Working toward Political Parity, One Student Government Seat at a Time

On November 10, 2012, the University of Louisville held its first Elect Her—Campus Women Win training. While Elect Her trainings are typically held in the winter and early spring, the University’s Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership and Service organized this fall training in order to give participants plenty of time to learn about the process and get their student government election packets in by the January deadline.

Those who attended the Louisville Elect Her training clearly embodied the spirit of the program: women who are tuned into critical issues on campus and in their communities, and who simply need encouragement to step up and have a positive impact. Moreover, the “What’s Your Issue” exercise affirmed once again that women who seek and serve elected office do not limit their agendas to “women’s issues,” but rather focus on issues that are of concern to their neighbors and the broader community. If they are successful in their student government campaigns, the women at the November 10 training will champion a number of diverse concerns, from offering more inexpensive options for campus meal plans to enforcing the smoke-free rules on campus to not limiting financial aid options for students who have a double major.

A highlight of the training was the keynote delivered over lunch by Louisville Councilwoman Attica Scott. During her talk, Councilwoman Scott credited her success to older women in elected office who encouraged her to run and continue to guide her today. In doing so, Councilwoman Scott stressed the importance of having mentors, especially women mentors who are or have been where you are trying to go. Attendees also heard from Carrie Mattingly, SGA Academic Vice President, and Sirena Wurth, SGA Services Vice President, who both talked about the substantive work they have accomplished during their tenures, and the importance of having active women leaders within SGA.

The 2012 President Election saw a record number of women elected to the U.S. Congress, including 31-year old Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii. On the state level, however, several women lost their re-election bids for Kentucky’s Legislature, meaning there will be fewer women in the state legislature when it convenes in January.  The contrasting stories show that even as women gain ground, programs like Elect Her are needed to ensure our forward progress.

This post was written by Elect Her-Campus Women Win facilitator Coalition for Juvenile Justice Deputy Executive Director Tara Andrews.