Greetings to Women’s Caucus members,

We all felt pretty devasted by the defeat of Vice President Camela Harris, and many of the down ballot races last November. January 20, 2025, was a mixed message day with the inauguration of Trump as the President, but also a day of service to celebrate Martin Luther King. A solution to the January 20 dilemma is to read about READY TO RUN and then register to attend!

The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics is again offering Ready to Run Iowa, a nonpartisan campaign training program that is part of a national network founded by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

This is a series of six workshops held over three Fridays in February, March, and April of 2025. It is a nonpartisan campaign training program to encourage women to run for elective office, position themselves for an appointive office, to work on an issue, or an election campaign, or become involved in public service as leaders in your communities. Males may also attend these workshops.

Since 2007 the Catt Center at Iowa State University has offered the program on the odd numbered years and over 500 persons have participated. There are no fees for the virtual February or March workshops. The April workshop will be held in Ames at Rieman Gardens and the fee is $25.00. This includes lunch and a free headshot for individuals who may want one. ( these will be needed for your campaign brochures, or for use on your social media site).

There is no limitation to registrations. Persons may attend one or all the workshops but must register by the Monday before the workshop they wish to attend. The topics may be found on the website READY to RUN, Iowa State University or https://cattcenter.iastate.edu/events/ready-to-run-iowa/

The dates are February 21, March 28, both virtual, and April 25 in person in Ames.

The following are names and positions of persons who have attended and later won their races: Amanda Lundstedt, Pleasant Hill City Council; Rhonda Martin, Johnston City Council; Jodi Selby, Adel City Council; Megan Alter, Iowa City City Council; Courtney Clark, Waukee Mayor.

In terms of women in the state legislature, Iowa currently ranks below the national average of 32.7% with 44 women (29.33%) serving in the state house and senate. Iowa still has a ways to go in achieving gender balance. Research shows that elected andGreetings to Women’s Caucus members,

I am registered. I do not anticipate running for an elected position but will be paying close attention regarding issue campaigns and how to inform and activate voters.