Campaign 101 - October 25, 2025

May 9, 2026, was the sixth DAY OF LEARNING/ CAMPAIGN 101 presented by the Iowa Democratic Women’s Caucus. The program was held in Ankeny, Iowa. Use of the wonderful facility was courtesy of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 347.  Opening remarks were by Mary McAdams, Chair of the Ankeny Area Democrats, and  closing remarks were by special guest June Owens, Secretary to the Women’s Caucus of the Democratic National Committee.

Following is an overview of the day and the presentations.

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Jo Vetter, IDWC Chair, was host and made introductions.
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Attendees were greeted by Jeanine Redlinger (L), IDWC Secretary, and Susan Stoefen, IDWC Treasurer (R).
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Welcome to Campaign 101!
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We were grateful to IBEW Local Union 347 for making their bright and modern facility available.
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Attendees placed dots on the map to indicate their House and Senate districts.
Mary McAdams, Chair of the Ankeny Area Democrats, made opening remarks. She encouraged everyone to give their all to a campaign. "When you wake up on November 4th and you know, deep in your bones, that you did everything you could, that is the best feeling in the world.... 'I left it on the field.'"
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The Panel "Finding and Recruiting the Willing" was moderated by IDWC board member Johanna Bergan (L). Panelists were Iowa State Senator Renee Hardman (Center) and 2024 Fourth Congressional District candidate Ryan Melton (R). Rep Hardman gave encouragement to search high and low for candidates: "You need to go to the Chamber dinner...you've got to be there. Sometimes you've got to be that person that helps opportunity arrive at that person's door. Look everywhere. They're at the grocery stores, they're running the PTA meeting, they're in our organizations.... Those are the people that you want to start planting those seeds."
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IDWC Chair Emerita Mary Weaver moderated the panel, "Women With Campaign Experience." Panelists from left to right: Norene Kelly, PhD, campaign manager for former Iowa State Representative Karin Derry; State Representative Megan Srinivas, MD; and State Representative Elinor Levin. Panelists gave tips for campaigning, including choosing two theme colors you love and wear them proudly for psychological effect and keep recruiting your chain of support throughout your campaign.
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The third session of the day was "Preparing to Run," moderated by IDWC Secretary Jeanine Redlinger. Panelists from left to right: Niki Conrad, Webster County Board of Supervisors; Susan Stoefen, IDWC Treasurer and Second Vice Chair, Scott County Democratic Central Committee; and Diana Wright, MD, FACP, Commissioner, Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District. Panelists shared a wealth of information about how to find and serve on boards and commissions, in preparation for a future run for higher office. One way to be appointed or elected to a board or commission is to attend meetings and educate yourself about the issues.
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The fourth and final panel of the day was "How to Talk to Your Neighbor." IDWC Chair Jo Vetter (L) moderated. Presenters were Gregory Christensen, Iowa Democratic Party Vice Chair (center); and Sue Bryant, community leader with the Iowa City Eastside Dems (R). The session highlighted the importance of listening to voters, not "talking TO" people. We were reminded that we don't need to know all of the information or platforms. Sue and Gregory role-played knocking on the door of a shirtless dog owner who wanted nothing to do with Democrats. Sue did not disagree with him, rather she agreed that prices were high for her too, and she empathized with gas being so expensive. Eventually he said, well he'd vote for her because she was a nice lady. The session concluded with attendees participating in a hands-on exercise.
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We were privileged to have June Owens, Secretary to the Women's Caucus of the Democratic Central Committee give encouraging and inspiring closing remarks. "Now is the time to prepare to run for office. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and volunteer on a campaign. Now is the time to be talking to your friends, your neighbors, your children, your grandchildren, about the importance of voting because democracy…is based on each and every person exercising the right to vote, but daily, democracy and the fundamental right to vote is under attack."
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The IDWC Board honored Mary Weaver with a tribute and gift to honor her years of service as Chair of the Caucus. Mary has been a driving force in creating Campaign 101 and has led the organization to be active and energetic in promoting women to find their voice.
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"Class Picture." Thank you to all the presenters who made time to be there, and to attendees who were motivated to learn. How many will run? How many will volunteer on a campaign?
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