By Kelly Keenan Trumpbour, senior director, Running Start
With beautiful snow-capped mountains as background, attendees at Friday’s Idaho State University Campaign College workshop headed out across campus to look for people to “vote” for them. Student elections are still weeks away, but these ballots were part of a campaign simulation to help students learn the ropes of running for student office.
Amy Wynn, mayor of American Falls
The Campaign College training was filled with inspiring speakers. Amy Wynn, mayor of American Falls, and Kristen Jensen, American Falls council member, talked about their careers in politics over lunch. Both ran for office in their early 20s and have served their community for more than a decade. Wynn and Jensen encouraged participants to commit to public service and to start their journeys in student office.
We also heard from current and former members of the Associated Students of Idaho State University. Missy Cummins, vice president in 1998–99, talked about how student government opened up her career potential after graduation. She is now the Bannock County 4-H extension educator and on a tenure track at Idaho University. Matthew Cloxham, Ross Knight, Maria Lemos, Shantel Schirado, and Shalene Summers also shared their insights about what it’s like to hold office and the daily responsibilities that go with the job.
Shalene Summers
Many of the young women who attended ISU’s Campaign College have their sights set on a future in politics. Shalene Summers, who also plans to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, helped organize the event. Summers would like to run for her local school board one day or serve as a state representative.
And who won the ballot contest? Elizabeth Kesko, with 55 ballots!
Thanks go to all the wonderful staff, students, and AAUW members at Idaho State University who made this training possible!
AAUW Dialog 