We're Ready to Run by Lisa N.

Several NASW-NJ members, staff and interns attended Ready to Run last weekend. Ready to Run is an annual campaign training program for women. The Center for American Women and Politics sponsors the program and NASW-NJ co-sponsors it.

Politics not your interest? As someone who attended, let me tell you...this program is still for you! Here's the beat on the street from one of our members:

Prior to this program, I really never gave any thought to running for office. I worked on Obama’s campaign and enlisted my daughters in canvassing and making phone calls, but that was the extent of my political efforts outside of voting. Recently another social worker encouraged me to be a voice and advocate for people through politics. Tongue in cheek, I said “Sure.” Then by divine intervention, or something to that effect, an opening in this program came up.

My first thought at the Ready to Run dinner was that I was surrounded by an array of intelligent women. I felt like the little engine that could in that arena. I loved looking at the diverse tapestry and listening to bits of conversation at other tables. My dinner companions were wonderful - so much so that we exchanged information and want to work together. We came from different backgrounds but our cause is the same: to help our own families, communities, or agencies in some way. One woman at my table is currently running for office in New York. She came to learn what NOT to do in a successful campaign. We learned a lot about that too!

In the afternoon, I attended Political Parties 101: Ms. Jeanine LaRue and Ms. Margaret Nordstrom were enlightening, honest, and hilarious. Coming from different backgrounds and facing different obstacles, Jeanine and Margaret are highly successful. I really related to Ms. LaRue because she did not intend to be in politics but made it. She had a lot of unlikely allies but they believed in her intentions and her integrity. That is my lesson from her: never burn your bridges because you never know who is coming to dinner.

Here's my take away from the session: there are many paths into politics and many ways to be a voice. Moreover, social workers make natural politicians and community leaders.

I hope to return to Ready to Run next year. Maybe one day I will sit up on the dais and talk about my start with NJABSW and NASW and look back over an honest and ethical career of being a voice for many on a local, state, or national level.

What's next for me? Hm mm...maybe a local council seat by 2012!

Have you heard about/attended Ready to Run? You can share your observations here.