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Frequently Asked Questions about Ready to Run™
Catt Center for Women and Politics
What is Ready to Run™ Iowa?
Ready to Run™ Iowa is a comprehensive, one-day, bi-partisan campaign training school offered by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and the League of Women Voters of Ames. It is part of a national training network established by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University to recruit and train women to run for all levels of office. The training is a unique opportunity for potential candidates to hear directly from prominent elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials about how to get Ready to Run™. Topics covered include fundraising, navigating the political parties, working with the media, running as an outsider or challenger, and building a campaign team.
Is Ready to Run™ Iowa just for women?
Although Ready to Run™ Iowa addresses topics unique to women as they seek greater participation in the political process, the campaign training is open to anyone interested in running for elected office, serving on public boards and commissions, and/or working on a political campaign. Women and men, ranging in age from high school and college students to seniors, are invited to participate.
Why Ready to Run™ Iowa?
Iowa has never elected a female governor and is still one of only four states that have never sent a woman to the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives. In terms of women in the state Legislature, Iowa ranks below the national average of 24.2% with 34 women (22.7%) in the state House and Senate. Beyond achieving fundamental fairness and democratic ideals, having women in office makes a measurable difference. Research shows that elected women bring to the table distinctive issues and perspectives based on their life experiences.
What topics does Ready to Run™ Iowa cover?
Past Ready to Run™ workshops have covered these topics:
Positioning Yourself for Public Office
- Raising your public profile
- Leveraging a political appointment into a run for office
- Using your private-sector skills and contacts in planning a campaign
- Assessing your strengths as a candidate
Developing a Campaign Plan
- Essential management functions of a campaign
- Building a team of professionals and/or volunteers
- Maintaining control of your campaign while letting the professionals do their jobs
- Organizing a grassroots campaign
Fundraising
- Assessing how much money you will need to raise and establishing a fundraising goal
- Utilizing direct mail, events, and political action committees
- Building a donor list
- How to make the "ask"
- Choosing a financial adviser
- Challenges of women candidates in fundraising
Interactive Media Training
- Tips for successful interviews on tough topics
- Looking poised and professional on camera
- How to stay on message in an interview
Message Development
- Developing your message
- Message delivery: How to stay on message and how to hone your message for different audiences
Media Strategy for Iowa Candidates
- Making strategic use of print, cable and broadcast media in Iowa
- Getting and using free media
Navigating the Political Parties
- Understanding and assessing the importance of the support of the political parties
- Breaking into the county party structure – learning how to work within the party
- Positioning yourself within the party
- How to deal with a party organization that is not supportive
Voter Contact
- Where to begin in reaching voters
- Canvassing (going door to door); how to create a walking list
- Marketing materials for voters
Running as an Outsider or Challenger
- Strategies for running as an outsider
- Special challenges of running without party support and/or a professional campaign team
How to Get Appointed to Office
- How to position yourself and what to expect from the process
- Maintaining involvement and visibility so you are considered when appointments are made
- Surviving the "vetting" process
- Leveraging appointed positions into a run for elected office
Questions? Contact Julie Snyder-Yuly at (515) 294-3181or cattcntr@iastate.edu
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