with support from Duke Energy 

February 9, 2022
11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location:
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC  29201

South Carolina ranks an abysmal 46th in the nation with only 17% of our state’s legislature composed of women and only one woman elected to a statewide position. While this is an improvement from our 50th ranking just eight years ago, we can do much better to achieve parity.

The 2022 election cycle is a whole new ball game! From the school board to the Governor’s Mansion, we need good women to stand up and run. Are you up to bat??

Spring Training: Opening Day kicks off the 2022 election cycle in South Carolina, bringing together state legislators, women currently holding local public office from across the state, and S.C. women considering running for office or working on a campaign in the 2022 election cycle. We’re “fielding a team” of women in elected office, and encouraging women considering a run to “step up to the plate.”

Registration
$50 – in person
$20 – students
$20 – virtual
Scholarships available

Participants may join us in person or virtually. MASKS REQUIRED.

Questions? or to request scholarship support contact events@scwomenlead.net

Schedule
11 a.m.
Registration opens

12:00 p.m. The Windup: Announcements | Lunch

12:15 p.m.  Welcome & Introduction
Heather Shirley Smith, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Policy, Duke Energy

Starting Pitcher: Lt. Governor Pamela Evette
Evette is South Carolina’s first Republican Lt. Governor and brings a wealth of business experience to the office. She is passionate about leadership and serves as a model for all women considering increased roles in public service.

12:45 p.m.  Inside Baseball: What Women Candidates Need to Know  (LIVE VIRTUAL)
Celinda Lake, President, Lake Research Partners
Lake is the founder of the most consistently accurate public opinion and political strategy firm in the U.S. She shares experience-based information about women candidates in the areas of electability, balancing qualifications and likeability, advantages Democratic and Republican women have as candidates, managing and addressing crises, responding to sexist media coverage, and how to be resilient and win in the future even if you lose the first time.

2:00 p.m.   Panel Discussion – Batter Up! Training Tips from Women Who’ve Run
Learn from women at all levels of public office who have already run. What did they face and what would they do differently?
Moderator: Kara Gormley Meador, Director of Media and Content Strategy, NP Strategy
Panelists:
Lindsay Agostini, At-Large Board Member, Richland School District 2
Tracie Clemons – Mayor, Town of Norway
Jenn Hulehan – Council Member, Ward 3,  City of Simpsonville
Jesica Mackey – Council Member, District 9, Richland County

3:00 p.m.  Workshops
Dig deeper during four sequential 30-minute workshops facilitated by South Carolina experts in their respective fields.

• Presenting Yourself in Person and in the Media
  Facilitated by Judi Gatson, News Anchor, WISTV and Kara Gormley Meador, Director of Media and Content Strategy, NP Strategy
  How to make the best impression in-person, on camera, and virtually, build your persona/brand and how to sell yourself to the media.
• Public Speaking
  Facilitated by Jenny Maxwell, Director, The Buckley School of Public Speaking
  What issues does the candidate want to “own” and build around and how to craft and stay on message.
• Creating a Network
  Facilitated by Lauren Harper, Founder and CEO, CityBright, LLC
  Who do you know and how can you connect them to create a campaign backbone?
• Basics of Fundraising
  Facilitated by Ashley Medbery Floyd, Political Finance Consultant
  Establishing your accounts, following the law, and raising money for your campaign.

5-6:30 p.m. 9th Inning Reception
The event will conclude with a reception honoring all the S.C. women who have run and won in fall 2021 elections, encouraging new prospective candidates to connect with women who have already “run the bases” to ask questions and build relationships. All members of the S.C. General Assembly have been invited to attend.

After the Game
Spring Training: Opening Day kicks off the Ready to Run 2022 Series of virtual multi-partisan campaign training sessions hosted by the Center for American Women in Politics for female candidates held in February and March including:

Friday, February 18, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
Launching Your Campaign 
Eva Pusateri will provide a focused overview of key elements of your campaign plan, including practical tips for voter contact, message development, and working with a campaign team virtually. FREE – registration required.

Thursday, February 24, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
OUT to Run: Empowering LGBTQ+ Political Leaders 
A panel of public leaders will discuss the importance of having more LGBTQ+ individuals engaged in politics and public life, including as elected or appointed officials, lobbyists, and party leaders. FREE – registration required.

Friday, February 25, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
Digital Strategies for Campaigns (National)
Now that campaign operations have been moved mostly online, what are the best strategies for engaging voters? This session will spotlight the best practices and offer actionable tips for reaching and engaging voters online. FREE – registration required.

Friday, March 4, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:00 pm ET
Strategic Campaign Communications (National)
This session will provide practical tips for preparing yourself to run for office, including developing a unique and persuasive message and improving your digital presence. FREE – registration required.

Friday, March 11, 20222 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
Fundraising for Success: Part 1 (National)
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of campaigning. This webinar covers key components of campaign fundraising, including developing a strategy for your campaign, building a donor list, and recruiting a finance committee. FREE – registration required.

Friday, March 18, 2022 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
Fundraising for Success: Part 2 (National)
FREE – registration required.