The University of Washington Bothell is hosting a free one-day forum with a national non-partisan organization that encourages women to move into the political arena.
“While many men may be thinking of politics as a career, research has shown that women typically don’t run for office until they are prompted by a particular issue,” says Annette Anderson, director of curriculum in academic affairs. She organized Friday’s event at the Activities and Recreation Center with the Center for American Women & Politics at Rutgers and the Women’s Funding Alliance.
“The one-day forum piloted by UW Bothell will educate attendees about electoral politics and leadership,” says Anderson. “It’s not too soon for young women to start thinking about running for office and participating in arenas to influence policy and generate outcomes that directly affect their lives.”
Anderson adds that she’s excited about piloting this forum because it will give our students access to regional women leaders. The day is designed to be interactive and will include strategy sessions on political participation. Sasha Patterson, from the Center for American Women & Politics at Rutgers, is leading the forum. Regional participants include a candidate for the office of superintendent of public instruction Erin Jones, Bothell City Council member Davina Duerr, Highline Community College Trustee Debrena Jackson Gandy, and Seattle Port Commissioner Courtney Gregoire. Representatives from the UW Women’s Center, Eastern Washington University and Green River Community College are attending.
The forum includes a public speaking workshop led by UW Bothell debate coach Denice Vaughan and will end with students developing a leadership action plan. The Center for American Women in Politics, based at Rutgers University, will hold a week-long conference later in the year at the University of Washington in Seattle with the UW Women’s Center.
To register for Friday’s conference, click here.
