what we do
Mission Statement
Running Start brings young women to politics so that they are knowledgeable about the process, invested in the outcome, and interested in participating as elected leaders. Our programs educate the public about young women’s unique role in politics and the importance of getting more young women engaged and involved in politics. By educating young women and girls about the importance of politics, and imbuing them with the skills they need to be leaders, we will give women the “running start” they need to achieve greater political power. With an earlier start in politics, women will climb higher on the leadership ladder, allowing more women to share in the decision making power of this country.
Research: Running Start will be the nation’s premier resource on young women and politics. Currently, it is difficult to find information about young women running for office. Running Start addresses that problem by identifying young women candidates at all levels of government. Our goal is to make runningstartonline.org the foremost resource for nonpartisan, accurate data about young women candidates, and about young women’s unique role in politics.
Education: Running Start introduces college and high school girls to the power of politics. We held our pilot program in summer 2007, with a three-day political leadership training program for high school girls from the Washington, DC area. The objective of the summer program is to give girls a positive introduction to the American political system, engage them in activities that will foster leadership skills, and inspire them to become political leaders. In 2008 we will co-host training sessions for college women on how to run for student government.
Outreach: Running Start will encourage more young women to run for office. Research has shown that women need to be asked in order to consider running for office. Running Start’s programs will inform young women of their political potential, inspiring young women to think of themselves as potential candidates. Our events will feature young women legislators and candidates speaking about how young women can make a difference in politics.
