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Waiting to be asked to run? Heck no!
In mid July, I had the opportunity to attend the Young Democrats of America (YDA) Summer Conference in Washington, DC. The conference was extremely productive with many different training and networking opportunities but I have to say, the best part was the Women's Caucus Meeting.
I was thrilled that the Caucus put together a "Women in Leadership" panel
with speakers from both the Women's Campaign Forum and WUFPAC. The best part
was that it wasn't the panelists that inspired me, but what the panelists asked
the women in attendance to do. They had them stand up and state why they didn't
wait to be asked to run. I thought maybe a few ladies would raise their hands
but it was even more than what I expected. All of these women were running or
had been elected to local and state office, and all of them didn't wait to be
asked. Their stories and reasoning were all different, but each woman ran
because they knew they were the best person for the job or that they could do
better than the current office holder.
I felt so inspired during this meeting, all these young leaders were under the
age of 36, from all corners of the county and they had all taken the initiative
to run for office and make a difference in their respective communities. The
other thing they had in common was that they had all not gone through a program
like Emerge. Just think of what Emerge can continue to do as we recruit more
women into our amazing network and train them to run for office. Change is in
the air, women are starting to realize that being "asked" to run for office
isn't needed; what is needed - a program like Emerge that helps women realize
their potential in public service, hone their skills to win and continue to
increase the number of Democratic women in public office. I came back from this
conference realizing the difference Emerge has already made in so many lives
and am excited at the potential we have to continue growing and reaching out to
more women.
Bree Boehlke
Executive Director & Class of 2006
Emerge Arizona
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Thank you
I am so glad that this training was meaningful to you!
I was impressed by the number of women who stood to say that they have ever thought of running for office in any capacity. When the entire room stood I was both humbled and impressed to be standing with so many incredible women. It further confirmed the belief in me that as women we have a responsibility to stand up for our beliefs and a better democratic world. As the Woman's Caucus Chair I will do all in my power, both in position and in effort, to encourage other women in their fight towards this end.
For such a time as this!
Young women running
I was thrilled to read about all these committed young women! Way to go!
If we can increase the number of women that go through the Emerge program or are involved in Emerge, we will change the face of politics in this country!
If you have not recently given a check to your local Emerge affiliation, this should inspire you to do it. We are all strapped for cash in these times, but a small investment in this organization will really make a difference.