Ready to Run® Iowa is a nonpartisan campaign training program to encourage women to run for elective office, position themselves for appointive office, work on a campaign or become involved in public life as leaders in their 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 and Politics at Rutgers University.
Although some of the Ready to Run Iowa workshops address topics unique to women as they seek greater participation in the political process, the training is open to everyone.
History of Ready to Run Iowa
Ready to Run Iowa FAQs
2025 Ready to Run Iowa
The February and March workshops will be held virtually, and the April workshops will be held at Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University. Registration is required for all six workshops, but is free for February and March. The $25 registration fee for each of the April workshops covers lunch and refreshments and is waived for Iowa State students.
Register for the April 25 workshops at https://go.iastate.edu/READYTORUN through April 22
Feb. 21
Getting Involved in Politics — 9-11:30 a.m.
Overcoming Doubts and Anxiety
This session will offer encouragement and tips for calming self-doubts that you may have about getting more involved in political life.
Serving on Boards and Commissions
This session will discuss ways to get involved through service on a public board or commission, including how to use the Iowa Talent Bank to get your name out there.
Finding a Race and Setting Yourself Up for Success
This session will cover topics such as the differences between races for different types of political office, how to get on a ballot, and working with a political party versus running as an independent.
Deciding to Run — 1:40-3:30 p.m.
POSTPONED: Iowa Election Laws
This session will provide an overview of Iowa’s election laws and where you can find the information you need to comply with all rules and regulations.
Special Guests from Congress to Campus
In this session, participants will hear from two former members of the U.S. House of Representatives – one from each major party – from the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress’ Congress to Campus Program. They will discuss the importance of women’s involvement in politics and creating a collaborative environment for political action.
Campaign Experiences
Hear what it’s like run for office from a panel of speakers who have been there.
March 28
Launching Your Campaign — 9-11:30 a.m.
Campaign Research
In this session, hear how campaign research can provide the information you need to develop and deploy an effective campaign plan.
Building a Team
A panel of speakers will discuss what team members are needed in a political campaign – depending on the type of race – and how to identify people to fill those roles.
Iowa Election Laws
This session will provide an overview of Iowa’s election laws and where you can find the information you need to comply with all rules and regulations.
Campaign Fundraising — 1-3:30 p.m.
Fundraising: Donors, PACs and Parties
This session will cover how to navigate different sources of fundraising support for political campaigns.
Hosting Campaign Events
In this session, get tips on planning different types of campaign events to connect with your constituents.
Iowa Campaign Fundraising Rules and Regulations
This session will discuss state and federal rules and regulations regarding campaign fundraising and reporting.
April 25
Register for the April 25 workshops at https://go.iastate.edu/READYTORUN through April 22
Campaign Messaging — 9-11:30 a.m.
Crafting a Campaign Message
Learn the steps to creating an overarching campaign message.
Write Your Own: Writing Workshop
Get a start on creating your own campaign message.
Media Attention and Interviews
Hear from a panel of political journalists about working with news media.
Networking Lunch
Enjoy lunch with other workshop participants and get a professional headshot photo.
Talking to Constituents — 1-3:30 p.m.
Taking the Mic: Forums, Debates and Stump Speeches
Get tips for delivering your message effectively in forums, debates and speeches.
Internet Strategies, Tools and Resources
Identify online tools and resources to help you spread your message and mobilize voters.
Fieldwork and Direct Voter Contact
Learn about the legwork that candidates and their campaign teams do to make voter contact and get out the vote.
Ready to Run Iowa Advisory Board
- Amy Campbell, partner at the Advocacy Cooperative
- Barbara Hames-Bryant, immediate past president of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women
- Blake Hanson, attorney at Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. in Des Moines
- Paula Martinez, labor leader and secretary of the Iowa Democratic Party
- Kellie Paschke, attorney with Skinner & Paschke, PLLC of Waukee, Iowa
- Greg Piklapp, director of economic development outreach & government relations at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance
- Georgia Van Gundy, executive vice president at Hy-Vee, Inc. and deputy to the Iowa Business Council
- Andrea Woodard, senior vice president of government relations and public policy at the Greater Des Moines Partnership
Contact us to add your name to the Ready to Run® Iowa mailing list.
Questions? Contact the Catt Center at 515-294-3181 or cattcntr@iastate.edu