Women and Political Office

On the heels of the depressing news that the Washington State Legislature is mostly white, middle-aged and male, I urge women and any women in a minority group to consider running for office (or supporting a friend who may want to run).

I have helped walk candidates through running for School Board (with help from great former directors and others) because it's important to know what you are getting into with a race AND what that work is like if you win.

But I am certainly no expert but there are ones coming to town.  The National Political Caucus of Washington is having a campaign training for women on Saturday, March 8th from 8 am to 5 pm at the Tukwila Community Center.  The cost is between $40-60 depending on if you are a member or non-member.  From their webpage:

Sessions include:
  • Are you Ready to Run?
  • Developing and delivering your message
  • Finding and raising the money
  • Targeting and talking to voters
  • Campaign Nuts & Bolts: getting started, deadlines, rules, organization, and more!
Our lunch panel includes elected officials who have been there and will share their insights, tips and answer your questions. Confirmed to join us are Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall, Bellingham City Councilmember Roxanne Murphy, newly appointed 38th District Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self, and 46th District Representative Jessyn Farrell.

Plan to join us after the training from 5pm-6pm for appetizers and no-host bar mingling and networking at nearby Billy Baroo's. This is your opportunity to talk to the trainers and consultants, other attendees, and meet representatives from other endorsing organizations!


I would like to see more women and more women of color who are willing to fight ed reform be elected.  To that end, I am willing to sponsor three women who would like to go to this event.  I ask that you explain who you are, what office you would like to run for and a paragraph about your thoughts on public education.  (What you write to me will be held in confidence; I will not disclose anyone's names.)

Do this within the next week as I do not know how many people can go or how fast it will fill up.  My blog e-mail is
sss.westbrook@gmail.com



Comments

Anonymous said…
Melissa, Lillian Ortiz-Self was appointed in the 21st District, not the 38th. June Robinbson is the House member who was appointed recently in the 38th. Thanks.

-- Ivan Weiss
Thanks Ivan, that italicized blurb was written by someone else.

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