Susannah Shakow and Jessica Grounds at the 2011 Glamour Magazine Awards!
November 10, 2011
Click here to check out the photos of Runing Start’s President and Executive Director, Susannah Shakow and Jessica Grounds at the 2011 Glamour Magazine Awards this past weekend!
AAUW, Running Start Expand Elect Her Initiative to 30 College Campuses
November 6, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/20/2011
Media Contacts:
Katie Broendel, broendelk@aauw.org
202/785-7761
Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738
AAUW, Running Start Expand Elect Her Initiative to 30 College Campuses
Program Aims to Increase the Number of Women Running for Office
WASHINGTON — Elect Her–Campus Women Win, the only nationwide program that trains college women to run for student government and future office, will be held on 30 campuses around the country next year. The program is a collaboration between the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Running Start.
Elect Her reaches nearly every region in the nation, from the University of Virginia in the South to Stanford University out West. See the full list of participating schools on the AAUW website.
“We’re training women to bridge the gender leadership gap by starting early,” said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE. “By encouraging and supporting more women to be political leaders on their own campuses, we are helping to set them up for success in leadership roles later.”
“Running Start is proud to partner with AAUW in offering college women a leg up in running for student government. Programs like Elect Her–Campus Women Win are a vital first step in making women feel comfortable with political power,” said Running Start President and Founder Susannah Wellford Shakow. “We give college women the confidence, know-how, and practical skills they need to run and win in their schools. We hope their experience will encourage them to consider running for public offices when they graduate.”
According to data collected by the American Student Government Association from nearly 5,100 institutions, women make up approximately 52 percent of all student government representatives but only 43 percent of student government presidents. Currently, women only hold 17 percent of the seats in the U.S. Congress and 22 percent of the seats in state legislatures. Elect Her aims to close this long-standing political gender gap by empowering and training women to run for elective office at all levels.
Since 2008, AAUW and Running Start have collaborated to encourage college women to run for student government. The organizations developed and initiated the Elect Her–Campus Women Win training program in 2010, and the effort is already showing results for college women.
“When my campaign for Duke Student Government began, the Elect Her program truly provided helpful tools that I utilized on the campaign trail,” said Ebonie Simpson, vice president of student life at Duke University. “An overarching benefit of planning and attending Elect Her was its ability to significantly build my overall confidence in myself, my skills, and my ability to win. I knew I could run and win after Elect Her, and I am forever grateful.”
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW’s founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.
Running Start is a nonprofit organization that 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 young women and girls about the importance of politics and imbue them with the skills they need to be leaders so that they can get 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. Find out more at Running Start’s website.
Washington Exec Interviews Running Start’s President Susannah Wellford Shakow!
November 6, 2011
Read the full interview here!
You can’t take the Effect and make it the Cause
November 2, 2011
How many members of Congress are cool enough to quote the rock band White Stripes on the House Floor during a debate about the government shutdown? Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards of Maryland’s 4th Congressional District is of course!
I have been working on the Hill for about a month and a half now in her office and my experience has been great. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff, and fortunately I have been given the autonomy to do a lot of interesting things as an intern. I attended and took notes for Legislative Assistants at several briefings, attended an Intern 101 course where they shared tips and strategies on how to be a better intern, and learned how to cultivate and efficiently use the resources that I have been given to prospectively find a job. One highlight during my time here, was taking a tour of the Senate Chamber with my staff members. Furthermore, this weekend I will be helping with a College Fair being organized by Congresswoman Edwards to advocate college readiness in the Prince George’s and Montgomery County areas.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m just a small town Minnesota girl who decided to take a chance and apply for an internship that would challenge me as well as take advantage of the resources available in a bigger city. I couldn’t have made a better choice. Although I have only been here for a short time, I feel an internal drive and confidence that I never had before. Meeting and forming relationships with so many strong, beautiful and smart women has really made a powerful impact on me.
From the supportive staff of Running Start to the Chief of Staff in my office, and the Congresswoman herself, I stand in awe of what these women have accomplished. This internship has opened a door for me that I would have never dreamed could be opened for me. But now that I am here, the possibilities for my future are limitless and no longer limited to a few paths. What will be my next step? Your guess is as good as mine. But I have an insurmountable optimism in my foreseeable future.
Star Fellow: Marie Verbeten
Office: Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4)
Graduate of: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Degree: Child Psychology, Minor in African American Studies
Future Academic Aspirations: Master’s in Public Health and Public Policy
There’s No Such Thing As ‘Apolitical’
October 31, 2011
When I told people that I was coming to D.C. to do another internship on the Hill, I got mixed responses. Some people thought it was great; others wondered why I’d want to go get involved in politics. Others still, joked that hopefully I’d be able to “fix the mess that is government”.
Despite the fact that I’m not forming policy or fixing much, I am learning a lot about the legislative process. I’ve always had an interest in what goes on in Congress, but interning on the Hill has forced me to pay attention in much greater detail. Not only do I read the news, I understand legislation and I am aware of what Congress is voting on. Perhaps most importantly, I listen to the questions and concerns of constituents, so I understand what people are most worried about.
I hear from constituents every day who are passionate about the current state of our political system. They want answers and want someone to be held accountable. Some people just want their opinions heard, and I can respect that.
More people, especially young people, should voice their opinion. Many people I know complain about the government, yet do nothing about it. They consider themselves non-political, but don’t realize that by doing nothing they are actually tacitly supporting the current balance of power.
Joan Kirner, the first female premiere of Australia, agrees. She said at Women Into Power Conference in 1994, “There is no such thing as being non-political. Just by making the decision to stay out of politics you are making the decision to allow others to shape politics and exert power over you. And if you are alienated from the current political system, then just by staying out of it you do nothing to change it, you simply entrench it.”
So rather than being distant from the political process, more people should embrace it if they want to see any sort of changes. After all, there is no such thing as being non-political.
- Hope M., Fall 2011 Star Fellow
Success! Running Start Hits the Road Training High School Girls from Coast to Coast
October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Washington, DC – Running Start, a national organization dedicated to educating and inspiring girls and young women to run for political office, completed two successful regional Young Women’s Political Leadership Programs (YWPL) for high school girls this fall. The programs took place in Los Angeles, California on September 24, and in New York, New York on October 22. Each daylong conference brought together high school girls from the regional areas to learn political skills and hear inspiring stories and advice from young women political leaders.
The California Edition program brought together 75 high school girls from across California to the campus of University of Southern California (USC). Dan Schnur, Director of the Unruh Institute for Politics stated, “The program co-sponsored by Running Start and the Unruh Institute of Politics we hosted at USC succeeded far beyond my greatest expectations. It’s clear to me how much of an impact that Running Start can have on the lives of high school girls: the young women who attended our program were clearly inspired to become even more involved in public service.” Speakers included California State Senator Mimi Walters, Pasadena City Councilmember Jacque Robinson and Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel, among many other fantastic women leaders.
Just this past weekend, Running Start partnered with the Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College where they trained 40 high school girls from the New York area about why this country needs them to be the next political leaders. “It is so inspiring meeting young women who are so interested in politics, and determined to use their lives to make a difference,” stated Susannah Shakow, President of Running Start. “Our program is long – it runs from 8am to 7pm, but the girls were still sitting on the edge of their seats and asking questions during our final session.” The New York Edition program presented participants with an impressive lineup of speakers including Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, White House Project President Tiffany Dufu, and political fundraiser Cathy Blaney. The program reception ended with an inspiring speech by Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, who represents Brooklyn, New York in the United States Congress.
Running Start is thrilled by the success of these regional programs. These new program models are bringing together more young women to hear the message that they are needed in politics today.
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Running Start is a nonpartisan non-profit organization dedicated to educating young women about politics and inspiring them to run for elected office. Our 501(c)3 was founded in 2007, and in a few short years has a following of thousands of high school girls, college women, and supporters from small towns to the halls of Congress. We are encouraging the next generation of young women to become political leaders in our states and in the nation. Visit Running Start at www.runningstartonline.org
Out of the Blocks: My First 10 days on Capitol Hill
September 27, 2011
Picture from http://writeontrackla.com/
“More than ever, women are leading or running for office in many of the world’s largest nations, demanding that representation inch closer to parity.”
–HillaryClinton
The battle call is clear.
From Argentina to Germany, from India to Australia and from Liberia to Thailand, women are running for and winning elected offices increasing their political participation on a global scale.
No matter whether they serve as prime ministers, parliament members or presidents, these courageous people had to get their start somewhere.
Thus, when I began my fellowship on Capitol Hill as a Walmart Star Fellow, it was not only my commitment to answer the call, but to get a Running Start.
Unfortunately, my readiness to serve did not prepare me for the fast-paced life of a Hill staffer.
I have written thank you letters to Israeli and Palestinian officials, drafted talking points for a policy conference and answered phone calls from many frustrated constituents.
My internship has given me golden opportunities. I attended the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference where Barack Obama made his passionate marching call to black leaders. I also learned a great deal in my first briefing on a bill intended to use stem cells on stroke victims. Moreover, I have got to work with some really phenomenal people, my congresswoman being on the top of that list.
Watching history happen in real time in the place decisions are made is definitely a privilege; it is also a big responsibility.
I must be ever mindful of every word that I say and my tone of voice when speaking with callers. I have become a very patient listener, because I know that I represent my congresswoman and indirectly the U.S. government.
After spending 10 days on “The Hill,” I have learned more about the legislative process than I ever could have sitting in a government class.
What an exciting way to start my life after college.
I’m answering the call. Will you?
Star Fellow: Kindall Johnson
In the Office of: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-17)
Graduate of: Florida A&M University
Degree: B.S. in Public Relations, Minor in Arabic
Reflections on National YWPL 2011
August 26, 2011
This summer Running Start invited 45 of the most motivated and impressive high school women in the country to spend a week on political leadership training. These young women came to DC on July 18th for 6 days of intensive programming designed to channel their leadership into politics.
The young women, who came from 15 states around the country, are already leading in their communities. Many were presidents of their class, some had started community groups or nonprofits to advance causes they cared about, others participated on their local Youth Advisory Commissions in local government. All of them were leaders.
Running Start’s goal is to channel their leadership into politics, and give them an introduction into what it means to be in elected office. They spent the week listening to candidates and elected officials such as:
- Tulsi Gabbard, former Hawaii State Legislator and Honolulu City Councilmember who is now running for Congress. (She is 30!)
- Senator Lisa Murkowski, who spoke about her historic write-in election win. (She first ran when she was 40)
- Gerarda Culipher, age 35, running for State Senate in Virginia.
They learned fundraising 101, campaign 101, networking 101 and honed these skills by role playing games that put them in the role of a candidate. They practiced public speaking and went on camera to practice the media training skills they had learned. At a networking reception with high level dc professionals, they handed out the business cards we had made for them, and practiced small talk with a purpose.
One of the most exciting aspects of the week was our partnership with I Live To Lead, which brings 40 international high school girls to DC for a program that shadows ours. The 40 girls from around the world lived on the same dorm, and attended many of the same sessions with our participants. With them we heard from the Ambassador from Singapore, Chan Heng Chee, and we went to the State Department to meet Ambassador Capricia Marshall, the US Chief of Protocol. The Running Start participants also got the chance to hear the international girls’ stories. We heard a girl from Afghanistan talk about life in her country, and stories of what life was like for twin sisters growing up in the Republic of Georgia. They met young women from Cambodia who had been rescued from a brothel, and a young Saudi woman who talked about budding women’s rights in her country.
Throughout the week, the messages were clear:
- You are never too young to lead
- Politics needs more women leaders
- Women make excellent leaders
- The best decisions are made by a diversity of leaders
Thank you to the class of 2011 for their enthusiasm and dedication to pursuing the positive power of politics!
- Susannah Wellford Shakow, Running Start President & Founder
Videos from Camp Moxie!
August 2, 2011
Thanks to the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan for putting together these great videos from Camp Moxie!
Click here to watch a montage of the week.
Click here to see what our participants had to say about the week.
