AAUW hosting voter education, training event

American Association of University Women of North Dakota is hosting “It’s My Voice: I Will Be Heard,” an intensive voter education and turnout campaign training seminar, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 13 at Jamestown College. “It’s My Voice: I Will Be Heard” is a nationwide nonpartisan campaign aimed at educating and mobilizing young women for the 2012 elections, launched by The AAUW Action Fund. North Dakota was one of 15 states selected for the training seminar.

At the training, which is free of charge, participants will learn about building a voter turnout plan, targeting potential voters, the AAUW’s Action Fund campaign’s special focus on women of the millennial generation (ages 18-30), and using social media and traditional media for public relations. National AAUW staff will talk about building relationships with key voting groups and state coalitions.

As the largest generation since the baby boomers, today’s 18- to 30-year-olds present the strongest opportunity to increase voter turnout among women, particularly because millions of them will be eligible to vote for the first time this year, while many others have yet to establish the habit of voting.

“We recognize the power of a single vote, and we encourage all citizens to cast an informed ballot,” said Julie Garrett, AAUW of North Dakota president. “‘It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard’ is focused on engaging young women on the issues, and to encourage them to vote and be heard.”

In addition to mobilizing young women, “It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard” will also focus on critical issues that affect women’s everyday lives, such as jobs, college affordability, health care and access to birth control.

“Running For Our Lives: N.D. Women in Leadership” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. April 14 on the Jamestown College campus in conjunction with the AAUW state meeting. The educational and interactive sessions are open to the public with a registration fee required.

For additional information on both events and to register for the free “It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard” training go to http://aauw-nd.aauw.net/state-confer

ence/registration/ or call 701-669-2242.

Tags: news, education, voting