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The Jennifer Byler Institute

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The Jennifer Byler Insitute is now closed for applications for the 2010 class.
Interviews are currently being schedule for the week of January 18th. 

Deadline extended!
Deadline for Submission: January 11, 2009


To be eligible to apply for the Jennifer Byler Institute, you must be a high school graduate.

Interviews will take place the week of January 18, 2010


Send applications to Tina McArthur @ tmcarthur@rpv.org or 115 East Grace Street, Richmond VA 23219
You may also fax it to her attention at 804-343-1060  

About JBI

The Mission of the Jennifer Byler Institute is to increase the number of effective Republican women in public service and Party leadership by providing extensive training and support as these women pursue their political and/or professional goals. The successful completion of this political leadership development program will prepare, motivate and inspire women to assume key roles in both political and public service.

One of the most effective leadership training programs in the Commonwealth, the Jennifer Byler Institute is RPV's successful leadership training program dedicated specifically to women. Through the program, women are recruited and trained to participate effectively in politics and government at all levels.  The women's leadership training program is named for the late Jennifer Curtis Byler, Republican National Committeewoman for Virginia from June 2000 until her untimely death in May 2001.  Jenny Byler was a devoted wife and mother, and a dynamic, passionate political leader, dedicated to building the Republican Party and furthering the principles of limited government and expanded freedom

JBI was founded in 2003 by the first woman to head the Republican Party of Virginia, Kate Obenshain. Key to success of the program has been the involvement of board members including Marty Kilgore, Susan Allen, Roxane Gilmore, Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and Anne Petera. The program has graduated five classes of women, all trained to take their involvement to the next level--whether it is running for elected office, running campaigns, raising money for candidates, working with the media, or organizing various efforts.  Graduates have formed an alumni organization in order to promote JBI, recruit future participants, plan classes and encourage graduates in their advocacy and advancement of Republican principles.

Participants are selected through a competitive process beginning each November, which includes extensive applications and individual interviews.  Each year, the program runs one weekend a month for eight months, and includes a meeting in Washington DC featuring Virginia's elected officials as well as other national leaders. Featuring the best political minds in Virginia and beyond, JBI speakers have included Frank Atkinson, Lee Edwards, Betsy Beamer, Bob Gibson and Michelle Easton as well as virtually all of Virginia's current and past Republican statewide elected officials.

Objectives

  • To encourage, support and prepare class members to assume leadership positions in Virginia government and politics by providing an intensive seven-month training program
  • To serve as a forum, as well as a resource, for participants to achieve greater talent in the fields of government and politics, and further their public service ambitions
  • To provide qualified participants with access to political and state government leaders responsible for candidate recruitment and appointments
  • To establish an effective statewide political network which women can utilize to increase their career opportunities

Curriculum

  • History of Virginia, Federalism and the Republican Party
  • Party Philosophy
  • Leadership Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Establishing Goals
  • Making Contacts
  • Fundraising
  • Intent & Interest
  • Strategy & Planning
  • Party Nominating Processes
  • Campaign Finance
  • Media Relations
  • Grassroots Activism


JBI Alumni Experiences

The Jennifer Byler Institute opened up so many doors to my professional and political development. I was impressed by the many speakers, who came to share their experiences, and I gained many new friendships from the program.

 

-          Krystle Weeks, Class of 2007

 

My experience at JBI was that it was time well spent.  Not only were many of the classes interesting and informative but the friendships I made there have carried on and gotten stronger with time. To sit in classes with so many informed and active conservative women was empowering.

 

-          Danielle Davis, Class of 2008

 

I was in the first Jennifer Byler Institute class and loved every minute of it.  I have taken several leadership courses over the years but this program was more personal and more targeted for Virginia politics.

 

-          Kristen Blaylock Reed, Class of 2005

 

The Jennifer Byler Institute was a life-changing experience for me.  Through JBI, I made lifelong friends, learned about the races in an epic election cycle, and decided to run in the special election for the State Senate seat that Ken Cuccinelli would vacate if elected Attorney General. JBI is invaluable.

 

-          Marianne Horinko, Class of 2009

 

The Jennifer Byler Institute was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!  Not only did I get to learn all the fundamentals of politics and running for office from the best and brightest in the field but I got to meet and work with some of the most extraordinary women in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  And it didn't end when I graduated; the JBI Alumnae remain a tight knit group - always supporting and cheering each other on! It is the most incredible group to be a part of.

 

-         Maria Ciarrocchi, Class of 2007

 

JBI was an eye opening experience for me. It showed me that there are a lot of different ways I can contribute to supporting conservatism and that every little bit matters. The women in my class were so diverse and motivated that it really challenged me to examine my own motivations and commitments to my philosophies. I met some truly great girls through JBI, friends that I know I will keep up with for years to come. Any woman looking for a valuable experience in learning about Virginia Republican politics and the opportunity to probe her own political purpose will find JBI to be the perfect fit.

 

-         Mary Douglas Rice, Class of 2009

 

"Attending the JBI was a very informative, interesting experience for me.  I enjoyed getting to meet all of the VA luminaries in the Republican Party, but more importantly, came away with a very thorough understanding of the evolution of the Republican Party in VA.  I think the JBI is a wonderful way in which women can become active in Repuplican Party politics, in not only VA, but at the national level as well.   I found it to be a treasure trove of information, resources, and contacts, and would highly recommend the JBI especially to younger women wishing to pursue a career in the political arena."

 

-          Judy Mays, Class of 2007

"My time in the JBI class was fun and stimulating. The mix of excellent speakers and accomplished classmates made for an outstanding experience. I ran for office during my JBI session and was elected as Commonwealth's Attorney just as the next class was welcomed. All in all, a very fulfilling opportunity that no one interested in Virginia politics should miss."


-            Tamara Neo, Buchanan County Commonwealth's Attorney
             Class of 2007