Campaign College Addresses Gender Disparity

Population demographics show females compose the majority of U.S. and Michigan residents, yet relatively few women run for elected office. Only 17 percent of the U.S. Congress is female. At the state level, women make up 60 percent of the population, but only about one quarter of the legislature. There is also a noticeable gap between the percentage of female college students and their low representation in student government. NMU is one of 10 colleges from across the nation and Jamaica that will address this discrepancy by hosting Campaign College.

The program teaches women how to run successful campaigns and become powerful elected officials. It is a partnership of the American Association of University Women, American University’s Women and Politics Institute and Running Start. NMU's AAUP Committee W is co-sponsoring the free local workshop, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20, in the University Center. Jocelyn Benson of Wayne State University’s School of Law will give the keynote address.

“We want to grasp the opportunity to connect interested young women to university student government within our relatively comfortable and encouraging university community environment,” said Judy Puncochar (Education), one of the event organizers. “We believe the Campaign College Women to Win grant offers a unique opportunity to boost female undergraduates' self-confidence, encourage their involvement in leadership positions and facilitate their pursuit of leadership positions after they graduate from college. We also hope to encourage student involvement in our local organizations, specifically the AAUW.”

Jon Barch (Center for Student Enrichment) and NMU student Kaylee Place co-wrote the successful grant application. The workshop includes a free lunch for those who RSVP before March 19. For more information, visit Women to Win.