Education and Training

Campaign Trainings for Women

Political Institute for Women
The Political Institute for Women is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to training women to run for elected office and to pursue careers in politics. The institute offers educational courses and training on campaign communications, field work, finance, management, and marketing. In addition to campaign tactics and strategy, the Political Institute for Women offers courses covering the most important policy issues of the day. Finally, the institute sponsors conferences on women and politics, political leadership, and policy. 

For more information: 
Kenya D. Rice, State Director
The Political Institute for Women 
info@politicalinstituteforwomen.org
(404) 797-8650 

Southeastern Institute Campaign Training Schools
Designed to give candidates running for municipal, state, and statewide office a solid overview of campaign basics, the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics one-day campaign training schools provide information to candidates about fundraising, media relations, potential obstacles, and building a constituent base. Campaign Trainings are at three different levels: Exploratory, Basic, and Advanced. Each school is sponsored by a regional organization and each session provides valuable take-home tools to keep women running and winning in South Carolina. The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics' Training Schools are part of the Ready to Run™ National Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).

For more information:
Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics
PO Box 12333
Columbia, SC 29211
info@scelectswomen.com
(803) 741-5644

Campaign Trainings (women and men)

South Carolina GOP Academy
Sponsored by the South Carolina Republican party
The South Carolina Republican Party offers campaign training for its members through the South Carolina GOP Academy. Ten 4-5 hour trainings covering a variety of topics are held throughout each election cycle.

For more information:
Alex Stroman, Executive Director
South Carolina Republican party
1913 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201
alex@scgop.com
(803) 988-8440

Leadership Training Programs (women and men)

Leadership South Carolina
Established in 1979 by the Governor's Office and the South Carolina business community, Leadership South Carolina is a statewide leadership program giving South Carolinians an opportunity to advance their leadership qualities while broadening their understanding of issues facing the state. Each year, approximately 55 individuals (applicants or nominees) are selected to participate in six three-day sessions from September to April.   Class sessions include presentations, panels, experiential learning, and networking among class members and presenters.

For more information:
Helen Munnerlyn, Executive Director
Leadership South Carolina
Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development
P.O. Box 23205
Columbia, SC 29224-3205
hmunner@clemson.edu
(803) 788-7066 ext. 44

Organizations Committed to Political Parity

South Carolina Federation of Republican Women
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action.

For more information:
Charm Altman, President
South Carolina Federation of Republican Women
charmrnc@comcast.net

Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics
The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics motivates, trains, and provides ongoing education and information to women running for elected office at all levels, and to women seeking appointive positions on public policy boards and commissions; offers women officeholders and appointees access to mentors and other resources that will help them serve ably; and raises public awareness of the unique contributions women make to political discourse and action. In 2010, the Southeastern Institute began the Gubernatorial Appointments Project (SC GAP), a project designed to increase the number of women in high-level appointed positions in our state government.

For more information:
Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics
P.O. Box 12333
Columbia, SC 29211
info@scelectswomen.com
(803) 741-5644

South Carolina National Organization for Women (NOW)
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women's health issues; opposing racism and fighting bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence against women. NOW has over 550 chapters in all 50 states that participate in education and advocacy activities. Information on state and local chapters of NOW is available on the national NOW website and through state chapters.

Women's Legislative Caucuses

South Carolina Women's Legislative Caucus
The bi-partisan South Carolina Women's Legislative Caucus researches and promotes legislation affecting South Carolina's women and families. The Caucus is open to all legislators and is chaired by Representative Laurie Funderburk.

For more information:
South Carolina Women's Legislative Caucus
(803) 734-2964