The St. Croix New Horizon Women’s Democratic Club Leadership Institute (NHWDLI) successfully completed its first virtual ‘Mini Political Boot Camp’ four-week series, providing more than 20 attendees practical instruction on all aspects of organizing political campaigns.
The leadership institute seeks to empower Democrats, particularly female Democrats, to become more involved in the political process for the betterment of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The institute draws on a team of local trainers and works closely with the National Democratic Training Committee (DNTC). The series was designed for Democratic candidates seeking elected public office or party leadership as well as training for volunteers and community organizers.
“Our aim with this series,” said NHWDC president Abbelle Bakr, “is to maximize the candidacy of every Democrat, especially women, by improving their performance in political races, getting more women elected, and producing qualified public servants ready to run for higher office.”
The boot camp was held via Zoom on four consecutive Saturday mornings; March 12 through April 23. Former Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen provided the opening remarks; closing remarks were delivered by Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett. Sessions included: “So you want to run?” “Taking care of self, “So you picked up your Nomination Papers,” “Funding your campaign,” “Campaign Planning and Management,” “Effective Campaign Communications” and “Mobilizing your Campaign.”
Presentations were conducted by local trainers: Abbelle Bakr, Barbara J. McIntosh, Caroline Fawkes and Melody Rames; a health and wellness session was led by Roberta Etienne. Guest presenters included Maryland-based consultant and organizer Brittny Baxter of the Democratic National Training Center and Jonathan Buckley Small, a political campaign and recruitment manager in the Washing D.C. area.
Attendees received a certificate of completion and the book “Dare to Lead” by Brene’ Brown. Boot camp participant Cynthia Challenger expressed her thanks for the training and said, “I learned a lot.”
Sen. Genevieve Whittaker, who also participated, said, “The training was excellent! Kudos to President Bkar and all the members of the executive team for putting together the great resources as those of us running or serving on a campaign support their candidate.”
Also participating in the training were senatorial candidates Diane Capehart and Nemmy Jackson.
President Bakr expressed her pride in the overall success of the boot camp. “Public service is in the veins of these amazing women, and their dedication to the Virgin Islands was demonstrated over the course of the sessions. Kudos to the NHWDC executive team who planned and launched the initiative along with local party leaders and the DTNC,” she said. “We are committed to the empowerment of women as they continue to take their rightful seat at the table and be a strong voice of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
