A Running Start in Political Leadership

By Liz Wing on 04/14/2009 @ 07:30 PM

Here’s some remarkable news... Last week I had the pleasure of learning about Running Start, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young women and girls to run for political office. Each year they bring 50 high school girls to D.C. to participate in The Young Women’s Political Leadership Training, an intense, interactive 5-day training program about political leadership. In previous years, approximately 20 - 300 girls applied to participate in the program.

In 2009, something remarkable happened. 30,000 girls applied to be part of this program. Let me say that again. 30,000 girls applied. It may be no surprise that in their entrance essays about 80% of them referenced the 2008 election on why they were interested in the program. The election inspired them like nothing else. They saw great people running for president, congress and state and local office, who looked like them and who they related to.

According to the president of Running Start, Susannah Wellford Shakow, the goal is to get girls to run for office, and to run young. Because generally, women don’t consider politics a career option – Running Start gets them thinking about it early. By starting in high school, they can plan their track better, and get a head start on a political career. Given that women make up only 16% of Congress and 23% of State Legislators, the need for creating opportunities for women couldn’t be clearer.

The result is already very promising. Having had completed two years, some of the participants have started non-profits; some have started initiatives in their community.

At the very least, this program restores confidence and inspires young girls to make a difference in their community. And if this year is any indicator, Running Start will be the driving force in a sharp increase in women’s participation in the political process. That’s something to cheer about!

Learn more about Running Start here.

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