Ready to Run, Campaign Training for Women

The North Dakota Women's Network is pleased pleased with the success of our program: Ready to Run, Campaign Training for Women.

Program Aims to Increase the Number of Women in Elected Office in ND
Women often control family purchasing power, yet hold a small proportion of decision-making positions that determine the cost of those purchases.
 
Women, half of North Dakota’s population, hold only 15 percent of North Dakota’s legislative seats, one statewide office, and less than 1 percent of county commission seats. And startlingly few of those who have won office are women of color, despite the state’s increasing diversity. North Dakota ranks 46th nationally in the percentage of women in state legislature, down from 43rd only two years ago.
 
In an effort to reverse the decrease in women’s representation, the North Dakota Women’s Network (NDWN) is launching a project to increase the number of women in public office. To help prepare women to seek office or serve as campaign staff, the NDWN will host a bipartisan campaign training, Ready to Run™, on Friday, September 23, 2011 and February 3, 2012 on the Bismarck State College campus. Potential candidates will hear directly from prominent political leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials about how to get ready to run. TEN OF THE ATTENDEES ARE ON THE BALLOT!
 
Ready to Run™ features interactive workshops covering the fundamentals of launching a campaign and navigating the political parties as a potential candidate. Additionally, workshops will highlight topics such as positioning oneself for future office, gaining appointments to boards or commissions, getting involved in the political parties, and turning advocacy experience into political experience. Attendees will also participate in media training and fundraising sessions.
 
NDWN has partnered with several organizations to co-host Ready to Run™, aimed at increasing the number of women running for office in North Dakota. Partners include Bismarck State College and AAUW-ND. For more information on Ready to Run™, contact Renee Stromme at 701-223-6985 or renee@ndwomen.org