Iowa N.E.W. Leadership is an intensive 5-day residential institute designed to empower women across the political spectrum and increase the participation of underrepresented groups in all sectors of the public leadership, including non-profits, state government, and elected office. The Institute experience is built around a challenging curriculum that develops knowledge and skill in key areas, including:
• Strategic communication
• Policy analysis
• Philanthropy
• Negotiation
• Community development
• Professional sustainability
• Networking
• Engagement with difference
• Productive conflict and collaboration
Created by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University in 1991, the NEW Leadership ™ network currently includes 21 colleges and universities serving women in 25 states.
As an organization and contributor to the University of Iowa’s commitment to fostering diversity and developing leaders in our community, WRAC is invested in offering this challenge to students because women are still not representing their communities at rates equal to their male peers. While women account for 51 percent of the U.S. population, less than one-fourth of the country's elected officials are women. Of the 535 members of the 112th U.S. Congress, only 90 are women. Across the country and in Iowa, only 23 percent of state legislators are women. Although Iowa can be proud of its long-held commitment to women's higher education, it is one of only two states that have never sent a woman to the U.S. House or Senate--nor has Iowa ever elected a woman as Governor. Here at the University of Iowa only 3 women have served as Student Government President since 1988.
While the number of women in leadership positions in the U.S. has remained small in the past two decades, our progress toward equality can be dramatically accelerated through the early education and support of women in their academic and professional lives. Iowa N.E.W. Leadership helps young women and their communities take a strong first step towards accomplishing real parity.
Who is eligible?
• Female students enrolled at the University of Iowa
• Women enrolled in any post-secondary academic institution in Iowa
• Iowa residents attending colleges or universities outside the state
• Individuals pursuing degrees in any academic discipline
• Students graduating in December 2011 and May 2012 are also eligible
Iowa N.E.W. Leadership is committed to serving students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, family/marital status, or political party affiliation. Students from all areas of study are encouraged to apply
Is there a Cost to Participate?
In order to maintain the program’s non-partisan integrity, commitment to diversity, and financial accessibility, WRAC offers this program to selected participants at no cost. Participants are responsible for any travel costs incurred getting to and from the program location in Iowa City. Acceptance into Iowa N.E.W. Leadership includes all program fees, including food, lodging and on-site parking costs for the duration of the 2012 Institute.
All participants will be required to make a $50.00 housing deposit upon acceptance of their invitation to be a part of the Class of 2012, which will be refunded in full upon completion of the program. The deposit will not be refunded if, after acceptance, the student chooses not to participate or to leave before completing the program. Interested students are asked to thoroughly consider their ability to participate in the program before applying.
The 2012 Iowa N.E.W. Leadership Summer Institute will take place May 21 through the 25 on the University of Iowa Campus. Approximately 35 women from colleges and universities across Iowa will be selected to attend.
At the Iowa N.E.W. Leadership Summer Institute, Participants will:
• Learn about the historical and contemporary participation of women in the public sector.
• Consider the role of conflict and collaboration in our individual and collective experiences.
• Build skills necessary to empower yourself and others in a diverse society.
• Develop valuable relationships with a cross-generational roster of leaders and advocates from across Iowa
• Explore the practice and influence of public policy while discovering your own powers of advocacy and collaboration.
Our alumnae describe their experiences…
“Motivation. Empowerment. Knowledge. Experience. Appreciation and respect. I’ve never been to a conference where I’ve really walked away with more than free stuff.”
“I wish everyone could attend the Institute. You created a space where I could hear, feel and see. “
“When I initially applied at my professor’s suggestion, I really wasn’t sure what to expect…but I am SO glad that I took a chance. I feel so lucky that I got to spend the week with such a talented, motivated, ambitious group of women-it really was so empowering to keep such great company.”
Thank you for such an amazing experience at Iowa N.E.W. Leadership. While I’ve always told myself that I prefer the “behind the scenes” side of politics, the Institute made me realize that perhaps I’ve told myself that out of fear. I left the Institute feeling capable and empowered, and that is the biggest gift.
“N.E.W. Leadership gave me confidence in my ability to lead. Not only for future political positions, but the current leadership posts I have and am striving for in my career. It created a real desire to know more about the world and to help change it.”
The deadline for the submission of application materials is February 17, 2012
Iowa N.E.W. Leadership is a program of the Women’s Resource and Action Center
at the University of Iowa, 130 North Madison Street, Iowa City, iA 52245.
Where can I obtain additional information?
If you have other questions about Iowa N.E.W. Leadership or the application process, please send us an email at wrac-newleadership@uiowa.edu or call (319) 335-1486.
