Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series

I have been very sporadic about posting on my blog this year. As I have considered running for elective office, many people have recommended that I discontinue writing on my blog as it could come back to bite me some day. In the meantime, I was very fortunate to have been accepted into the prestigious Dodie Londen 2011 Class. If you are unfamiliar with this program, it is a nine month Republican women's leadership training program. What makes this so exceptional? The women in this class are dynamic, talented, passionate, committed,and trustworthy. Our program began in the fall with an introduction to Arizona government and getting acquainted with each other. We came together from all over our state; from Bullhead City, Tucson, Phoenix, and the West Valley. National consultants were brought in to train us on a variety of subjects ranging from public relations, fundraising, election law, lobbying,how the government is supposed to function, public speaking and media just to name a few. The program culminates in a three day whirlwind in Washington, D.C. which is where I am now. Today was a marvelous day of some pre-program touring including a VIP tour of the Pentagon (including a visit to Secretary of Defense Gates' personal office)and an amazing behind the scenes tour of the rare gems and minerals at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. In between, we were fortunate to meet wi Sue Lynch, national director of the National Federation of Republican Women's Clubs and have a tour of their historic building. The real work begins tomorrow with a busy schedule of consultants training us on a variety of subjects. I will hopefully be able to share my perceptions from these training sessions. In all, this program has been very uplifting! I am sad that we are almost finished with our training. It has been so meaningful to connect and bond with such fine women. I am proud to call them my sisters and pledge to help them with their political goals. It has been a privilege to be a part of this program and I hope that I can one day honor Dodie Londen's name.