Despite being ranked 50^th in the nation in women’s political involvement, South Carolina women are taking steps needed to bring about change in their state.  The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics, a bi-partisan women’s political recruiting and training organization, is hosting its 2009 Leading Women Dinner in Columbia on May 1^st followed the next day by a campaign training and workshop.  Kathy Groob, publisher of ElectWomen Magazine is the keynote speaker for the dinner and awards will be presented to former congresswoman, Liz Patterson and former state superintendent of education, Barbara Nielsen. 

“At this crucial point in the time of our world, national and state, the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is prepared to give women the tools they need to provide leadership that makes a difference in the lives of South Carolina families,” said Institute President, Donna DeWitt.  “Our organization has all the components needed to change the course of history for women in South Carolina to assume a role in government and define policies critically needed for today’s uncertain future.”

The Friday night dinner is expected to draw a crowd of 300 guests and the event will support the financial efforts of the group.  The following day, May 2^nd, an intensive campaign training school will be held at the South Carolina ETV Telecommunications Center in Columbia. 

Partnering with the nationally recognized women’s political organization, The White House Project, the campaign school will feature workshops on campaign strategy and planning, fundraising, media and message and grassroots organizing. 

“Our campaign school is enhanced by the partnership with The White House Project.  Prospective candidates as well as people who want to become more politically active will benefit from the experience offered by the most skilled group of political trainers ever offered in one session in South Carolina,” said board member and Vice President for Communications, Barbara Rackes. 

“56% of people who went to the polls in November in South Carolina were women yet less than 10% of our state legislature, the people who decide the laws that directly impact our lives, are women.  Our Institute aims to change that, one seat at a time, until all of our people are appropriately represented,” said Rackes. 

Seats are still available for the dinner and the campaign school is filling quickly.  Make your reservation today at: http://www.scelectswomen.com.