Great Success At The 2012 Blueprint For Winning Academy

Our first campaign school for women candidates and campaign managers was a resounding success! Fifteen women participated in the academy: eight Democrats and seven Republicans. Of these, twelve are currently candidates for the Iowa Legislature, two are planning to run in 2014, and one is a campaign manager for a current candidate. The keynote speaker was Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for Women and Politics at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Nationally acclaimed speech coach Christine Jahnke worked individually and in groups with the candidates to refine their stump speeches. Their speeches and played them back while Chris gave them constructive feedback. All candidates said that it was painful, but was one of the most helpful exercises they’d ever done. Retiring board member Mary Kramer presented a motivational speech on “Leadership Before and after Winning.”

Other presenters were: Erin Seidler on communication strategy and social media, Joe Shannahan and Eric Branstad on fundraising skills, Joe Hrdlicka, Susan Cameron and Georgia Van Gundy on how to approach PACs, Courtney Greene on working with the media and crisis management, Maggie Tinsman on Grass Roots Campaigning, and Maggie and Chris Louscher on getting out the vote.

Joy Corning and Patty Judge hosted the cocktail reception Friday evening, where all candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves. A number of state officials attended that event, including Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. A short presentation was given by Christie Vilsack, who also attended the reception. Brief remarks were made at the attended the dinner by the Govenor and the Lt. Govenor. Mary Stier, introduced by Bonnie Campbell, delivered her speech, “She Leads for Results.”during the dinner.

The candidates were unanimous in their praise for the Academy, saying that it was extremely informative and some wished the conference had lasted longer. Others mentioned that they liked the fact that it was bipartisan event. Each candidate was paired with a mentor from her own party, who will be available through November, and matched with a currently serving state legislator to shadow at the capitol.

We hope that you will support candidates of your choice that attended the academy. Thank you for supporting this important undertaking.

A century is long enough to wait for equity!

Blueprint for Winning Academy Participants

2012 Academy Candidates and Board Mentors

50-50 Board and 2012 Academy Volunteers

Take a look at the 2012 workshops and events that were offered.