Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center

Maine NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership was developed to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles and in politics. It is a nonpartisan educational program designed to educate and empower young people by giving them the skills necessary to become the next generation of effective civic and political leaders. By participating in Maine NEW Leadership, participants gain a greater awareness of their own abilities to lead, their expertise and qualifications to take on a leadership role, as well as the many opportunities for them in civic life and public office.  With the skills they learn and the networks they develop, participants are empowered and energized to emerge as leaders.

Transcript for Donna K. Thornton video

Maine NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership hosts its annual six-day residential undergraduate student leadership training program each year in early June. We are looking for a diverse group of students who are motivated to learn about the importance of women’s participation in public life and to develop their own leadership skills.

The program includes presentations from politically active women throughout Maine, a visit with women legislators and policy advocates at the State House, and workshops for participants to actively develop leadership skills, such as public speaking, advocacy, and networking.  Participants also benefit from the experience of faculty-in-residence, a group of women public leaders who serve as mentors for students throughout their stay.