Ready, Set, Go! Preparing a Generation of Women in Politics

University of North Carolina, Wilmington, students share their elevator speeches during their Elect Her training.

 

Elect Her—Campus Women Win at University of North Carolina Wilmington, was almost an out of body experience from beginning to end.  We organized the training around the theme “Ready, Set, Go!”

READY:

I can’t explain it; this training was something special. Each of the young women came to the starting line, equally ready to gain tools and resources to support them in their run for office on or off campus. I was so excited, thus, we all were jumping up, clapping, and hi-fiving each other.

SET:

“Starting with a purpose” is how State Representative Susi Hamilton began. She was very energetic and excited about seeing so many young women interested in politics. She opened with a series of short videos clips regarding women in politics in North Carolina. The videos told the unfortunate silent story of the harsh realities many women face in politics by their male counterparts.  Like me, the students were shocked to learn of the ways in which women are still being treated in politics today.

Current student government officers Stacy Baisden, Erica Schoppe and Susanna Black’s talk was very informative for the attendees; they each chronicled their unique experience when running for an SGA position.  A key to their success is having information to share with students about issues that is of interest to the group and building relationships around campus to support a common cause.

Linda Rawley was much like me: a little animated and high energy. I truly appreciated the energy she bought to the room, as did the students. The Communication Specialist with the Wilmington City Police Department was full of informational stories. She instructed the attendees to first see themselves as the message/messenger: What are you wearing? What about your body language? What do you want to communicate? If you are going to be a successful communicator you must answer these questions and take the time to develop a message that can be communicated clearly and concisely across the board.

GO!

The Elect Her UNCW attendees without a doubt are empowered, educated, and motivated to Ready, Set & Go for political office on and off campus! The training was a huge success due to the many efforts of Dr. Michelle Scatton-Tessier and student Morgan Avery. It was truly a job well done from beginning to end. The closing reception was particularly special because the young women continued talking and networking about their experience with Elect Her.

This post was written by Elect Her—Campus Women Win facilitator Chonya Davis Johnson