2023 Ready to Run® New Jersey

Latinas Make a Difference
The session features a roundtable discussion about the importance of having more Latinas engaged in politics and public life, including as elected or appointed officials, lobbyists, and party leaders. Topics covered include:

• why participants should be involved in politics in some way
• the experience of running for and serving in elected office
• how to be involved politically besides running for office, particularly in campaign leadership
• using community leadership positions, such as appointments to non-profit or government boards, as a way to advocate for issues and gain leadership experience

Learn more about ELLA Wins. 

Roundtable: Serving Your Community
This roundtable features women in the Asian American community who have been involved in public leadership in various ways, including elected or appointed officials, campaign workers, and non-profit leaders. Topics covered include: the experience of running for and serving in elected office; how to be involved politically besides running for office and why participants should be involved in politics in some way; and using community leadership positions, such as appointments to non-profit or government boards, as a way to advocate for issues and gain leadership experience.

Learn more about Rising Stars. 

Sister to Sister – Advice from the Experts
Real advice from the real experts – women who have done it themselves. Panelists will provide insights and advice on important topics for current or future public officials, including the importance of having more Black women at policymaking tables, the rewards and sacrifices of public life, practical tips for getting and staying informed on policy issues, image and presentation, and dealing with sexism and racism.

Learn more about Run Sister Run. 

Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other online organizing and communications resources are increasingly important for getting campaign messages out to a broad audience of potential voters or stakeholders. This session will provide an overview of best practices and offer practical tips on how to get started or enhance your online presence. 

This session will provide practical information you need to prepare yourself to run for office or to advocate for issues you care about, including developing a unique and persuasive message and improving your digital presence. We will also cover tips for communicating on-camera, connecting through virtual platforms, and adjusting to an evolving news environment.

This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign, including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, and voter contact.

This session, designed for those who are not ready to run but want to have an impact on important issues, offers an overview of the “nuts and bolts” of government and political parties in the state. Topics covered will include positioning oneself for appointment to a public board or commission and getting active in a political party.

The 2021 election heralded a historic moment for the state when the three first Asian American women were elected to the New Jersey legislature. In a  keynote discussion moderated by Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Sadaf Jaffer will discuss this historic moment, why they chose to run, the importance of having diverse voices at the policymaking table, and what this means for women in New Jersey moving forward.

The session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships with party leaders, gaining the party’s support, and will address how to respond when the party organization is not supportive.

This session is designed for those who are not ready to run but want to have an impact on important issues. Legislative advocacy is working with individual lawmakers and lawmaking bodies to gain support for your cause or initiative. Learn how to organize a legislative advocacy campaign, including gathering allies, creating a campaign structure, building a communication network, and cultivating media relationships.

Fundraising is one of the most crucial aspects of a campaign. This interactive workshop covers key components of campaign fundraising, including special emphasis on understanding why people give and the in-person “ask.” The session will also address developing a strategy for your campaign, building a donor list, recruiting and motivating a finance committee, and special events.