Strength in Your Beliefs

I think it is important for women to be involved in politics because women are smart and extremely strong. When I say strong, I do not mean it in just a physical sense.  Women are strong in that they juggle children, a job, a home - and do this every day.

I admire women who do not back down on an issue that is very important to them. I especially admire them when they push back for their children.  I actually got to see Representative Sharon Treat do this with two lobbyists. They were hounding her, literally dogging her, to change her mind on a piece of legislation - and she was not budging an inch.  To me, that is strength; strength in your beliefs, in your convictions.

We need more women in politics because of that strength. I think many women do not realize their power, or if they do, they are worried or afraid to use it.  But Emerge is a great place for women to reconnect with their strengths. It is a place for women to support and nurture each other when they are contemplating a run for public office, and it gives them the tools they need to be successful.

Politics doesn't have to be good ole boys club. Women are strong and smart and have great ideas for making government better. It's no wonder we do, with taking care of a family, a home and a career all at the same time. We make tough decisions all the time, and never back down when we get thrown a curve ball.

Helen Hanson
Emerge Maine
Class of 2010