Catching the Political Bug

I Caught the “Political Bug”

First of all, I am going to participate in The White House Project’s “Go Run” event in late March. The event is designed to prepare women to run for public office in the near future. I’m working on developing that confidence in myself and I think this event will be a great start to it….which leads to me to…

Things Are Falling into Place…I am getting ready to attend my county assembly and state and congressional district assemblies in the near future. Honestly, I am a bit nervous, but I think that this is has been one of the greatest challenged I’ve ever faced. I have to walk into situations where I know no one. No one is introducing me to anyone else…I’ve had to do that myself, and that is daunting to someone who is used to always knowing someone in the room.

Not only am I one of many anonymous delegates, I have to try to get everyone in the room with a vote to pick me. What makes me stand out from the rest? This is why I love politics.

Standing in a room with 60 other women, and about 5 men, I realized that this is the starting point for so many things to come. Several women in the room were already candidates getting ready for a race that won’t end until November. The strength and resolve of women is fascinating to me. I’ve heard that I should leave the politicking to men. Tonight State Speaker Andrew Romanoff applauded loudly and cheered when City Councilwoman Faith Winter said that more women should enter the political arena as it was possible that women might be able to do a better job. I couldn’t agree more.

This doesn’t make me anti-male. Give me a break. I love men. But I do believe that for too long women in this country have been told to keep quiet and let the men do the important work. Women must have a vested interest in the future of their communities, and what better way to do so than to serve your community? Public servants aren’t in it for the money (state reps make $30,000 annually). I have to believe they do it to serve their fellow man.

I hope to be a public servant someday. When I think about what I have “gotten” from my community, it seems only appropriate to give back.

Super Tuesday Digest

What an exciting time to be involved in politics at a grassroots level! I went to my first Caucus last night and learned so much about the political process. This is the kind of stuff you can't really be taught in high school or college, you have to be there to soak it all in.

When I got there, there were only four other people from my precinct. I was a little disappointed, but when we all got to talking, I liked having a small group as we were able to have great conversations.

The whole process took us a little longer than it would have if we had precinct leaders. Apparently, there are none for my precinct. It's a two-year commitment and involves getting to know your neighbors, encouraging them to vote and hosting precinct events. I am now a precinct leader.

I was also elected to be a delegate to the county assembly, multi state house and multi state senate district assemblies, and the state convention. I am excited and nervous, but the process to becoming a national delegate is now officially underway.

I understand why people don't get involved in the political process. It takes a commitment and sometimes the bureaucracy is astounding. But if you can get past that and try to learn something from each interaction you have, I think becoming a political animal is so worth it.

Why read about history when you can make it?