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Features

Women Who Made A Difference

Zoom Sessions

Handouts to accompany the TAXES, and GOVERNING for IOWANS Zoom session are below:

Kent Scheib’s handout             Randy Baurer’s handout

Letters To The Editor

Women Defying Boundaries

WHY I AM A DEMOCRAT

Books Of Interest

Lovely One

Ketanji Brown Jackson

How We Learn To Behave

Mariann Budde

The Upswing

Robert D. Putnam

Podcasts

Iowa Congressional Districts

PRO Iowa 24

The PAC of PRO Iowa 24 has been successful in having this letter published in local papers of all five of the counties in Senate District 24. In several counties more than one paper has published the letter. READ MORE

Campaign 101: April 13, 2024

Kalona

Welcome to Campaigns 101! In April, nineteen motivated women gathered at the KCTC community meeting room in Kalona to learn a few of the ropes regarding campaigns and running for office. The daylong training included pointers, advice, and inspiration for women interested, now or in the future, in running for office or helping with a campaign.
Welcome to Campaigns 101! In April, nineteen motivated women gathered at the KCTC community meeting room in Kalona to learn a few of the ropes regarding campaigns and running for office. The daylong training included pointers, advice, and inspiration for women interested, now or in the future, in running for office or helping with a campaign.
Opening Remarks. After an introduction by Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right), Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart (right) gave opening remarks, “Iowa Values are Democratic Values.” Her down-to-earth message is encouragement for everyone to do their part according to their talents and abilities.
Opening Remarks. After an introduction by Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right), Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart (right) gave opening remarks, “Iowa Values are Democratic Values.” Her down-to-earth message is encouragement for everyone to do their part according to their talents and abilities.
Rita Hart inspired the group!
Rita Hart inspired the group!
Panel: Blue Strategies for Running in Red States. Iowa House Representative Sue Cahill (left) and longtime campaign manager Julie Stauch (middle) gave empowering advice for rural campaigns, including the effectiveness of person-to-person postcards and other helpful tips. Mary Weaver, Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right) moderated.
Panel: Blue Strategies for Running in Red States. Iowa House Representative Sue Cahill (left) and longtime campaign manager Julie Stauch (middle) gave empowering advice for rural campaigns, including the effectiveness of person-to-person postcards and other helpful tips. Mary Weaver, Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right) moderated.
Sue Cahill (right), Julie Stauch (left) shared campaign strategies.
Sue Cahill (right), Julie Stauch (left) shared campaign strategies.
Stump Speech by District 2 Congressional Candidate. Sarah Corkery gave a real-time example of a stump speech. Hers centered around the personal experiences that motivated her to action and led her to run for US Congress.
Stump Speech by District 2 Congressional Candidate. Sarah Corkery gave a real-time example of a stump speech. Hers centered around the personal experiences that motivated her to action and led her to run for US Congress.
District 2 Congressional Candidate Sarah Corkery shared her story.
District 2 Congressional Candidate Sarah Corkery shared her story.
Zoom Session: Campaign Skills for Women. Communications scholar Kelly Winfrey wasn’t able to make it in person, but she gave a remote talk that attendees found informative and full of valuable “how-tos” for campaigns at all levels.
Zoom Session: Campaign Skills for Women. Communications scholar Kelly Winfrey wasn’t able to make it in person, but she gave a remote talk that attendees found informative and full of valuable “how-tos” for campaigns at all levels.
Panel: Building Your Network and Resume. Advocate and policymaker Lisa Heddens (left) and former candidate for Iowa House Sarah Smith (middle) fielded questions about skills-building for a future run for office. Women’s Caucus board member Barbara Wheelock (right) moderated.
Panel: Building Your Network and Resume. Advocate and policymaker Lisa Heddens (left) and former candidate for Iowa House Sarah Smith (middle) fielded questions about skills-building for a future run for office. Women’s Caucus board member Barbara Wheelock (right) moderated.
Panelists gave pointers on preparing for a run for office.
Panelists gave pointers on preparing for a run for office.
Sarah Smith, two-time candidate for Iowa House, shared her tips for network- and resume-building.
Sarah Smith, two-time candidate for Iowa House, shared her tips for network- and resume-building.
Panelists Lisa Heddens (left) and Sarah Smith (right).
Panelists Lisa Heddens (left) and Sarah Smith (right).
Panel: The Core Team and Support. Former campaign manager Lynsey Hart (far left), former campaign treasurer Patty Roe (second from left), and Iowa House Representative Elinor Levin (third from left) described aspects of the campaign team and the role of the treasurer. Women’s Caucus board member Eileen Beran (right) moderated.
Panel: The Core Team and Support. Former campaign manager Lynsey Hart (far left), former campaign treasurer Patty Roe (second from left), and Iowa House Representative Elinor Levin (third from left) described aspects of the campaign team and the role of the treasurer. Women’s Caucus board member Eileen Beran (right) moderated.
Panel: Women With Campaign Experience. Iowa House Representatives Elinor Levin (far left) and Amy Nielsen (second from left) and County Supervisor Diana Dawley (third from left) shared a wealth of real-world campaign experience including working in a “mans world.” Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right) moderated.
Panel: Women With Campaign Experience. Iowa House Representatives Elinor Levin (far left) and Amy Nielsen (second from left) and County Supervisor Diana Dawley (third from left) shared a wealth of real-world campaign experience including working in a “mans world.” Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Weaver (right) moderated.
Closing Remarks. Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum gave closing remarks, leaving the group with encouragement that we all do better when we all do better.
Closing Remarks. Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum gave closing remarks, leaving the group with encouragement that we all do better when we all do better.
Assistants and Attendees. Board member Susan Stoefen (left) and local Democrats Lucinda Hoskins (middle) and Julie Lawrence (right) helped with setup, signing in attendees, and making sure everything was running smoothly.
Assistants and Attendees. Board member Susan Stoefen (left) and local Democrats Lucinda Hoskins (middle) and Julie Lawrence (right) helped with setup, signing in attendees, and making sure everything was running smoothly.
Attendees were interested and engaged and asked great questions.
Attendees were interested and engaged and asked great questions.

Campaign 101: September 30, 2023

Coon Rapids

Welcome To River House
Welcome To River House
Rita Hart Opening Remarks
Rita Hart Opening Remarks
Blue Strategies For Red Districts Panel
Blue Strategies For Red Districts Panel
Jackie Norris
Jackie Norris
Campaign Skills: Kelly Winfrey
Campaign Skills: Kelly Winfrey
Susie Olson
Susie Olson
Jennifer Konfrst
Jennifer Konfrst
Pat Shipley
Pat Shipley
Intro: Karin Derry
Intro: Karin Derry
Panel: Building A Team
Panel: Building A Team
Panel: Women With Campaign Experience
Panel: Women With Campaign Experience
Closing Remarks: Jennifer Konfrst
Closing Remarks: Jennifer Konfrst

Resources

THINKING OF RUNNING FOR A PUBLIC SERVICE POSITION?

Election Results

CHAIR

Mary Weaver

mweaver235@gmail.com

  • 515-360-8046
  • 1805 B Ave.
  • Rippey, IA 50235

Mary Weaver was elected leader of the Democratic Iowa Women’s Caucus. She ran for this office to provide a training ground and opportunities for women to use their voices to advance issues that are needed values for all Iowans. Mary is a retired public health nurse/administrator. She and her husband live on a farm in central Iowa near Rippey. She has two adult children, and three grandchildren.

VICE CHAIR

Nedra Conrad

nc11201950@gmail.com

  • Fort Dodge, IA

Nedra is from Fort Dodge and has served as the Webster County Democratic Treasurer for more than 5 years. She serves as an Ambassador from the Iowa Democratic Party to Pocahontas, Calhoun, Humboldt, and Webster Counties. She has three grown children two of whom ran for local offices and won. She retired from MidAmerican Energy where she served as the Fort Dodge Customer Office and Meter Reading Supervisor encompassing the area from Gowrie to Algona, and Clarion to Gilmore City.

Secretary

Barb Wheelock

bjwheels@gmail.com

  • Ames, IA

Barb Wheelock lives in Ames and is a retired physical therapist. She is active with the Story
Democrats and helped organize and was active in All 39, a grassroots activist group working to promote Democratic candidates and democratic values in the fourth congressional district. She has worked on campaigns for candidate for hospital board, county supervisor, house representatives, and congress. She also serves on the board for the League of Women Voters Ames & Story County.

treasurer

Eileen Beran

eileen.beran@gmail.com

  • 319-775-5234
  • Kalona, IA

I became interested in policy-level change when volunteering with a food rescue nonprofit, because I saw needs and wanted to help address them at the root. My 2022 run for Iowa House didn’t result in a win, but I’m staying engaged and hope to encourage and empower others, especially rural Iowa women, that they have a voice and can make a difference.  

Currently retired, I’ve been a writer, editor, and graphic artist. I have a BA in English Literature from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I’m from. My husband Bill and I have a married son and two delightful grandsons in nearby Iowa City. 

provisional member to the democratic party meetings

Elizabeth Wearin "Twink"

ewearin@gmail.com

  • Red Oak, IA

Elizabeth Wearin. Also called Twink her whole life. Retired elementary school teacher and principal, district level administrator, mostly in Nebraska. Returned to our family farm near Red Oak 15 years ago. Secretary of Montgomery County Democrats.

board member

Susan Stoefen

susanstoefen@fbcom.net

  • 563-570-0389
  • Rural Scott County, IA

Susan Stoefen, (she/her) lives in rural Scott County, near New Liberty. She is married to Jerry, a retired union plumber/pipefitter. They have 2 sons, and 2 grandchildren. Susan is a retired accountant. Growing up on a farm, she learned hard work and hard times during the farm crisis. In 2000, Jerry and Susan fulfilled a dream to move out to the country when they purchased the property they currently live on. The couple has been returning the land to prairie, wetlands, and an oak savanna using conservation practices. Susan is the Treasurer and member of the Executive Board for the Scott County Democratic Party. She is an active member of Iowa CCI. Jerry and Susan enjoy fishing, bicycling, hiking, gardening, and visiting family. Susan is passionately working to make Iowa a place that everyone feels accepted, loved, and able to live their best life.

board member

Carrie Larson

carrielarson9070@gmail.com

  • Charles City, IA

Carrie Larson is from Charles City and is the vice chair of the Floyd County Democrats. In the past she was chair of the Butler County Democrats. She was precinct captain and volunteer for both of Bernie Sanders Presidential campaigns. Now she is a volunteer for the Sarah Corkery For Congress campaign. She is married and has four children and nine grandchildren. She is excited to be on the board of the Iowa Women’s Caucus.

board member

Tricia Rivers

trivers@greatplainsaction.org

  • Sioux City, IA

Trisha Rivers is enrolled with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska with ancestral ties to the Pima, Meskwaki, and Ojibwe. She currently resides in Sioux City. She is the Siouxland Project Director for Great Plains Action Society, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization and serves as the Native Representative for Sioux City’s first Inclusive Committee. Trisha advocates for truth, equality, and justice, especially for under served communities.

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