Several participants speak with Representative Cynthia Lummis at last year’s Elect Her conference.
University of Wyoming professors Tracey Patton and Cathy Connolly will speak at the Elect Her conference at 10 a.m. on Feb. 23 in the Union Family Room.
The conference is being held to promote women’s empowerment in election processes.
Patton, a communications and journalism professor, and Connolly, a gender and women’s studies professor and Wyoming state representative, will cover a variety of topics, including the importance of communication as well as their own experiences with campaigning.
Aside from the two speakers, a panel of ASUW senators, a Residence Hall Association member, and members from a few other RSOs also will be there to talk about their experiences running for office on campus.
“Sometimes women kind of shy away from politics or government or leadership opportunities because their leadership styles are a little bit different. With Elect Her, they have more of an emphasis on empowering those women to step up and become active,” Amy Andreen, Director of Governmental Affairs for ASUW, said. Andreen is in charge of the campus coordinating for the event.
There will be sessions for students to figure out a platform or an issue to run on. There will also be a session on networking where students will have the opportunity to learn its importance and learn some skills behind the trade.
Although the focus behind the event is women running for office, Andreen encourages all to attend, even if they are not interested in running for office.
“I think that the little pieces like finding a platform or an issue to stand on is important for students. I also think that the speaking skills that they will learn throughout the conference will be great for students,” Andreen said. “I think the networking would be great too, just to get out there and spend the day with people that are excited and want to be involved on campus.”
While there is more of an emphasis on women, Elect Her is open to all students on campus. A continental breakfast will be provided at the start of the program and food from McAlister’s Deli will be served for lunch.
It is a free conference, but those interested must register online. The registration form can be accessed online at www.uwyo.edu/asuw.
