What’s on your mind, Bleeding Heartland readers? This is an open thread.

Calling any Iowa women who have considered running for office: a free two-day seminar with helpful advice for you will take place on April 8 and 9 at the Iowa State Capitol. I’ve enclosed details below on the agenda and how to register. The group “50-50 in 2020” is organizing the seminar in collaboration with The Iowa State Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and The University of Iowa N.E.W. Leadership.

Earlier this month, the Democratic Activist Women’s Network (DAWN’s List) announced its annual award-winners, including State Representative Mary Mascher of Iowa City. The full list is at the end of this post.

Get ready to run for office!

50-50 in 2020 in collaboration with The Iowa State Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and The University of Iowa N.E.W. Leadership invite women who’ve thought about running for office sometime in the future to a two-day seminar at the Iowa State Capitol. The event will be held on April 8 & 9, 2014.

Seminar Details

Date: April 8-9, 2014

Location: Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa

Cost: There is no fee for the seminar. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, overnight accommodations, and meals.

To Register:

Email mailto:info@50-50in2020.org?subject=Iowa State Capitol Seminar

Please put “Iowa State Capitol Seminar” in the subject line and include the following information in the email.

Name:

Email Address:

Cell #:

Home or Office Telephone: #

Mailing Address:

AGENDA

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

·         3:30 pm Gather, Inside the visitor’s entrance (South door, ground level)

·         4:00 pm Welcome, Room 304

·         4:15 pm Keynote, Room 304

Dianne Bystrom, Director, Iowa State Carrie Chapman Catt Center

“Women in State Legislatures: Making a Difference”

·         5:00 pm House & Senate Staff, Decorum, Rules, Attire, Room 304

·         5:30 pm Adjourn

·         6:00 pm Join women legislators for hors d’oeuvres and cash bar at local restaurant:

Open Sesame, Third & Locust

·         7:00 pm Dinner on your own

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

·         8:00 am Gather, Ground Floor, Senate Side

“Behind the Chambers” tour and visits to leadership offices

·         9:00 am Observe opening and debate, Senate Gallery

·         10:00 am or when scheduled: Attend Committee Meetings

·         11:00 am Briefing by Legislative Fiscal, Division & Legislative Services, Division, Small Dining Room

·         12:00 Lunch in the cafeteria

·         1:00 pm Meet with House Speaker, Majority and Minority Leader, Room 304

·         2:00 pm Meet with lobbyists, Room 304

·         2:30 pm Discussion & Final Remarks, Room 304

·         3:00 pm Adjourn

See the website for more information.

Kristen Corey | Program Planner

Office on the Status of Women | Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs

Iowa Department of Human Rights | Lucas State Office Building

321 E. 12th Street, 2nd Floor | Des Moines, IA 50319

W 515.281.4470 | F 515.242.6119

DAWN’s List awards for 2014:

DAWN State Elected Official Award: State Representative Mary Mascher

DAWN Local Elected Official Award: Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston

DAWN Special Recognition Award from DAWN’s List: O’Brien County Democrats Chair Kim Weaver

Barbara Boatwright Lifetime Achievement Award: Ruth Scharnau

Barbara Boatwright Lifetime Achievement Award: Ann Michalski

Rising Star Award: Katherine Valde