Women in Nebraska will come together on October 10^th for Ready to Run, a political campaign school for women.  Ten women who have participated in Ready to Run™ workshops over the past few years were elected to office in Nebraska. Bonnie Coffey, former director of the Lincoln-Lancaster Women’s Commission and the current president of the National Association of Commissions on Women said the program takes the mystique out of running for office “it provides basic information that supplements a woman’s desire to be an elected official,” she said. “It provides a safe environment in which women can ask questions and voice their concerns and fears and have those addressed.”

She likens running for office to standing on a high diving board for the first time. It’s hard to take that leap, but looking out into the pool of women who have run for office makes it easier. “You still have to take that initial plunge and it’s really scary, but this helps reduce those fears.”

Since the training has been offered in Nebraska, Coffey has found that not all participants want to run for office – some are interested in working on campaigns that is also important. She’s also learned that “women need to be asked to run for office, as they don’t see themselves in that role.”

Ready to Run is sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Omaha and the Friends of the Mayor’s Commission on Women.  The keynote speaker will be Dr. Loree Bykerk, professor and chair of the political science department at the University of Nebraska Omaha.  Other featured speakers include Senator Kathy Campbell and former senator Nancy Thompson. 

Ready to Run will be held at the Security Federal Bank in Omaha from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Registration fees are $50 which include breakfast and lunch.  For registration details, contact Bonnie Coffey at [email protected].