CAWP to Convene 2015 Ready to Run Campaign Training, Including Special Sessions for Women of Color
WHAT: Ready to Run New Jersey campaign training for women, plus three preconference programs for women of color:
* Elección Latina
* Run Sister Run
* Rising Stars: Educating Asian-American Women for Politics
Ready to Run is presented by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers’ Eagleton Institute of Politics. Participants will learn from prominent elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, party officials and policy experts. The registration fee is $195. Click here for online information and registration.
WHO: The bipartisan programs are for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, or learn more about the political system.
WHEN: Ready to Run Friday, March 13, 4:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 14, 2015, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Preconference programs for women of color Friday, March 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Douglass Student Center, 100 George Street, New Brunswick
DETAILS: Ready to Run features two tracks: Track 1: “I’m Ready to Run, Now What?” for women planning to run for office immediately, and Track 2: “I’m Not Ready to Run Yet, But…” for those who are interested in getting more information about how to get involved in politics. Participants will receive:
* “How to” instructions on running for office
* Fundraising and media skills
* Advice on maximizing Internet effectiveness
* Real-world advice and best practices from experts
* Strategies for positioning yourself for public leadership
* Inspiration to launch a campaign
* A better understanding of party politics
Plenary sessions include: Friday keynote lunch (noon): U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J. 12), the first woman of color elected to Congress from New Jersey, who serves on the Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency. Friday afternoon plenary (4:15 p.m.): Tara Dowdell, founder and principal of The Tara Dowdell Group and respected television commentator. Her topic is “Internet Strategies for Candidates, Campaigns and Advocates.” She will provide an overview of best Internet outreach practices and practical tips on how to get started or enhance a campaign’s online presence. Saturday keynote (8:15 a.m.): Kristy Pultorak, senior analyst at Lake Research Partners, on “What Women Candidates Need to Know.” Lake Research Partners is nationally recognized for its expertise on helping to elect women and framing issues for women voters. Saturday lunch plenary (noon): Christine Jahnke, president, Positive Communications. Jahnke’s “Conquering the Camera – An Interactive Media Training” is a perennial Ready to Run highlight, with tips for successful interviews on tough topics, looking poised and professional on camera, staying on message and speaking in public. Selected participants take part in mock interviews and on-camera practice sessions. Saturday afternoon plenary (4 p.m.): Gail Gordon, political fundraiser. Her talk, “Fundraising for Success,” addresses one of the most crucial and challenging aspects of a campaign, with special emphasis on understanding why people give and the in-person “ask,” as well as developing campaign strategy, building donor lists, recruiting and motivating a finance committee, and special events.
About CAWP: The Center for American Women and Politics is a university-based research, education and public service center. Its mission is to promote greater knowledge and understanding about women’s changing relationship to politics and government and to enhance women’s influence and leadership in public life. CAWP is a leading authority in its field and a respected bridge between the academic and political worlds.