Category Archives: Running Start
Double-Latte Project April 2011: Running Start
Running Start has to be one of the best discoveries I have made doing school work (well beyond tools that directly help me to do my school work better). A few years back I did a graduate certificate in PACs and Political Management and in my PAC class we had to do a project about a PAC sector and of course I choose Women’s PACs 
While researching Women’s PACs, I learned about WUFPAC (Women Under Forty PAC) and from their website I saw a link to this program and when I clicked over I just KNEW I had to get involved with this organization (I mean here was an organization that was working to increase the number of women in politics by catching women early when they were teenagers! I said to myself, “I am all about increasing the number of women in politics!” Then there was the whole why didn’t they have this when I was a teen…maybe I would be running for office instead of wanting to run campaigns/encouraging other women to run 
) Anyways…I say all of this to share that this month’s Double-Latte selection is Running Start!
Running Start Programs
So Running Start has so many great programs (they are so great every time I get the emails I think to myself oh things I miss about living in DC). Their most frequent program is their Path to Politics program. Basically, each month they have a different event about an aspect of running for office tailored towards young women professionals. One of their newer programs, is the Star Fellowship that encourages college aged women to intern on Capital Hill. This program pays (its a stipend) you to intern on Capital Hill (FYI- that doesn’t happen much & I’ve interned on Capital Hill). There are other programs I could share but I couldn’t talk about Running Start without sharing their Young Women’s Political Training Program. I have been honored to assist with this program on a small level twice and the young women that come into this program are an inspiration to me (you can read a bit more about my reflections & quick information about the program here).
About Running Start (from their website)
Founded in early 2007, Running Start grew out of the non-partisan Women Under Forty Political Action Committee (WUFPAC), which financially supports young women running for federal office. Running Start was formed when it became clear that the pool of young women considering careers in politics and running for elected office was far too small. Young women and girls need to be educated about politics earlier in life if the make-up of the political leaders in our country is to transform. We must instill in the next generation that public service is admirable and achievable. Running Start provides young women and girls with the skills and confidence they need to become the political leaders of tomorrow.
Running Start supports the young women who will shape tomorrow’s world. We aim to plant the seed of interest in politics so that they will run earlier, climb higher through leadership, and share more in the decision making power of their country. These young women will bring in new ideas to help solve old problems, and will raise issues unique to their lives that have otherwise been overlooked in politics.
Applications Now Open! Running Start’s National YWPL High School Program
Please forward the below information to any high school aged young women you know, this is a FREE program except for a $10 application fee and travel costs. The application is due 16 Feb 2011! I have placed some information about the retreat below but I encourage you to visit www.runningstartonline.org to view the application and to learn more about this amazing program that introduces young women to politics.
I had the pleasure of volunteering for this great organization when I lived in the DC Metro area and the young women that I have met witnessing this program are AMAZING! These young women inspire ME to follow my dreams! I wish I had something like this when I was in high school…so PLEASE share this opportunity with a young woman you know. Let us together take female political leadership to the next level!
Finally, in 2009 program received 30,000 applicants for about 50 spots. Please encourage the young women in your life to not only apply but to apply EARLY!
Good Luck to Any Young Women You Have Apply!
- DNMP Politico
Click the image to get to the YWPL Application. Click the Link Below for the "Race to the Capitol" Opportunity.
Click Here for Race to the Capitol Contest
Additional Information About the YWPL Retreat:
The girls will learn about political leadership by working with inspirational women leaders, including Congresswomen and other elected officials and leaders in business, media and law. Experts in public speaking and advocacy will train them. We will put their own leadership in the context of the history of women in politics, and show them how vital their participation is. The girls will have the chance to practice their own leadership skills with both their peers and experts in the political field. They will learn by doing, and most of the sessions will be highly interactive. By the end of the summer retreat they will have gained confidence in their own leadership abilities, and be ready to bring their leadership to their schools and communities.
Links of the Week 19 Feburary 2010
Black History
First Black Ice Skating Pair to Compete in Winter Olympics
Top Five
Children’s Messages of Hope for Haiti
This is a link to an interesting art exhibit by an Iranian artist. She uses an interesting use of fabric and everyday household items to make her point.
Johnetta B. Cole Explains the Power of the Noah Principle
“Haiti – The Politics of Rebuilding”
Women and Politics
This is a schedule of Running Start’s 2010 Path to Politics Series. This is a great program to check out if you are in the DC Metro area.
Politico
Canadian Officials: Man Breached Security, Got Close to VP Biden
Rap star says Romney got physical with him on the plane
Other
David Stern projects $400 million in losses for the NBA
Wanted: Volunteers, All Pregnant
When Children Are Overweight, Changes for the Whole Family
Médicos y choferes: hermanos de profesión
Morehouse Alumnus’ Short Film Speaks Volumes
Why Magic Johnson Should Buy Ebony & Jet?
Oldies But Goodies
Recycling Discarded Flip-Flops
I had an old pair of flip flops break this past week and when I googled recycling flip-flops this article came up. If you have old flip flops check out the organization listed, grab some friends and split the cost of shipping!
Links of the Week 22 May 2009
I am slowly working my way back to blogging. This week’s links are light but still some good things to check out. Happy reading. -DNMP
Top Five
Running Start – Empowering Young Women to Dream Big
Running Start is a great organization that I volunteered with when I lived in DC. I like to get involved when I can which usually involves spreading the word about the organization and its programs.
The Meaning of Michelle Obama
Survey delves into high birth rate for young Latinas
Hip Chicas
This is a cute site for young girls. The focus is on Latinas but the five girls are in a band and they travel across the Americas. There is a focus on environment and other sustainable activities.
Swine Flu & Factory Farming
Blunt but to the point: There is no such thing as Mad Tofu Disease.
Politico
Biden Urges Pennsylvanians to Back Specter
En Español
Hipólito Mejía saluda el acuerdo entre Vargas Maldonado y Fernández
Business/Economy
Next in Line, But Don’t Say Nepotism
This article features a Spelman Alumna from my class. Go Class of 2005!
Oldies But Goodies
A Career in Community Organizing Becomes an Enviable Option
This article actually features a Morehouse Grad I know who has also studied in the DR. Cool guy…good article too.
Other
The Downside to Obamamania
Obama Chia pets and tattoos…no wonder more Americans are okay with socialism.
Boston Foundation report offers new data on nonprofit sector at a time of economic crisis
7 Habits of Highly Effective Twitterers
This is good for people who Tweet for business or networking purposes.
