Ready to Run

Winter 2014

Workshops Support Women Seeking Office

A series of six monthly Ready to Run™ workshops will demystify the process of running for elected office and equip women with the tools to get involved in the political process, whether it’s seeking office, positioning oneself for an appointed office or working on a campaign.

The sessions, which are being held on the last Friday of the month through June, are presented by the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Ready to Run™ is a national network of candidate recruitment and training programs committed to electing more women to public office.

Workshop topics are:

January 31 – Nebraska Politics: Getting Involved

This session provided an overview of politics in Nebraska. Find out which offices are up for election, how to position yourself for appointment to a public board and why it’s important to have more women in these positions.

February 28 – Crafting Your Message

Learn how to develop your personal campaign message. Find out how to research the issues that are important for the office you are seeking and then develop talking points that cover your viewpoints.

March 28 – Launching Your Campaign

You’ve made the decision to run for office. Now what? Learn the key elements of a campaign, including establishing yourself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, balancing the priorities of political and family life and finding the support you need to succeed.

April 25 – Reaching the Voters

What are the best ways to personally reach voters with your message? Learn how to identify likely supporters, use research to your advantage and get the most out of walking the streets or manning the phones.

May 30 – Fundraising Made Simple

Whether you’re running for a local school board position or a statewide office, you’ll need money to run your campaign. Learn from the experts about the best ways to ask for money, how to develop a budget and why dollars aren’t the only donations you should secure.

June 27 – Communication Is Key

This workshop focuses on the importance of planning and executing a media strategy that includes advertising, social media and press coverage. Learn how to identify your influential messages, develop a plan and be consistent in your presentation.

All sessions are from 8 to 11 a.m. at Security National Bank, 101st and Pacific streets. Presenters include elected officials, campaign consultants, policy experts and more. Registration is required and space is limited. Cost is $25 for each session or $100 for all remaining sessions. Register online at www.omahawomensfund.org or call (402) 827-9280.

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