost at Iowa State University.