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
