One-Year Anniversary Event: “Still Fired Up”

Driven by a desire for change following the 2016 election, a group of dissatisfied women gathered to decide what their next step would be. In deciding that next step, LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) was born.

Now, one year later, the organization is recognizing all that it has accomplished since the presidential election. From 3-5 pm on Saturday, November 18th, join LEAD at Icon Lounge for its anniversary event, “Still Fired Up.” We’ll celebrate accomplishments and all the LEADers who have taken part along the way.

“We want to spend some time celebrating our successes,” co-chair Carmen Toft said. “And all those people who worked so hard over the past year, we want to celebrate them.”

Founded by Toft and co-chair Susan Kroger, the formation of LEAD was inspired by the many women who shared feelings of discontent after the election, by their collective desire to do something about that discontent, and the infectious enthusiasm that followed.

“The intent was really to help people take those feelings, that frustration, that anger, and find a way to laser focus it into action,” Kroger said. “That was the original intent of bringing people together. The organization has evolved immensely since then.”

And the evolution has been immense. Through community meetings, teaching people about the political process and how to be advocates, and recruiting women to run for office, LEAD has not only inspired growth but has experienced growth itself as an organization. So now it’s time to celebrate that growth.

But it doesn’t stop there: LEAD is continually growing, teaching, recruiting, and inspiring. “Still Fired Up” is a chance to reinvigorate that flame of desire that was lit one year ago and to encourage current and new LEADers to continue fighting for change.

“My hope is that we have a bunch of new people who have never engaged with LEAD, who maybe have never been involved in the political process, but are being pulled to do so now, and that they will join us,” Kroger said, expressing her anticipation for the event. She also wants to recognize and lift up the core group of people who have been with the organization from the very beginning, as well as the brave people who have stepped up to run for office.

Susan Kroger and board member Kelly Sullivan will host the anniversary event. Meet the candidates that LEAD is working with and hear Jolene Loetscher—Sioux Falls’ only female mayoral candidate—speak about why she decided to run. “Still Fired Up” is a fundraising event, so bring cash for raffle tickets for a chance to win some politically slanted and feminist packages.

RSVP for the event at our Facebook page, and don’t forget to stay fired up!

ABOUT LEAD SOUTH DAKOTA

LEAD South Dakota is a registered 501c(4) nonprofit.  LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota.

LEAD is not affiliated with any political party or organization. We are welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or citizenship.