Campaign 101
Campaign 101: Local Offices and Boards Edition
A Day of Learning for Women of Northeastern Iowa (and Beyond)
Have you considered running for local (or higher) office or board, now or in the future, or just want to learn what’s involved? Are you interested in being on a campaign team? If the answer to either of these questions is Yes, this workshop is for you!
Women of northern Iowa (or beyond), come to Charles City on Saturday, March 22, to be inspired and learn from experienced campaigners and officeholders. An added bonus to close the day is a tour of the nearby Catt home and museum, where you can learn about the life and work of women’s suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt.
Register today. Invite a friend. Please Share to help spread the word!
WHAT: Campaign 101: Local Offices and Boards; A Day of Learning for Iowa Women
WHO: Women of Northern Iowa (or beyond) interested in running for office or working on a campaign
WHERE: Charles City Community Room, 900 Hulin Street, Charles City, Iowa
WHEN: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 8:30 am to 4 pm
AGENDA:
8:30–9:00 am REGISTRATION
Continental breakfast
9:00 am
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Nedra Conrad
9:30 am
GETTING ON THE BALLOT FOR LOCAL RACES OR BOARDS
Taking the mystery out of Step One.
Megan Secor
10:00 am
PANEL: FUNDING YOUR CAMPAIGN
Learn the essentials of locating donors and successful persuasion.
Amanda Ragan
Sharon Steckman
10:30 am
BREAK
10:45 am
HOW TO RUN FOR LOCAL OFFICE AND CONNECT WITH VOTERS
What to expect and plan for as you run for office or help on a campaign. Includes confidence-building strategies for connecting and interacting with voters and the media.
Cindy Garza
Lori Meacham Ginapp
12:15 pm
LUNCH
Box lunches from Subway.
1:00 pm
NETWORKING
Discussion and Q&A with presenters, board members, and attendees.
1:45 pm
CRAFTING AND DELIVERING YOUR MESSAGE
Address voters like a pro
Kelly Winfrey
2:45 pm
CLOSING
Final thoughts. Evaluation forms completed and turned in.
Nedra Conrad
3:00 pm
TRAVEL/CARPOOL TO TOUR OF CATT CENTER HOME AND MUSEUM
Explore the life and activism of women’s voting rights pioneer Carrie Chapman Catt, who lived in Charles City. Light refreshments served.
Linda Hughes
SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
Nedra Conrad, Webster County Democrats’ Treasurer and IDWC Vice Chair. Retired MidAmerican Energy Supervisor. Mother of three grown children, two of whom were elected to local offices.
Cindy Garza, President, Mason City School District School Board; 22-year Iowa DNR environmental engineer.
Lori Meacham Ginapp, Former Central Springs School Board Member and Cerro Gordo County supervisor. Currently employed at Mercy One Mason City in the Internal Medicine Residency.
Amanda Ragan, Iowa State Senator, 2002–2022; Cerro Gordo County Democrats Chair; community activist.
Megan Secor, Fort Dodge City Council Member; marketing coordinator for Soldier Creek Winery.
Sharon Steckman, District 59 Representative 2009-2024 and served as ranking member of the education committee; retired educator from Mason City.
Kelly Winfrey, PhD, Women and Gender Studies Director; faculty, Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University; Chair, Ames Community School Board.
Questions? Contact Us at idpwomenscaucus@gmail.com