Developing public speaking skills is one of several aspects of local public office that prospective women political candidates and campaign volunteers will learn at the “Pipeline to Local Office” workshop at UMSL Jan. 22 and Jan. 24.
Women make up the majority of the population, but represent less than 25 percent of the Missouri Legislature, according to the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. In fact, the institute points out that women are minority participants at all levels of public policy leadership.
“Pipeline to Local Office,” a two-evening campaign training program offered by the institute, is designed for women interested in running for municipal offices as well as those interested in volunteering on a campaign. The workshop is from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22 and Jan. 24 in 202 J.C. Penney Building/Conference Center at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121).
Participants in the “Pipeline to Local Office” program will learn how to refine a campaign plan and budget, target voters, fundraise successfully, plan strategies for getting voters to the polls, and develop skills for successful speaking. Women who have held local office or have worked on successful local campaigns will be the workshop faculty.
Past “Pipeline to Local Office” participants have gone on to win seats as mayors, city council and school board members. Recent successful candidates in past classes include St. Charles, Mo., City Councilwoman Mary Ann Ohms, Kirkwood, Mo., City Councilwoman Gina Jaksetic, Greendale, Mo., Mayor Monica Huddelston and Normandy (Mo.) School District Board of Education members Joyce McRath and Pepper Clifton.
Registration through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at UMSL is required for the workshop. The registration fee is $70 through Jan. 17 and $85 after or at the door. A limited number of scholarships are available. The scholarship deadline is Jan. 18.
Visit the Sue Shear Institute website or call 314-516-6590 to register for the workshop or for more information.
The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life is a nonpartisan, educational entity at UMSL.
