GETTING WOMEN ELECTED

3 Women 3 Ways

Women make up 51% of the US population, yet only 31% of elected officials are women. So why the disparity? Well, as any woman who has run for office can tell you, there are a number of barriers and obstacles standing in the way for women who throw their hats in the ring. Money, support, personal obligations, campaigning, exposure...the list goes on and on. A number of organizations have formed in the last couple of years to help One of them is League of Our Own Washington. Executive Director Kaitlin Vintertun heads up the relatively new League based just north of Seattle, WA. She explains the supports the group offers women who not only want to run now, but who are contemplating it in the future. During their first year they had 70 potential candidates participate in trainings, coaching sessions, and educational programs with supporters and experienced candidates, with most running for school boards, city councils, an dother critical local positions. Most educational experiences are provided by volunteer coaches, former candidates and supporters from speech experts to empathetic listeners to someone to just cook a dinner for the candidate as she goes through the experience. Join us as we talk about women in government and what is to be learned and gained from running for office .