Lillian's List of NC

Lillian’s List hosted two campaign strategy trainings for more than 50 pro-choice Democratic women from across the state on Thursday and Friday, February 2-3 in Raleigh. Many training attendees intend to run for seats in the NC General Assembly in 2012, and some are interested in running for public office at the local level or in the future. Candidates were accompanied by their campaign managers.

On Thursday Lillian’s List co-hosted a day-long training workshop with sister organization EMILY’s List. Facilitator and campaign expert Muthoni Wambu of EMILY’s List, who has worked on the campaigns of Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan among others, taught participants to choose effective campaign teams, write their campaign strategy plans and practice honing their messages to voters.

Attendees on Friday learned about recent public policies surrounding reproductive rights and women’s health. Facilitators from Planned Parenthood of Central NC and Planned Parenthood Health Systems of NC explained the serious consequences of the anti-women’s health legislation pushed forward by the Republican General Assembly during the last session. Participants learned how to best protect reproductive health and rights both on the campaign trail and on the General Assembly floor after the November elections.

Executive Director Carol Teal said most of the women attendees had been recruited by Lillian’s List to run for seats in targeted districts identified as viable for victory in 2012.

“This is a great opportunity to give our candidates the tools they need to run winning campaigns. Our candidates also form strong bonds with each other and grow and learn together,” Teal said. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to providing more support for our candidates this year. The path to victory in 2012 is pro-choice Democratic women.”

Former Rep. Jane Whilden of Buncombe County said she thought Lillian’s List trainings are a crucial experience for women planning their first runs for public office.

“This is the best training by far in terms of setting up a campaign, running a campaign, keeping it organized and knowing what you need to do next,” Whilden said. “Every time I come I get really pumped up about what’s going on and what I can do for my community.”

Named for Lillian Exum Clement, the first woman elected to the General Assembly in North Carolina, as well as the first woman elected to any state legislature in the South, Lillian’s List is an independent political committee working to elect pro-choice, Democratic women to the General Assembly in North Carolina. Lillian’s List helped elect 22 of the 25 Democratic women legislators serving in NC.

Lillian’s List will continue its recruitment, support and training of pro-choice Democratic women to run for the General Assembly and statewide offices between now and November 2012.

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