Policy and Politics for this Nurse Practitioner

I had an “ah-ha” moment today, here are my thoughts:

I served in the United States Army,  completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I currently serve my community in various ways, to include Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids.org) and American Women Veterans (http://americanwomenveterans.org).  Both are two organizations that I love on a soul level.

I think it is time to serve on another level, to have the positive impact on my community and the nation I am proud to be a citizen of.

That being said I have decided that for my birthday instead of spending money on material objects or things that won’t make me happy, I signed up to take a short 2 day course called “Ready to Run”.  I am not ready to put up signs declaring my candidacy just yet.  But, I have decided to ask for more mentorship from my friends and take an active role in my education of policy and politics.

I know I should outline my own political views but really I am still confused as to what I subscribe to exactly. I don’t think I belong to a specific party. I vote for issues and policies that help the community help themselves and grow. I don’t agree in handouts, but agree that those willing to put effort and work into life should be encouraged and helped.  My hope is that my friends understand and support me in this new journey. (P.S. we are all more than just anything, we are who we are).

Here is more information about the course I am taking: http://shri.unm.edu/readytorun.html

Research shows that women make government more transparent, inclusive and accessible, but too few women serve. In 2012, only 17% of US Congress was female, and women held only 27.7% of state legislative seats in New Mexico.

Ready to Run NM seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in public office in the state. A training program will be held in April 2013 over one-and –a-half days. Through an innovative curriculum that incorporates the political culture of the state, the program will present state and local campaign experts to highlight the specifics of running for public office. The program seeks to demystify the process of running for elected office, encourage more women to mount campaigns, and introduce them to elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials in the state to whom they can turn as they get ready to run.

Ready to Run™ program attendees walk away with...

“How to” instructions on running for office

Fundraising and media skills

Real-world advice and best practices from experts

Strategies for positioning yourself for public leadership

Inspiration to launch a campaign

A better understanding of party politics

Internet strategies for political campaigns

You can make a difference. Attend the Ready to Run New Mexico conference on April 12 and 13, 2013.

Please see details below.

Friday, April 12, 2013

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - "Miss Representation, " a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, will be shown at the Student Union Building, Luminaria Room. The film explores how the media's misrepresentation of women has led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence. The film is sponsored by Political Science Graduate Student Association (GSA).

5:00 PM - Registration opens at the MCM Elegante Hotel, Atrium Room

6:00 PM - Keynote Address and Welcome Dinner.

Former Congresswoman Heather Wilson will deliver the Keynote Address.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Speakers include: State Senator Lisa Torraco; State Representative Jane Powdrell-Culbert; State Representative Georgene Louis; Mary Herrera, Former Secretary of State and many more.

Santa Ana A&B Conference Rooms, Student Union Building, UNM Main Campus

8:00 – 8:30 AM             Registration and Breakfast

8:30 - 9:45 AM             Morning Plenary:

Welcome: Dr. Christine Sierra, Director, Southwest Hispanic Research Institute & Professor of Political Science, UNM

9:45 - 10:00 AM           Break

10:00 – 11:30 AM         Breakout Session 1

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Launching Your Campaign

This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign; including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, fundraising, Internet strategies and voter contact.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Introduction to New Mexico Politics and Public Life

This session, designed for those who are not ready to run, offers an overview of public life, leveraging community leadership for political leadership, types of offices to consider, and balancing competing priorities of a political career and family life.

11:30 – 11:45 PM          Break

11:45 – 2:15 PM           Luncheon Plenary

2:15 – 2:30 PM             Break

2:30 – 4:00 PM             Breakout Session 2

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Delivering Your Message: Platforms, Interviews and Public Relations

This session will provide a more in-depth look at how to clearly deliver your message and your political platform. You will learn both how to formulate your message and how to deliver it effectively to voters.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Navigating New Mexico Networks: Parties and Organizations

This session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships within parties and interest groups, and gaining party support. Here you will meet with party and interest group representatives and will be given a chance to network with political leaders in New Mexico.

4:15 – 5:30 PM           Closing Plenary: Strategies for Success