For Aspiring Politicians

I think it is safe to say that the only reason The W is still an independent university rather than a branch of Ole Miss, State or one of the community colleges in the area is the political savvy of its alumnae, the same alumnae who "put on pumps and pearls and went to Jackson" to save the W last year and to defeat Dr. Limbert's attempt to change the name of the school. Luckily, today women can not only lobby those in political office, they can also be elected to office, but success in politics requires more than good ideas and a desire to serve, it requires knowledge about how to get yourself elected.

The Stennis Institute and the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women invite you to join women elected officials, women with experience in campaigning, women who are political consultants, women who can help you understand the type of gender stereotyping you will meet as you campaign, and all kinds of tips about campaign finance, "how to's" -- "what not to's" and the like. Fifteen experienced women will bring you their best expertise in their fields -- information like:

• I've qualified, what now?
• Building from the grass roots 
• Communicating and overcoming gender stereoptyping 
• Campaign finance 101 (how to raise and report) 

Lunch will be provided and during lunch there will be a panel discussion regarding how to affiliate/associate with a party, tap resources and learn from your party committee. The Democrats, Republicans and Tea Party will be represented.

The closing hour and a half will be dedicated to the topic: HOW WE GOT ELECTED. Women who have campaigned mutliple times, or for multiple offices will join with women who have run for a first time. They have been asked to give you their TOP TIP to know by answering the question: "If I can tell you only one thing I have learned about running for office, it would be.................."

Then there will be a Q & A with our panel members or other speakers who may choose to contribute. No question is "too dumb"! Bring them with you. Ask them all!

Please share this opportunity with others by notifying them of the seminar. Feel free to spread this post via your facebook wall or any of the buttons next to it on the blog. Send it out to your "favorite women".

The seminar takes place Saturday January 15, 2011 in the historic capitol in Jackson, Mississippi.

You may register for this event by going to the Stennis Institute website (www.sig.msstate.edu) and looking under Stennis news on the hope page for DARE TO BE A CANDIDATE!