Campaign School Offers Free 1-Day Class For New London County

NEW LONDON, CT — The Campaign School at Yale is offering a free one-day class for women of all parties interested in running for public office or stepping into civic leadership roles next month.

“The Basics” is a one-day course that will be offered March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in New London.

Since the presidential election, the school has seen a "surge" of interest.

Patricia Russo, the school's executive director, said "sometimes people need to feel a sense of urgency" to get involved in politics.

The class isn't only for those who are running for office. Those interested in working behind the scenes are also invited to attend.

"Not everyone was born to run for office, but everyone was born to lead," Russo said.

Participants will learn speaking techniques and effective networking skills while gaining "insights and inspiration from... alumni who have successfully run for office or led political campaigns," according to a statement from the school.

The training is issue- and party neutral, and the school has both Republican and Democratic instructors. Russo said they also have attendees from across the political spectrum.

Women’s representation in state government has decreased recently, according to a statement from the school. Women lost five seats in the Connecticut state legislature, reducing their presence to 65 of 187 seats.

“More women leaders are critical to addressing the many issues our Foundation focuses on,” Maryam Elahi, president & CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, said in a statement. “Women have firsthand experiences and unique insights into challenges that disproportionately affect them. When women are in leadership, they are more likely to take action on these issues. We support empowering women to lead, and The Campaign School gives them the tools they need to earn that right.”

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is underwriting the class, which is free for New London County and Windham County residents. Non-residents can attend for $50.

Russo said women are "often waiting for the perfect time to run" as they're busy with careers and family life. She encouraged those interested to get involved in local politics.

"Take a closer look at what's going on in your community," Russo said.

The school counts political figures at the local, state, and national levels as alums. This includes U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as well as local figures like Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.

For more information about The Campaign School at Yale or the 1-day The Basics session, email info@TCSYale.org or call 203-734-7385.