2012 Maine NEW Leadership Summer Institute
The 2012 Maine NEW Leadership Summer Institute at the University of Maine in Orono from June 1 to 6, 2012. Offered by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, this six-day, residential non-partisan training program, provided at no cost to undergraduate college women throughout Maine, educates and empowers women to become civic and political leaders. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by March 16, 2012.
Based on a curriculum developed by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers, with alterations to reflect Maine’s particular political culture and climate, Maine NEW Leadership offers participants a unique and valuable opportunity to hone their leadership skills by hearing from a variety of women leaders in politics and civic organizations, interacting with several faculty-in-residence, spending a day at the Maine State Legislature, and participating in a hands-on action project. With a goal of creating opportunities for women to become engaged and involved in public life, Maine NEW Leadership offers students experiential training in many aspects of politics and policy making, including public speaking, coalition building, networking, advocacy, and running for office. The program ensures that new generations of Maine women gain an awareness of their leadership potential and skills, and understand the importance of running for office, taking part in campaigns, and engaging in public policy development.
Graduates of previous sessions have emerged with a commitment to become more engaged in their community and take on leadership roles in civic or political arenas. A few quotes from the participants:
- “I gained confidence to go out in the world to enact change, but do it with passion and conviction. I learned that I have the power to make the world a better place.”
“To educate and empower was the vision of this program, and I can truly say that’s exactly what NEW Leadership did for me and so much more!”
- “I have discovered my power, my voice, my confidence, all which were latent within me but couldn’t reveal themselves because of the limits, labels, and stereotypes society uses to brand women.”
We strongly encourage traditional and non-traditional college women from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply. We have attached a flyer, brochure, and application form. Additional information and application forms are available at mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/?q=NEWleadership.
If you have any questions, please contact Eva McLaughlin, Program Coordinator, at 581-1646 or email eva.mclaughlin@umit.maine.edu.
