The YWCA Salt Lake City and The Hinckley Institute are organizing a public leadership training on Saturday, January 14th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Miller Campus of Salt Lake Community College. The purpose of the training is to encourage women to run for public office, work on political campaigns, serve on public boards and commissions, and participate more actively in the making of public policy. The training is open to women throughout the state and there is no charge.
The training will feature keynote speakers, current and past female politicians, public appointees, media experts, campaign managers, and others. Topics include: making the decision; research; campaign plan and structure; budget, finance, and fundraising; media; message, image and presentation; staff structure; public boards and commissions; and caucuses, delegates and conventions. To register for the event, visit: http://www.realwomenrun.org.
The proportion of women in Utah’s legislature is just 17 percent. Although half of Utahns are women, Utah has no women in Congress, or in statewide elected office. The new initiative—called “Real Women Run” —is intended to empower women to participate fully in public life and leadership through elected political office at all levels, political appointments, working on campaigns, or simply learning more about our political system.
“The Hinckley Institute’s mission is to promote citizen involvement in government – our mission is not being fulfilled if half of the population isn’t fully engaging in the political process. Hinckley Institute Founder Robert H. Hinckley said, ‘Making up your mind to begin the battle is half the game; nerve to stick to the finish is the other half.’ The Real Women Run initiative is here to first empower Utah women to want to be politically active and then give them the tools and confidence to make it happen,” said Lindsay Zizumbo, Program Manager, Hinckley Institute of Politics.
Real Women Run is a collaborative nonpartisan effort. In addition to the YWCA and The Hinckley Institute, the partnership includes Salt Lake Community College, Vision 2020, representatives from all political parties in Utah, League of Women Voters, AAUW, current and former elected female officials, Westminster College, and other community organizations who support women.
***Press Release from Real Women Run
