ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ is one week away from hosting the state’s first nationally affiliated campaign training program for women, and the all-day workshop series’ list of presenters reads like a veritable “Who’s Who” in state and local politics. From campaign strategists and media specialists to a diverse roster of elected officials spanning parties and legislative positions, each of the program’s six workshops employ the expertise, advice, and proven track record of state, local, and regional experts to advance registrants’ political aspirations.

“Women attending will learn from industry experts on both sides of the aisle and will walk away with insider knowledge and successful strategies to make a difference in their communities and local governments,” explained program coordinator and politics professor Gayle Alberda, PhD. “From winning legislative seats to engaging in community activism, our presenters have decades of experience under their belts and are dedicated to helping women succeed in the political arena.”

Leading the list of prestigious panel members is State Senator Toni Boucher and State Representatives Laura Devlin (R-134), Themis Karides (R-114), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield), and Terrie Wood (R-141) who will impart their wisdom to future candidates on the topics of “Laying the Groundwork for Public Life” and “Navigating Connecticut’s Political Parties as a Potential Candidate,” in addition to providing a nuts and bolts introduction to Connecticut politics and advocacy.

The program’s two plenary sessions, “Media Training” and “Fundraising for Success,” will be facilitated by NY1 reporter and journalist Jeanne Yurman and The Lukens Company , a full-service direct response-marketing agency located in Arlington, VA. Yurman will impart important public speaking techniques and share tips for staying on message, how to look poised and professional on camera, and how to handle tough interview topics. The Lukens Company will address key components of campaign fundraising, including special emphasis on understanding why people give and the in-person “ask.”

For program registrants who may not have an interest in running for office right away, but want to explore other opportunities to get involved in politics, Ready to Run Connecticut’s panel includes leaders from an array of town councils and committees to guide participants on the best ways to get involved in local legislation. Speakers include Nancy Dinardo, vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party; Karen Egri, voter outreach chairman for the Trumbull Republican Town Committee; Jeanette Herron, Bridgeport city councilwoman (D-133); Deb McFadden, Wilton Democratic Town Council chair; Mary von Conta, Town of Fairfield Parks and Recreation committee member, and Carol Way from the Fairfield RTM. For a full list of presenters and a detailed program agenda, visit .

Ready to Run Connecticut is part of the Ready to Run national network of non-partisan political leadership and campaign training programs committed to electing women to public office. Developed by Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) in 1998, Ready to Run offers women an annual workshop series that equips them with the necessary strategies, knowledge, and networking tools to effectively pursue leadership positions in state and local government. In locations where Ready to Run is currently offered, 70% of all program participants who chose to run for office following their training have successfully won their political races.

Registration for the 2017 Ready to Run Connecticut conference on October 14 is still open and can be completed online at . For more information, contact Dr. Alberda at r2rct@fairfield.edu .

Ready to Run Connecticut is made possible in part by Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls.