Progressive Leadership and Advocacy Network (PLAN) for Women

Posted by on November 12, 2004

National Women?s Law Center
Progressive Leadership and Advocacy Network (PLAN) for Women

Since 1972, the National Women?s Law Center has been working to expand the possibilities for women and girls at work and school, and in nearly every aspect of their lives. Under the direction of Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy, with Jamie Ekatomatis, Field Manager, NWLC is now launching an initiative to connect and elevate a diverse group of new advocates nationwide working on issues that affect low-income women and their families.

The Progressive Leadership and Advocacy Network (PLAN) for Women will bring together up-and-coming advocates who have demonstrated a commitment to working on these issues in a professional capacity and help them to develop the skills and networks necessary to take their advocacy to new heights of effectiveness.

The Center is now calling for applications for our first class of rising leaders. We are seeking individuals who wish to become more effective advocates for low-income women and their families and to develop a more prominent role for themselves in the policy-making process. In order to apply, applicants must demonstrate the following: 1) a commitment to low-income women?s advocacy in areas such as health care and Medicaid access, child care and early education, and non-traditional education and training for women, among others; 2) demonstrable advocacy and leadership experience; and, 3) a willingness to commit to attending the Spring Retreat and to ongoing participation in PLAN for Women.

As a participant in PLAN, you will have an opportunity to learn successful strategies and techniques from established leaders and skilled trainers, as well as engage in an ongoing dialogue with your peers across the country. NWLC will provide ongoing support for these new leaders, offering information, targeted skill-building and access to professional networks.

The inaugural class of 20-25 PLAN for Women participants will come together for the first time for a Spring Retreat at the Pocantico Conference Center in Tarrytown, NY. This introductory retreat will take place over a three-and-a-half day period beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 19, 2005, and ending at noon on May 22, 2005.

Conference sessions will be led by experts in leadership development, policy, and advocacy in topics such as:

– Enhancing each participant?s understanding of the federal, state, and local policy issues that affect the availability and quality of supports for low-income women and their families.
– Working effectively with policy makers;
– Communicating with the media and the public;
– Building effective, civically engaged coalitions;
– Mobilizing concerned citizens to become involved in policy decisions affecting low-income women;
– Structuring successful issue campaigns; and
– Understanding and building personal leadership strengths and capacities.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=2037&section=infocenter">http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=2037&section=infocenter</a>