Calling all Future Women MPs!

5.13.26pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Following the success of the event in 2007, the CGB is pleased to announce that the next Future Women MPs Weekend will be held on 22nd - 24th February 2008. The weekend will include expert women-only training on all aspects of the process of standing for Parliament, enhancing your skills, networking and even receiving style advice tailored specifically for you. Last year's event was extremely successful, and seven of the attendees are now selected PPCs!

"The Gender Balance weekend really made a huge difference to me in terms of understanding the challenge ahead, knowing what support I would receive, making a lot of useful contacts and friends and above all being encouraged to go for it. It was invaluable!"

Wera Hobhouse, PPC for Heywood and Middleton

"A motivating and inspiring weekend. The courses were informative and interesting and the trainers were brilliant. I left after the weekend with new friends and contacts and a good support network. The knowledge that I gained has helped me to tackle some of the issues I had been facing."

Karen Hamilton, PPC for Perry Barr

This event is designed specifically for future stars of the party - whatever stage you are at, if you feel you have what it takes to become one of our next female MPs please don't hesitate to apply. Please e-mail genderbalance@libdems.org.uk with "Invite me" in the subject line, and tell us in 300 words or less how the opportunity to attend this event would help you realise your ambitions in the party. The weekend will cost £150, covering all accommodation, meals and training (sponsorship may be available if the cost is prohibitive for you).

Please note that the application deadline is Friday 18th January 2008, and places will be allocated by 25th January 2008.

'It's been a busy year, an interesting year and a very rewarding year. Much of the credit should go to the Campaign for Gender Balance training I received. I would say to any woman wondering whether or not to take the plunge and write her 300 words - go for it! You've nothing to lose.'

Hilary Myers, PPC Calder Valley

For further information, please contact the Campaign Organiser, Vicky Booth, on Vicky.booth@libdems.org.uk or phone 020 73404992. Updated information about all our training and events can be found on our website - http://www.genderbalance.org.uk/events/