We’re in it for the Long Haul: Electing Women to Public Office a Conversation with Sarah Preston, Executive Director, Lillian’s List.org
Are you a progressive-minded woman from North Carolina considering a run for public office-- from town council to the United States Senate or anywhere in between? Or, do you know someone whom you believe would make a good political leader?
If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, then let me introduce you to Lillian’s List, a not-for-profit dedicated to electing pro-choice, progressive women to public office.
It turns out that as many as 20 states---including North Carolina---have organizations devoted to electing more progressive women to office. Heck, women make up 51% of the US population, but recent statistics indicate that women hold only about 30% of elected offices nationwide.
If you happen to be a resident of North Carolina----where women make up 54% of the population, but hold only 25% of elective offices---and you want to throw your hat in the ring, you turn to Lillian’s List for guidance, training and support.
I recently spoke to Sarah Preston, Executive Director of Lillian’s List to get the inside scoop on what a woman needs to know if she wants to make jump into the political arena.
We also chat about:
- The dynamic women who established Lillian’s List and their guiding mission.
- The biggest fears women have when considering a run for public office.
- The biggest campaign challenges a female candidate might face.
- What training, support and encouragement are available to the female candidate.
- Why Lillian’s List coordinates with similar organizations in other states and why have state-level organizations at all?
- How to know if you have what it takes.
- Recruiting-----How to spot the leader next door, and what to do when you do.
And so much more…
According to Sarah, “Lillian’s List was established to give women a seat at the table.” “Pay equity, reproductive rights, education -- these are women’s issues, and women need to be represented at all levels of government.” “We know it won’t happen overnight,” she continued. “As Jan Allen, one of the co-founders of Lillian’s List often said, “‘We’re in it for the long haul’.”
Resources
Find out more about Liilian’s List, what you need to know if you are considering a run for office, or how to support Lillian’s List, please visit their website, www.LilliansList.org.