Increasing Women’s Political Participation In Guyana

Increasing Women’s Political Participationin GuyanaTrainer’s Manual: Candidate SkillsNational Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)Guyana

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs2030 M Street, NW, Fifth FloorWashington DC, 20036-3306Tel.: (202) 728-5500 Fax: (202) 728-5520E-Mail: contact@ndi.orgHome Page: www.ndi.orgProduced by:Michael O. MurphyChantalle SmithPaula BetuzziNDI, GuyanaCopyright National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) 2004. All rightsreserved. Portions of this work may be reproduced and/or translated for noncommercialpurposes provided NDI is acknowledged as the source of the material and is sentcopies of any translation.

TTaabbllee ooff ow to Use This Training Manual1Tips For The Trainer4Module 1:Leadership SkillsTab 1Module 2:Understanding Local GovernmentTab 2Module 3:Effective Use of the MediaTab 3Module 4:Negotiation SkillsTab 4Module 5:Managing a Political CampaignTab 5Module 6:Voter Identification and OutreachTab 6Module 7:Campaign FundraisingTab 7Attendance SheetTab 8Ground Rules for TrainingTab 8Evaluation FormTab 8Additional ResourcesTab 8

AAcckknnoowwlleeddggeemmeennttssThis publication was made possible through the support provided by the office of theU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Guyana Mission, under the termsof Award No. 504-A-00-00-00110-00.IR4Civil Society Influences Public PolicyIncreasing Women’s Political ParticipationTraining Manual for Potential CandidatesNDI thanks the facilitators who provided training to the trainers in the Institute’sIncreasing Women’s Political Participation in Guyana program and who furnished thematerial contained within this manual: Vincent Alexander (Understanding LocalGovernment), Winston Cramer (Understanding Local Government), Carolyn Darrow(Voter Identification and Outreach), Karen Davis (Effective Use of the Media), KarenDeSouza (Managing a Political Campaign), Gerardo LeChevallier (Negotiation Skills),Bonita Harris (Leadership Skills) and Linda Mitchell (Campaign Fundraising). NDI alsoacknowledges the master trainers who were the first to utilize the modules and training:Genevieve Allen, Roxanne Myers, Daune Pratt, Lisa Thompson, Anoopwattie Veeren,Sheila Veerasammy and Brenda Williams.NDI is also grateful to those who have helped coordinate the training sessions in theregions: Sandra Baldeo, Gloria Bancroft, Indra Chandarpal, Anne Forde, PatriciaFredericks, Mary Jones, Sandra Persaud, Cheryl Sampson, Sharon Santiago, ValerieSharpe, Shanta Springer and Hyacinth Stuart.Sections of the following publications were adapted for use in the Trainer’s Tips:¾ Walk and Talk, NDI Croatia, 1999.¾ Nominating for Change: Strengthening Women’s Position in Political Parties,A Training of Trainers Manual, NDI Indonesia, 2003.NDI gratefully acknowledges the support of the USAID Guyana Mission, which fundedboth the Increasing Women’s Political Participation in Guyana program and thepublication of this Trainer’s Manual.The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflectthe views of USAID.i.

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonnTens of thousands of talented women stand ready to use their professional expertise inpublic life; at the same time, they are dramatically underrepresented in positions ofpolitical leadership around the world.Madeleine K. AlbrightNDI ChairmanWomen bring a different perspective, a critical perspective, to politics. The meaningfulinclusion of women is integral to vibrant democratic development.In June 2001, NDI launched the Increasing Women’s Political Participation in Guyanaprogram. It was designed to increase women’s participation in decision-makinggenerally and, more specifically, to encourage women to run in upcoming localgovernment elections. A major component of the program focused on training potentialcandidates in Guyana’s ten administrative regions. Over three hundred women havebeen trained in Leadership Skills, Understanding Local Government, Effective Use ofthe Media, Negotiation Skills, Campaign Management, Voter Identification andOutreach and Campaign Fundraising.As part of the Increasing Women’s Political Participation program, NDI developed asurvey on Public Perceptions About Women in Politics. Results showed that womenwere not participating in public life at the decision-making level. Further, women did notsee a connection between community development and personal and familial wellbeing.The survey showed that although women were not participating in public life at thedecision-making level, they had a great sense of civic responsibility and hope that localelections would give birth to more responsive, citizen-oriented forms of local authorities.Women who decide to venture into the political arena and participate in this trainingprogram are making a decision to become involved in shaping public policy on issuesthat affect their communities and, by extension, the country as a whole. Localgovernment is the link between the community and national politics. As such, it is avehicle for women to use to influence both the political agenda and the politicalenvironment in Guyana.The ultimate goal of NDI’s Increasing Women’s Political Participation in Guyanaprogram is to increase the number of Guyanese women in elected office to 50 percentof the total number of seats nationwide.ii.

The Trainer’s Manual provides trainers with a guide to training women who have aninterest in becoming political candidates or increasing their level of decision-making intheir communities. The Manual contains notes, activities and handouts to guide thetrainer through each of the modules and facilitate learning and skill acquisition amongthe participants.Michael O. MurphyCountry DirectorNDI, GuyanaApril 2004iii.

IntroductionHHooww ttoo UUssee TThhiiss TTrraaiinniinngg MMaannuuaallHOW THE MANUAL IS ORGANIZEDEach module starts off with the objectives for the training session and a list of materialsthat the trainer needs to obtain before the training session. An agenda for the sessionfollows.OBJECTIVESObjectives of the training session are stated.MATERIALS9 Materials needed for the training session are listed.TRAINING SESSION AGENDAThe Training Session Agenda is printed on one or two pages, depending on theModule, and it outlines all the agenda topics for the training session.Photocopy the agenda prior to the training session and distribute to theparticipants at the start of Day 1.Module 4:TRAINING SESSION AGENDANNeeggoottiiaattiioonn SSkkiilllssNNeeggoottiiaattiioonn SSkkiilllssOBJECTIVESTo learn negotiation skillsMATERIALS9 Copies of registration and evaluationforms9 Attendance sheet for each day9 Copies of the agenda9 Copies of the handouts andnewspaper clippings9 Chalkboard or flip chart, chalk andmarkers9 Note pads and pens for participants9 Newspaper clippings9 RiceDay 1Opening SessionRegistrationIntroductionsGround Rules for TrainingMorning Session“Three Grains of Rice” Exercise“Sinking Boat in Essequibo” ExerciseAfternoon SessionSteps in Preparing for and Conducting Negotiations Before Negotiation During Negotiation Three Common Negotiation Situations1

Trainer’s Manual: Candidate SkillsREGISTRATION FORMA participant registration form is included for each module.Photocopy the registration form in advance of the training session and distributeto the participants for them to fill out at the beginning of each training session.The purpose of the information is to assist the trainer in getting to know theparticipants and to help establish networks of participants for future events.GROUND RULES FOR TRAININGThe handout Ground Rules for Training is included at the back of the Trainer’sManual, under Tab 8.This is a handout that is meant to establish with the participants some groundrules for training.Photocopy this handout before each training session and distribute and reviewwith participants during the Opening Session on Day 1 of each training session.TRAINING SESSION TOPICS: Headings and SectionsEach module has notes and handouts for the trainer to use in the facilitation of eachtraining session.The trainer’s notes are organized by days (Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, whereapplicable).Following the Opening Session on Day 1, each day is broken up into a MorningSession and an Afternoon Session, as a guide for the trainer. Example:Day 1Morning SessionMaterial to share with the participants is contained below major topic headingsand sub-topic headings.2Increasing Women’s Political Participation in GuyanaNational Democratic Institute for International Affairs

IntroductionMAJOR TOPIC HEADINGSEach major topic of the training session is identified as a heading within thetrainer’s notes. Example:INTRODUCTION: WHY MEDIA TRAINING?Sub-Topic HeadingsSub-topics are also easily identified as a heading within the modules. Example:Basics of a Media ProgramTRAINER’S GUIDEInformation for the trainer to lead the discussion or lead the participants throughthe various activities is provided under this sub-heading.NOTE TO TRAINERAdditional important information, related to the topic at hand, is noted for thetrainer under this sub-heading.ACTIVITYThe activity relevant to the topic being discussed is identified and instructions arelisted for the trainer.Any handouts or materials, which are required for the activity, are noted.HANDOUTSHandouts for each training session are contained at the back of the trainer’snotes for the day’s session in which they are to be used.Photocopy the handouts before the training session and distribute to participantsat the appropriate time in the session.3

Trainer’s Manual: Candidate SkillsTTiippss FFoorr TThhee TTrraaiinneerrPreparing for a Training SessionFor a successful training session, here are some basic tips:9 Confirm that equipment and space are available at least 24 hours in advance.9 Take enough time to familiarize yourself with the training materials before thesession.9 Arrive early - 15 to 30 minutes before the first participant arrives.9 Dress to meet the needs of the situation or environment.9 Allow everyone an opportunity to introduce themselves and to speak andcontribute ideas.9 Engage everyone. When you ask a question, go around the room and ensure allhave an opportunity to participate.9 Sum up the answers and, if possible, sum up any consensus in the group.9 Use participant experiences to explain new ideas.9 Do not allow anyone to dominate the discussion.9 Use examples from your experiences to new explain new ideas.9 Maintain eye contact with the participants.9 Use humour in your presentation.9 Give participants an opportunity to ask questions.9 Use the “KISS” principle: Keep it Short and Simple9 Provide adequate breaks.9 Be flexible with regard to participants needs.4Increasing Women’s Political Participation in GuyanaNational Democratic Institute for International Affairs

IntroductionProviding Training as a FacilitatorThe most effective trainers are those who adopt the role of a facilitator.A facilitator encourages the active involvement and interaction of the participantsby:9 Using group discussions – both large group and small break-out groups9 Asking probing questions9 Having participants share experiences9 Respecting the knowledge and experience of the participants9 Drawing on the collective wisdom of the group9 Providing relevant examples5