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Click below to download the Application for
the Vesta Roy Series Frequently
asked questions (FAQs) about the Vesta Roy Series
When and where are the training sessions held? Classes take place the 3rd Thursday of each month – September through May – from 8:45a.m to 3:30 p.m. at Plymouth State University’s Concord campus. The Day at the State House session is held at the State House in Concord, New Hampshire. The Washington, DC program is scheduled for three days and two nights in April of each year. How much does it cost? Registration is $250, due in September. Participants pay their travel costs to all sessions as well as the airfare to Washington, DC. They are also expected to attend and buy tickets at about $50 each to our spring fundraiser and our graduation luncheon. Are there any age limitations? The program is designed for women who are at least 21. Our classes have included women from their 20’s to their 60’s. Am I eligible if I have already held public office? Currently, our target audience is women who have not yet held state elected office, but local officials such as selectmen and school board and budget committee members will benefit from the program. Is the Vesta Roy Series a campaign school? While we do provide training that will be useful for candidates on the campaign trail, our approach is much broader. We emphasize personal development, networking, and training in some tools of the political trade, such as making introductions, writing a memorable thank you note, and running a meeting. Additionally, the Washington trip provides a national political perspective, as well as contacts for future involvement. Do you take positions on issues? No. Our Board members, classes, and presenters represent a broad spectrum of opinion on state and national issues but the Series is not an issues forum or advocacy organization. We encourage participants to develop and pursue their own political philosophy in the context of the Republican “big tent.” What are the responsibilities of participants in the Vesta Roy Series? Our participants, called Fellows, are expected to: –Attend all program sessions (graduation from the program is dependent on attendance). Excused absences are for personal emergencies only. Two absences will result in dismissal. --Have an Internet connection and e-mail address, as well as basic computer skills, such as answering messages and opening attachments. Most communication during the Series is conducted by e-mail. – After acceptance into the program, pay the $200 nonrefundable registration fee prior to the September meeting. – Provide a digital photograph (head and shoulders) of yourself prior to the first class session in September. – With guidance from one of the first session’s presenters, prepare a bio after the first class, which will be posted on the Vesta Roy Series website along with the aforementioned photo. – Compose and send thank you notes to all speakers and lunch sponsors within 10 days of their presentations to the class each month (there are usually 3 - 7 per month). – Work with the Board on fundraising events throughout the year. – Attend the alumnae reception in the fall, Celebrate Our Stars in early spring, and the graduation luncheon in June. – Sell 10 tickets (one full table) for the graduation luncheon at the approximate price of $50 per person. – Commit to increasing your level of participation in the public arena during the next 5 years by running for office, accepting a party leadership post, obtaining a governmental appointment, working on a campaign to elect Republicans or for a Republican cause, or holding some other high-level public sector position. – Incur the expense of transportation to in-state training sessions and to Washington, DC. -- Observe the policy of the Excellence in Public Service Series that the organization does not endorse candidates in primaries. Fellows and Board members are certainly encouraged to participate in primary campaigns for candidates of their choice, but not to use their affiliation with the Series when doing so. Is the Vesta Roy Series affiliated with any other organization? Our program is modeled after the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series which was established in Indiana in 1990. Since then, twenty other states have established their own Excellence in Public Service programs, all geared at increasing the number and influence of Republican women in politics and government. Participants from all states do gather for a national program in Washington, DC, but there is no formal organizational or financial connection among the independent state programs. How is the Vesta Roy Series funded? The expenses of our program are covered by registration fees, the proceeds of our fundraisers, and sponsorships by Board members and friends of the Series. What is the tax status of the Vesta Roy Series? We are a political nonprofit organization under Section 527 of the federal tax code. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions.
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