PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Women’s Media Center seeks women who have something to say and are eager to dive into the media conversations on the important issues of the day. Are you the next Rachel Maddow? Do you want to become a political contributor who is called upon to serve as a strong progressive voice in the media?  Apply for the WMC’s Progressive Women’s Voices program today! Criteria for selection include:

•Identification as a progressive feminist who is a recognized communicator in your field 

•Demonstrated media savvy, political knowledge, ability to converse on many issues

•Willingness and desire to promote yourself, engage in new media experiences, and reach media goals 

•One-year commitment to the leadership and training program 

Women representing diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, professions, ethnicities, ages, geographical regions and levels of experience are encouraged to apply (including those who have previously applied).

The PWV program is extremely competitive. Because of the high volume of quality applications, the WMC cannot accept as many deserving women as we would like. Candidates who apply for PWV 2010 who have previously applied will be rigorously and impartially considered.
 

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION

Progressive Women’s Voices is the premier media and leadership training program serving women in our country. In two years, the Women’s Media Center has intensively trained 60+ women who reflect diversity visibly absent from the mainstream media within important conversations around national security, health care, immigration, workplace policy, reproductive rights, climate change, and other issues that fill the headlines every day. 

With the WMC’s training and support, PWV experts have been featured in the Washington Post, The New York Times, Elle, New York magazine, USA Today, Forbes, Variety, Mother Jones, the Wall Street Journal, Slate, Salon, The New Republic, the Los Angeles Times; by the Associated Press and Reuters; on Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, CBS Nightly News, Fox News, ABC News, CNBC, Bill Moyers, numerous NPR shows; and within hundreds of other top-tier media outlets. 

HOW WE DO IT

Progressive Women’s Voices starts with a highly competitive application process. Women who graduate from the program leave with a sophisticated understanding of the current media climate, what messages work best for different audiences, and the most effective interview presentation and techniques, and specific training on how to:

•Position themselves as thought leaders/experts in their fields
•Craft strong media messages and newsworthy pitches
•Prepare for an interview
•Manage friendly and hostile broadcast interviews
•Incorporate video into their work
•Develop and place op-ed articles

In 2010, the WMC will host three Progressive Women’s Voices training classes. Each class will include ten women from around the country trained over two separate weekends in New York City. Travel, accommodation, and training expenses are paid for completely by the WMC. 

Progressive Women's Voices includes:

•In-person intensive training: Two weekends of intensive training in message development, media techniques, rapid response, on-camera practice, radio training, op-ed writing, blogging, video-journalism and more. 

•Interview practice: Friendly interviews and hostile debate scenarios to practice techniques and gain valuable feedback from classmates.

•Promotion and pitching: Rapid response to breaking news and proactive media outreach on behalf of each participant to support her designated media goals.

•Materials and resources: Headshot, bio, video.

•Online presence: Individual bio pages on SheSource for pitching to media and space on WMC blog to increase visibility within the feminist/progressive online community. 

•Ongoing WMC support and guidance: Support prepping for interviews and media opportunities, developing messages, booking interviews and raising visibility online.

•Strong network of PWV alumnae: Strong network of alumnae, allowing for an ongoing dialogue of media successes and challenges.