LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
WE NEED MORE WOMEN IN THE HOUSE… AND THE SENATE!
HOW D&T IS EQUIPPING MEMBERS By Elizabeth L. Petrun Sayers
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Ashley Carter addresses the room during the D&T session
id you know that women only comprise about 20% of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate? Even though women make up half of the population, we are still underrepresented at all levels of government. Many women may choose not to run for office because they feel they are not qualified or don’t have the right tools. Luckily, JLW’s Development and Training (D&T) session, “How to Run for Public Office,” offered Junior League of Washington (JLW) members the opportunity to learn more about the process and gain confidence and inspiration to run for public office. Holly Roberts, a second-year active member originally from Atoka, OK, attended the session in fall 2016. With the impending election in November, she was interested in learning more about the process behind the politics. Roberts adds, “I also saw that Ashley
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Fall 2017
Carter from the League was going to be attending the session, and I thought it would be informative to hear from someone who is running.” Carter successfully ran for the D.C. State Board of Education last fall. “Running for office is a unique experience. I was proud to share what I learned on the campaign trail to help develop the leadership potential of our members,” says Carter. “We need more women to run for office and I’m glad to help pave the way for more JLW members to become strong community and civic leaders in DC and around the country.” The session also featured guest speaker Clare Bresnahan, the Executive Director of the She Should Run organization. Bresnahan framed her discussion around three major points: (1) encouraging women to run for public service, (2) eliminating barriers, and (3) education, campaign execution, and resources for the journey.