ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´

As part of a national movement to educate and empower women to become active participants in the political process, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ is hosting , the University’s second annual non-partisan women’s leadership and campaign training program, on Saturday, June 16, 2018 , in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

Modeled after the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) national program at Rutgers University, Ready to Run Connecticut is an all-day workshop series that equips women with the necessary strategies, knowledge, and networking tools to effectively run for office, work on a political campaign, or learn more about Connecticut’s political system. Workshops are offered on two different tracks: one for women interested in running for office in the immediate future, and another for women interested in learning about other ways to get involved in their local government.

“What makes Ready to Run Connecticut unique is that it not only offers workshops for women who want to run for office, but teaches women how to seek political appointments, learn the basics of government, and become involved in a political party,” said Gayle Alberda, PhD, associate professor of politics and Ready to Run Connecticut program coordinator. “In states where Ready to Run is currently offered, a staggering seventy-percent of the women who participate and decide to run for office win their seat. The proof is there: the program works.”

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 records of state, local, and regional experts to advance registrants’ political aspirations.

“Women 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,” Dr. Alberda explained. “Our presenters have decades of experience under their belts and are dedicated to helping women succeed in the political arena.”

Last year’s inaugural Ready to Run Connecticut program featured a litany of political powerhouses and notable guest speakers including Cristin McCarthy Vahey , State Representative (D-Fairfield); Laura Devlin, State Representative (R-134); Nancy Dinardo , Vice Chair for the Connecticut Democratic Party; and former Connecticut Governor Jodi M. Rell , to name a few.

“Ready to Run was an empowering experience that gave me the opportunity to listen to the personal experiences of very successful and inspiring women from our community,” said program attendee and ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ undergraduate Nadiah Hamid ’20. “The conference gave me insight on how to become active in the political world, and it introduced me to the skills needed to achieve a possible career in politics.”

Registration for Ready to Run Connecticut 2018 is $125 per person and includes all conference materials and meals. A reduced early-bird registration fee of $95 is also available until May 31, 2018.

For more additional program details or to register, visit .