On September 28, 2013 over 200 women will gather to learn how to “Break The Glass Ballot” and get more women elected to local positions and commissions. Mark your calendars and join us! The US ranks 87th in the world in representation of elected women at the national level with the number declining for the first time in 30 years — here in Santa Cruz, there are no women serving at the County Supervisor level. It’s time to increase women’s participation in local politics. Come learn from those who’ve run before and those currently serving as elected officials. Get smart about how we support, encourage and elect more women to County positions. Breaking the Glass Ballot will offer inspiration, the nuts and bolts of running, skills building, positioning and platform advice, and an overview of what seats and appointments are open. Come whether you’re thinking of running or want to actively support women in local politics. Panel discussions and breakouts will feature local and regional politicians, appointees, campaign managers, fundraising experts and political action groups. Featured speakers and panelists include: Keynote: Mary Hughes, political strategist, former campaign manager for Joe Simitian, founder of Close the Gap California Kathy Bisbee, former campaign manager Hilary Bryant, Santa Cruz Mayor Karina Cervantez, Watsonville City Council Tory DelFavero, Soquel Unified School Board Carol Fuller, active political organizer and campaigner Stephanie Harlan, Capitola City Council Donna Lind, Scotts Valley City Council Pat Manning, campaign manager Cynthia Mathews, Santa Cruz City Councilwoman Maria Orozco, Pajaro Valey Unified District School Board Member Gail Pellerin, Elections Clerk Jane Weed Pomerantz, former Santa Cruz Mayor Ariadne Symons, Judge Ana Ventura-Phares, former Watsonville Mayor DETAILS: September 28, 2013 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Registration opens at 9:00) Location: Cabrillo College – Horticultural Center Cost: $30 (Scholarships available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds) Reception to follow event Register online at http://breakingtheglassballot.org/