Women make up 51% of the population in the United States, yet their representation in state legislatures lags far behind that number. While some states like Nevada and Arizona have achieved better gender balance, with their state Senators comprising more than 50% women, many states are still far from achieving gender parity. Recognizing the urgent need for more women in elected positions, Vote Run Lead Action is proactively addressing this issue. The organization is hosting the RUN/51 Summit from November 17 to 19 in Detroit, Michigan, to provide women with the training and resources they need to run for state office successfully.
Vote Run Lead Action is the 501(c)(4) arm of Vote Run Lead, the largest nonprofit training resource for women interested in pursuing a career in politics. Their vision is clear: they want to see women holding 51% of state legislative seats nationwide, making it a reality that women are the majority in our elected offices. This aspiration is an essential step towards achieving gender equality in political leadership.
The RUN/51 Summit is a groundbreaking event, as it is the first and only national training program dedicated to preparing women for state-level politics. With the 2024 elections just around the corner, this summit will play a crucial role in empowering and inspiring women who aim to run for state House or Senate seats and those interested in managing campaigns for these candidates. The summit aims to equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to run for office and win.
Erin Vilardi, CEO and founder of Vote Run Lead Action emphasized that their approach is rooted in the belief that women are already equipped to run for office. They merely need to bring their skills, passion, and determination, and the organization will provide the necessary tools, experience, confidence, and community to help them navigate the complexities of political campaigns.
The RUN/51 Summit features a diverse lineup of speakers who have either run for office themselves or have been closely involved in successful campaigns. The event includes two tracks, one for candidates and another for campaign managers. Some essential workshops and topics covered during the summit include campaign culture, team-building, campaign strategy, budget management, messaging, storytelling, speechwriting, campaign safety, and fundraising.
While the organization has made significant progress in encouraging and supporting women in politics, it acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. Women are desperately needed in state legislatures to help shape critical legislation that impacts women’s rights, education, immigration, and many other aspects of society. The representation of women in politics can significantly influence the direction of these policies and help protect the democratic values of the nation.
Vote Run Lead Action aims to transform the political landscape of the United States in 2024, and it all starts in Detroit with the RUN/51 Summit. Research supports that women bring unique qualities to political leadership, such as long-term vision, inclusivity, collaboration, and a knack for getting things done. These skills are needed in the current political climate, where traditional politics is losing favor, and voters are open to new forms of leadership.
The RUN/51 Summit offers an opportune moment for women to take a step forward in the political arena. As Vilardi noted, women don’t need years of political experience and don’t have to wait for the perfect time to run for office. Now is the right time for women to make a difference by entering politics and contributing to positive change.
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