Women learn about campaigning at local election seminar

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Area women from across north Iowa stopped into Charles City for a day of political training at the Charles City Community Center on Saturday, March 22.

Organized by the Iowa Democratic Women’s Caucus, the program offered an opportunity for people interested in politics to learn about campaigns and network with experienced office holders at both the local and state level.

“We’re getting a foundation for people who are thinking about running for office,” said Nedra Conrad who was both a planner and speaker for the event.

Saturday’s event was the third in a series of training sessions, with this one focused on participating in local elections.

“This is more local because it’s the school boards and city councils that are coming up to vote on,” said Conrad.

Though it’s an off-year, Conrad said she was happy with the turnout as more than a dozen people came from across the area.

“We got more people than we expected,” said Conrad. “We’re very pleased with it.”

Though organized by the Iowa Democratic Women’s Caucus, the seminar was not exclusive to either Democrats or women. Anybody with an interest in learning about political campaigns was welcome to attend.

“We did have one gentleman that came,” said Conrad.

Split into a morning and afternoon session, the day featured a series of speakers offering their expertise and insight on what it takes to run a political campaign. From the process of getting on the ballot to campaign financing to how to connect with voters and deliver a message, the day was filled with discussions about the realities of running for office.

“I loved it. It was very informative,” said Kaylara Hoadley of Mason City. “I am really thinking about running for some sort of office.”

Charles City was selected as the site for the workshop because it is the hometown of voting right’s pioneer Carrie Chapman Catt. Following the workshop at the community center, attendees were invited out to the Carrie’s Girlhood Home for a tour of the museum.

Whether interested in running for office or learning more about how to be politically engaged, the work session offered valuable insights on how to get effectively involved in the community.

“I think it’s important for all women to exercise their voices and advocate for the things that they care about in their communities,” said Laurie Temple of Charles City. “I don’t necessarily want to run, but I want to support those I think would do a good job.”