BY BTL STAFF
After the last federal election, 6,545 women signed up with VoteRunLead.org to learn how to run for civic and political leadership positions.
More women today than ever before are throwing their hat into the political arena and while this may be a new endeavor, the national, non-partisan, non-profit organization unleashes the power of women leaders in democracy through training, technology and community.
VoteRunLead.org was founded by Erin Vilardi, formerly of The White House Project, with co-founder and board chair Shannon Garrett, who will lead five day-long seminars throughout Michigan.
The training sessions, "Run As You Are!" will prepare women to articulate their experience as expertise, demystify the campaign trail, identify roles for a women's "squad," expand local networks and outline a path to political leadership.
April 29
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vine Neighborhood Association
814 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo
May 6
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SPARK East Incubator, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
May 21
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Home Builders Association of Michigan, 6427 Centurion Drive #150B, Lansing
June 3
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Source, 1409 Buchanan Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
June 11
9:30 a.m. – 4:00
Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, 17100 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield
There is no set of rules or experience that are necessary to be a political leader and no definition of who gets to aspire to leadership. Anyone that has the passion to serve their community is able to be a leader. Most women today already have the experience, talent and networks to achieve their political ambition. For more information, visit http://www.voterunlead.org.