2008 Summer Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
We're glad you are interested in the Summer Institute and want to find out how it really works! Here are answers to common questions and details you may want to consider before you take the next step and apply.
NOTE: On May 1, it was announced that applications will be accepted through May 12. The old deadlne was April 30. If you see references to the April 30 deadline, please remember that it has been changed. Those who apply after May 1 will hear about the action on their application by May 23.
The information below includes
- Eligibility
- Size of the Group and Commitment
- Educational Content
- Dates & Location
- Application & Tuition Assistance Process
If you're ready to take the next step:
Eligibility
The Summer Institute is designed to identify, bring together and develop
a group of committed
women leaders of North Carolina who would like to learn more of what
to expect from running
for public office or seeking an appointed position. To be eligible, an
candidate must:
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Be willing and able to commit time
to attend two summer weekend sessions (each four
days, Thursday through Sunday), and further time for assignments between weekends - Be willing to participate in the program with a nonpartisan,
nonjudgmental state of mind
Diversity of the group
NCCWPS encourages women of all geographic, ethnic, political, socio-economic
and educational
backgrounds and interests living in North Carolina to participate in
this nonpartisan institute.
Size of the Group and Commitment
The Summer Institute is comprised of 15-20 women from across the state.
In addition to
attendance during the two weekends of curriculum, time is required for
reading, reflection,
writing, public speaking preparation and practice and other Institute
activities. We recommend
that you also seek the support you may need from family, friends, co-workers
and others who
may be affected by your making this commitment. While carrying a substantial
time
commitment, the program places much emphasis on intention and focus on
one's priorities.
The full participation of each SI Participant—in seminars and in
the work beyond—is crucial to
the success of the full group. Please reflect upon your ability to commit
to the work as part of
your application process.
Educational Content
As a Summer Institute participant, you will:
- Interact with women who have served in appointed and/or elected public positions
- Identify the constituents, organizations and groups that may support your goals
- Develop a campaign and learn how to recruit the help you'll need
- Practice presenting ideas with persuasion and confidence
- Explore the
duties and powers of local boards and commissions, including how to
shape
agendas and run meetings - Find out how to shape agendas, run meetings, and handle setbacks
- Track the local use of power and spot opportunities for getting things done.
The curriculum, led by Peace faculty, NCCWPS staff and guest
speakers, features lectures and
group discussions on servant leadership, communication techniques, mentoring,
media relations
and message development and presentation.
Sample Summer Institute Curriculum
- Women in Politics—History, Present & Future
- How Personality Influences Choices & Life Goals
- Your Political Beliefs & Choosing a Party
- Understanding the Electoral Landscape
- Budgets
- Communicating Your Message
- Creating an Effective Campaign
- Campaign Fundraising
- Ethics in Politics
- Media Relations
- Campaign Strategy
2008 Summer Institute Dates and Location
The Summer Institute is held at Peace College Campus in downtown Raleigh,
North Carolina.
Participants arrive on Thursday evenings and stay through Sunday lunch
on June 26-29 and
July 17-20, 2008. All meals, housing and materials are included in the
cost of the program.
Attendance is mandatory for the full period of each weekend. If you are
unable to attend any
portion of the Summer Institute, please do not apply for the program.
Application & Tuition Assistance Process
- Application instructions and forms
- New Deadline: May 12, 2008
Upon complete submission, the individual applications
are reviewed by the NCCWPS Program
Committee, which is made up of NCCWPS Board Members, Summer Institute
Alumnae and
selected community members. The application deadline of April 30 has
been extended to May 12, 2008.
The finalists identified from this process
are interviewed by phone by a member of the Program
Committee. The group of 15-20 Summer Institute participants is chosen
from this group of
finalists.
Selection of the finalists and Summer Institute participants is based
on established criteria and a
rigorous selection process. Participants are chosen based on both the
merit of their
applications and interviews as well as consideration for the diversity
of the ultimate Summer
Institute groups in terms of demographics, background, geographic considerations,
and future
public service goals.
NCCWPS is committed to providing assistance to deserving
candidates however possible by
providing financial assistance and flexibility in payment methods. Tuition
Assistance Request
forms are reviewed by a nonpartisan Tuition Assistance Committee made
up of individuals
outside of the NCCWPS organization and board of directors. The criteria
for determining tuition
assistance have been thoughtfully established by the NCCWPS Board of
Directors.
Candidates will receive notification of acceptance and tuition assistance by May 23, 2008. [Those who applied by the original April 30 deadline will hear earlier.]
For MORE Information
Katrina Lamberto, SI Program Coordinator, klamberto@nccwps.org, 919-508-2308