On the heels of November’s unprecedented mid-term elections which resulted in a record-breaking number of women being elected to political office, Fairfield University is excited to host its third year of Ready to Run Connecticut, a nonpartisan women’s leadership and campaign training program that empowers women to become active participants in Connecticut’s political process. Registration is now open for the 2019 workshop series, which will be held on Saturday, March 30, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the University’s Barone Campus Center Dogwood Room.

“In addition to the record number of women elected to Congress, state legislatures, governorships, and other statewide offices during the 2018 election, Connecticut also experienced a 'pink wave,' with a record number of women participating as candidates, voters, and now serving in the state legislature,” said Gayle Alberda, assistant professor of politics and Ready to Run Connecticut program coordinator. “Because of these successes, we expect to see more and more women seeking political office, and when they do, our program will be here to provide them with the tools, skills, and Connecticut-specific knowledge to win their seats and effectively engage in state and local politics.”

Modeled after the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) national program at Rutgers University, Ready to Run Connecticut is an all-day workshop series that equips women with the necessary strategies, knowledge, and networking tools to effectively run for office, work on a political campaign, or learn more about Connecticut’s political system. Workshops are offered on two different tracks: one for women interested in running for office in the immediate future, and another for women interested in learning about other ways to get involved in their local government.

From campaign strategists and media specialists to an array of elected officials spanning parties and legislative positions, each of the program’s six workshops employ the expertise, advice, and proven track records of state, local, and regional experts to advance registrants’ political aspirations.

“It is vital to have women at the table and engaged in politics because it brings their voice to important issues like equal pay, childcare, and family leave,” Dr. Alberda explained. “By participating in Ready to Run, women will learn from industry experts on both sides of the aisle and walk away with insider knowledge and successful strategies to make a difference in their communities and local governments.”

Last year’s Ready to Run Connecticut program featured a litany of political powerhouses and notable guest speakers including State Representatives Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield), Brenda Kupchick (R-132), and Laura Devlin (R-134), in addition to Connecticut Democratic Party Vice Chair Nancy Dinardo, among others.

“I knew I wanted to run for office… and Ready to Run Connecticut confirmed that I was ready – ready to run, ready to lead, ready to participate,” said Carolyn Vermont '82 MA'84, community liaison for the Mayor’s Office in Bridgeport, Conn. “The camaraderie developed during the program is amazing, and I learned how to engage the media, fundraise, and strategies a campaign. As an alumna, I am proud to have Fairfield University be the flagship for such a life changing program.”

Registration for Ready to Run Connecticut is $130 per person and includes all conference materials and meals. A reduced early-bird registration fee of $95 is also available until March 16, 2019.

Ready to Run Connecticut is presented in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Politics, and the Black Studies and Master of Public Administration programs and is generously supported by Peter ’88 and Kristine ’88 Holland P’19.