By Brittany Rosso
Special to Niagara Frontier Publications
The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier advisory board was inspired to develop its Institute for Public Leadership Candidate and Campaign Skills Workshop after witnessing the successful impact of the women's march in Washington, D.C., last year, and seeing the lack of female representation in office. The event visits Niagara University next weekend.
"We hope that the Institute for Public Leadership workshop gives women the interest and the confidence to run for public office," Co-Chairwoman Amanda Irons-Rindfleisch said.
"The workshop is the best way to learn how to get involved politically," she added. "You will see that there is so much more you can do and be a part of. You do not have to be a Niagara County resident to attend."
The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier advisory board will host the program from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons on the NU campus. The main focus of the event is to educate young women about the skills they need to run for political office and how to manage a political campaign. This program is geared toward adult women, and females from all over Western New York are encouraged to attend.
The cost of the workshop is $35, and includes a light breakfast, lunch and printed materials. All attendees will also receive a 200-page sourcebook to take home to use as a future resource.
At the event, attendees can expect a full day of learning. They will have the ability to meet and network with other women in politics and hear speeches from local female political and community leaders.
The event will begin with a welcoming and introduction of speakers by the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier's CEO, Kathy Granchelli. Attendees will have the chance to hear speeches on relevant topics from invited speakers including: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Niagara County Legislator Rebecca Wydysh, Niagara County Board of Elections Commissioner Lora Allen, Niagara County Board of Elections Commissioner Jennifer Fronczak, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Marketing and Public Affairs Manager Angela Berti and former Lewiston Town Clerk Carol Brandon.
The day's itinerary includes a discussion panel moderated by Dr. Jamie Pimlott where distinguished speakers will share their experiences as candidates and answer questions from the attendees. Participants include City of Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey, former Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek and Lewiston-Porter School Board President Jodee Riordan.
Event organizers said this event is an excellent way for women to gain insight to politics through interaction with other female political leaders in the community.
On the organization's website, it states the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier also works to provide "support, education, and legal assistance to women who have experienced domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse, teach women how to create their own success through educational and self-sufficiency programs, provide safe housing for the homeless, impoverished and those in need at our Carolyn House and Crisis Housing facilities, and aid in child care for all ages through affordable youth services and before and after school, and summer programs."
The website further reads, "The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We care about women and their families and offer the help and tools they need to live life to the fullest."
For more information on how to register for the Institute for Public Leadership Candidate and Campaign Skills Workshop, visit
www.ywcaniagarafrontier.org, email
[email protected] or reference the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier IPL Facebook page.