We can all agree some things are just meant to be together. For instance, a few of my favorites include:
Peanut butter & jelly…
Barbie & her male ally Ken…
Movies & popcorn…
Women & Civic Leadership.
There are certain combinations whose value is greater than the sum of their parts. When we all work together and embrace partnerships, the resulting impact is powerful.
This is certainly the case for our partnership with American Public Square. Together, we hosted a town hall-style discussion about today’s political climate and how it impacts women’s decisions to engage in civic leadership. The event had more than 120 women and men registered and was moderated by Missouri State Representatives Jamie Johnson and Patty Lewis, and Kansas State Representative Laura Williams.
Did you know? Many women view the current political climate as a major barrier to running for office and engaging in civic leadership. Let me repeat that…public discourse is deterring many women from putting themselves out there for public office.
During the town hall, we listened as participants talked through barriers that keep women from wanting to get involved. Examples included ageism, self-selection, poor representation, and campaign attacks.
However, the conversation also included stories of resilience and hope.
(left to right: MO Representative Patty Lewis, MO Representative Jamie Johnson, KS Representative Laura Williams)
- “I didn’t see a ton of young people getting involved in politics. I didn't see myself getting into politics. But when I opened a small business and I realized that the government can work hand-in-hand with your business or stifle progress, I wanted to be able to help.” – Kansas State Representative Laura Williams
- “If we can encourage more people to run from different backgrounds, we can all bring a different perspective to the table.” – Missouri State Representative Patty Lewis
- “It doesn’t matter what you choose, politics will choose you if it wants to and if you’re open to it.” – Missouri State Representative Jamie Johnson
Our research tells us that women have an interest in civic leadership and are qualified, but we need to help support them, prepare them, and ask them to serve. Women are more successful when they have a mentor while running for office.
This event was powerful and inspirational. There was an electric charge in the room that ignited the group and encouraged women from all backgrounds to get involved. That spark is what we need to light a fire to motivate women to run for office or serve in appointed civic leadership positions.
But, how can we spread that flame far and wide?
At We Work For Change on September 26th, we’re gathering hundreds of women and allies across the country to hear one of the nation’s most high-profile and truth seeking political journalists, Mara Liasson, to talk about the important role media, politics and civil discourse play in our lives. Mara will share her extensive knowledge of politics, current events, and her experience as a woman leader in the media.
We Work For Change is an event worth traveling to Kansas City for. Let’s continue the conversation to get more women in appointed and elected positions while also embracing the power of partnership.
I’ll see you there.
