UofL conference will educate, train college women to run for office

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2012) — Collegiate women from across the city will gather at the University of Louisville to participate in a daylong workshop aimed at training and encouraging them to run for office — both on campus and beyond.

“Elect Her – Campus Women Win” is a five-hour training workshop for students that will feature research and information about women and politics, inspiring local speakers and interactive campaign exercises.

The event is part of a program offered this year by the American Association of University Women at 30 colleges in the United States and Jamaica.

“Elect Her – Campus Women Win” will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Shumaker Research Building, Belknap Campus. UofL’s Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership and Service is hosting the event and the Women’s Center and PEACC are event co-sponsors.

Speakers include Metro Councilwoman Attica Scott and UofL Student Government Association officers Carrie Mattingly and Sirena Wurth. Tara Andrews, deputy executive director for policy and programs at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, will facilitate.

“We’re training women to bridge the gender leadership gap by starting early,” said American Association of University Women Executive Director Linda Hallman. “By encouraging and supporting more women to be political leaders on their own campuses, we are helping to set them up for success in leadership roles later.”

“It is critical that more young women run for elected student positions during their college years. Most importantly, this training will prepare anyone to run strong, positive and effective campaigns for local, state and federal offices,” said Pam Curtis, director of UofL’s Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership and Service.

Students may register for the event here. For more information, call Pam Curtis at 1-502-852-0242.