State of Women in Leadership in Idaho & Beyond

http://news.boisestate.edu/update/files/2010/08/Moncrief100x125.jpgDr. Gary Moncrief of Boise State asks, "Wouldn't it be nice one day if you could wake up and see this headline in the newspaper 'Women Dominate Elections'?

That was the headline in October 1996 in Idaho.

That's not where we are now. So what happened? Is there something about the nature of the electoral process and that makes it harder for women?  The research tells us
  • Structural factors 
  • Single member districts vs multi-member districts; selectorates
  • Fundraising 
    • Women feel they have a tougher time raising money. 
    • Dr. Moncrief's research shows that once women are in the race they raise money just as well as men)
  • Networks 
    • Women feel they may not have the social connection with influencers in the process. 
    • There are pools of networking influence that women are already tapped into through their jobs, personal lives that can be leveraged better
  • Family obligations
    • Women tend to put off running until children leave home
    • That gap is decreasing
  • Partisan differences
  • Lack of confidence
  • Dr. Moncrief shared some in your face statistics about the state of women in leadership here at home and beyond 
    • Idaho: Five biggest governments with non partisan elections in Ada County are currently 44% women
    • Idaho: But there is only one female mayor in the valley and no women on the Eagle or Caldwell city councils
    • Idaho: We have never had a woman governor or a US Senator
    • Idaho: Currently there are no women on the State Supreme Court
    • Idaho: 2 women from Idaho have served in the US House
    • Idaho: Currently there are numerous women in Administrative positions - including Go Lead Idaho Speakers Celia Gould & Nancy Merrill
    • National: Only 17% of both the House and Senate are women
    • Global: Among national legislatures, the US Congress ranks 67 for percentage of women represented, tied with Turkemnistan, behind Venezuela, Kazakhstand and Greece.
    • Every decade since the 1970s the gain is smaller for women in elected leadership

    Some fascinating data about how women decide to run for legislative office...
    16% of women are self starters (36% for the men)
    50% are encouraged by someone else (46% for the men)
    34% have to be persuaded (17% for the men)

    And he ends his very insightful remarks with this inspirational quote...

    "I went up to Montgomery and watched the legislature for a few days. I realized pretty quick that if these bozos can do this, I can do it." - Lynda S., Bayou La Batre, Alabama

    Kicking off Go Lead Idaho

    Packed house of women with a passion and interest in leadership sacrificing a sunny Saturday to get involved and help Go Lead Idaho.

    Lt. Governor Brad Little kicking it off by channelling Margaret Thatcher...
    "In politics if you want anything ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."

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    Three key attributes you need to get involved in public policy and politics:
    - Can you listen to the people you represent?
    - Do you have the tenacity to stick with it?
    - Do you have tough enough skin to handle the job

    Everything from the pea and lentil commission to the PERSI board - if you want to get involved but don't want to run for office there are 200 state boards and commissions that need your voice and involvement. Here's the online portal - Idaho State Boards, Commissions and Councils - to vet out the opportunities.


    - Jess

    Are You Ready to Go Lead Idaho?

    Still wondering if Go Lead Idaho is the place for you on Saturday? Consider this....

    Recent polls commissioned by The White House Project (ThWHP) indicate that one big battle has been won—large majorities of Americans are comfortable  with women as top leaders in all sectors, from academia and business to media and the military. 
    Pie

     That raises the question: “if so many Americans are comfortable with women leading in all sectors, then why are we so far from that goal?” 
    Why, with all the good ideas and interventions that have been researched and documented, aren’t women leading in proportion to our numbers? 

    Inspiration, education, networking and support are the goals of Saturday's first Go Lead in Idaho. Join us for the experience and help answer the above question. 

    Some more points to consider courtesy ThWHP
  • In every election since 1980, US women have voted in higher rates than men.
  • In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith became the first US woman nominated by a major political party for President.
  • 'Toughness doesn't have to come in a pinstripe suit.' - California Senator Dianne Feinstein
  • 'Don’t agonize. Organize.' - Florynce Kennedy
  • 'I feel very strongly that change is good because it stirs up the system.' - Ann Richards
  • 'A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.' - Barbara Jordan
  • "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."  - Muriel Strode
  • "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." - Beverly Sills
  • "The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world." - Charles Malik, former president, United Nations General Assembly
  • Out of more than 180 countries, only 27 have elected women presidents, and only 25 have appointed women prime ministers.
  • 18.5% of members of national parliaments worldwide are women.
  • Rwanda has the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in the world — 56%.
  • In the 21st century, Saudi Arabia and Vatican City are the only countries in the world that do not offer women the right to vote.
  • There are 24 women ambassadors to the United Nations.
  • Of 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide, 70% are women.
  • Women own around only 1% of the world's land.
  • Only 21% of all news subjects (people interviewed or whom the news is about) are female.
  • 'Go Lead' Gathers Professionals & Politicians from across Idaho to Advocate for Advancement of Women in Leadership

    GO LEAD EVENT GATHERS PROFESSIONALS AND POLITICIANS FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 

     Professionals from Idaho are encouraged to participate in Go Lead, a one-day conference on May 2011 aimed at empowering the nation’s most un-tapped resource – women

    Boise, Idaho – (May 17, 2011) – Idaho’s women have many reasons to be proud. According to a report by American Express, Idaho ranks 25th in the nation for growth of women-owned companies, and 15th in the nation for their revenue growth since 1997. Approximately $4.2 billion is pumped into Idaho’s economy each year by the roughly 36,300 women-owned businesses headquartered here and combined, these companies boast more than 33,000 employees.

    However, when it comes to state government, Idaho’s women are fiercely under-represented, holding just under 28 percent of the legislative seats. According to Rutgers, only six women have been elected as statewide officials since the beginning of Idaho’s history.

    These statistics, mirrored across the nation, led to the inception of The White House Project (www.thewhitehouseproject.org), the nationally recognized, not-for-profit organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, including the U.S. presidency.

    The White House Project is bringing its award-winning Go Lead Training to Idaho on May 21 at the Boise State University Student Union Building. 

    Led by regional experts, this nonpartisan, intense, one-day seminar offers insight, skills and trainings in public speaking, leadership development and board/commission appointments to empower Idaho’s women to take on stronger leadership roles in their communities.

    “The genesis of this project locally should be credited to the Treasure Valley Public Policy Project, Idaho Women Lawyers, and a handful of very influential women in our communities,” said Britt Ide, local businesswoman and lead coordinator. “We saw a real need to give women the confidence and knowledge they need to go after leadership positions in their businesses and communities and in policy and politics here in Idaho.”

    The first annual event will take place Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Boise State University Student Union Building.  To register, please visit www.GoLeadIdaho.org.  The cost is $50.00 and includes lunch. Scholarships may be available by contacting the White House Project.

    Speakers include Lieutenant Governor, Brad Little; U.S. Attorney for Idaho, Wendy Olson; Boise City Council President, Maryanne Jordan; Idaho State Representative, Cherie Buckner-Webb; Director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Celia Gould; Boise City Councilwoman, Lauren McLean; Director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Nancy Merrill and more.

    Passionate Organizations Making Go Lead Idaho Possible

    In less than one week, dozens of women from across Idaho will gather together to learn, grow, network and inspire each other to new levels of leadership in their communities. Will you be part of this inaugural event? We hope so. We all share in the responsibility to change our present and impact our future. Whether through embracing leadership opportunities in our  workplaces, our communities, in policy or in politics.  Remember to register to ensure your spot at the Go Lead Idaho event on May 21.

    None of this would be possible without the passionate support of our volunteer organizing committee and key organizations from throughout Idaho that have stepped up with their support.

    PLATINUM SPONSORS

    Bsucsspa
    Boise State's College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs takes 
    seriously our mission to facilitate engagement – not only in community service and outreach, but in politics and policy. We recognize the connection between the individual and larger systems, and strive to demystify the process of informed advocacy. Our success depends on instilling in each of our graduates the unfaltering belief that democracy requires their determined commitment and active involvement.

     
    Camacho Mendoza Coulter Law Group is a Latina, African –American and Veteran owned minority law firm providing quality and efficient legal counsel to insurers, businesses, organizations, employers or employees, Native American Tribes, artists and individual multi-cultural clients located statewide, in Indian Country and beyond the State of Idaho. We have a strong commitment to the protection of civil rights and are willing to review cases pertaining to violations. Our firm prides itself on being attuned to our clients' objectives, stressing the importance of preventative law and structuring effective solutions to provide results our clients value while avoiding costly litigation wherever possible.

    Idwomenlawyers
    Idaho Women Lawyers is committed to promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and minorities within the legal profession and the judicial system; full participation by women and minorities in the organized bar and in the legislative and judicial branches of government; and providing opportunities for women and minorities in the legal profession to support and educate one another.

    Pc_color_72
    Perkins Coie, LLP is proud to support the Go Lead Idaho leadership training for women. We applaud your mission to empower Idaho women to take on stronger leadership roles in their communities.  At Perkins Coie, our firmwide Executive Committee is led by a woman.  We highly value diversity and support women in leadership.  We are glad to share in this commitment with Go Lead Idaho.

    GOLD SPONSORS

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    Elamburke
    Hawley-troxell-logo
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    Silver Sponsors

     

     

     

    Go Lead Idaho Agenda

    We are just under two weeks out from Go Lead Idaho!  We're looking forward to a day filled with inspiration, training and opportunity - all designed to encourage women to embrace leadership positions in their workplaces, their communities and in policy and politics.

    The Go Lead organizing committee is proud to unveil the day's lineup.... have you registered yet?


    8:30- 9:00 am  

     

     Registration and Networking

    9:00- 9:15 am 

     Welcome Future Leaders of Idaho

    Lt. Governor Brad Little, State of Idaho

    9:15-9:45 am 

     

     Welcome to Go Lead and Training Overview

    Katie Groke Ellis, Regional Director, The White House Project

    Video- The White House Project

    Introduction: Britt Ide, Ide Law & Strategy, PLLC ,  and Julie Pipal, Pipal Consulting LLC

    9:45- 10:30 am 

     State of Women in Leadership in Idaho & Beyond

    Gary Moncrief, Professor, Department of Political Science, Boise State University

    Introduction: Karianne Fallow, Red Sky Public Relations 

    10:30-11:30 am 

     

    Inspiration:  Potential of Women in Leadership in Idaho & Beyond

    Key Note Speaker: Cherie Buckner-Webb, Idaho State Representative and nationally recognized speaker, trainer, consultant, coach and singer            

    Introduction: Kim Toryanski, Deputy Administrator, Idaho Division of Human Resources

    11:30am- 1:00pm

     

    Lunch Why Women Matter Panel       

                Celia Gould, Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Former

                Idaho State Representative

                Lauren McLean, Boise City Councilwoman

                Nancy Merrill, Director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation,   

                Former Eagle Mayor

    Cathy Silak, Dean of the Concordia Law School, Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice

    Moderator: Natalie Camacho-Mendoza, Camacho Mendoza Coulter Law Group PLLC

    1:00-1:30 pm

    Break

    1:30- 2:30 pm

    Dressing Up Your Message: Delivering to Diverse Audiences

                  Jessica Flynn, CEO, Red Sky Public Relations

                 Gemma Gaudette, News anchor and host, KIVI Channel 6

                 Rochelle DeLong, Founder, Consilio Business Managers

                 Introduction: Anne Wilde, The HR & Benefits Advisor, PLLC

    2:30-3:15 pm

    Break & Networking: Go Meet, Go Lead

                Patio, weather permitting

    3:15- 4:15 pm

    Panel: Leadership on Boards & Commissions

    Maryanne Jordan, Boise City Council President

    Julie Pipal, Chair of the Meridian Development Corporation, Former Mgr. Office of Budget, Policy & Intergovernmental Relations at Idaho Transportation Department

    Robin Sandy, Chair of the Idaho Board of Corrections

                  Moderator: Lee Flinn, Conservation Voters of Idaho 

    4:15-4:45 pm

     

     

     

    Closing Comments & Invitation to Lead

    Wendy Olson, U.S. Attorney for Idaho

    Introduction: Christine Salmi, Perkins Coie LLP

     

    4:45-5:00 pm

     

     

     

    Call to Action and Action Committees

                   Britt Ide, Ide Law & Strategy, PLLC

     



    Diverse Group of Individuals & Organizations Support Go Lead Idaho

    http://www.hrrecruitingalert.com/wp-content/uploads/diverse-group.jpg

    Go Lead Idaho would not be possible without the support and contributions from a diverse group of individuals, organizations and companies - all dedicated to empowering  Idaho women to take on stronger leadership roles in their communities.

    Our special thanks to the following sponsors:

    Platinum 

    Gold

    Silver

    Learn more and remember to register for the May 21 event! We'll be sharing the agenda overview later this week.

    Register Now for Go Lead Idaho!

    "The fastest way to change society 
is to mobilize the women of the world."
    - Charles Malik, fmr president, UN General Assembly

    Red_stamp
    The White House Project is bringing its award-winning Go Lead Training to Idaho this spring on May 21 from 9am - 5pm at Boise State University.

    Led by regional experts, this nonpartisan intense one-day seminar offers insight, skills and trainings in public speaking, leadership development and board/commission appointments to empower Idaho’s women to take on stronger leadership roles in their communities.

    Join Us. Go Lead Idaho.

    What You Can Do NOW:

    • Subscribe to this blog's RSS Feed
    • REGISTER to attend Go Lead Idaho on May 21.
      Registration is handled through the White House Project, a non-profit focused on advancing women’s leadership in all communities and sectors—up to the U.S. presidency—by filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women. 
    • Connect with fellow attendees on the Go Lead Idaho Facebook Event page
    • Join the Treasure Valley Public Policy's LinkedIn Group
    • Tweet, post, friend and share the news about this event (Hashtag #GoLeadID)
    • Print off and post, or download and email the below event flyer
    • REGISTER TODAY!

    Click here to download:
    GoLeadFlyer_FINALVersion.pdf (4.1 MB)
    (download)

     

    Community Leader in Life

    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."  - Margaret Mead
    Sharon-dollinger-web-199x300

    It is with  great sadness that we share the sad news that Sharon Dollinger has passed away, yesterday at home. It was totally unexpected. Sharon was a driving force in NAWBO who participated with her whole heart and soul. She promoted NAWBO to the many women business owners that she came in contact with. Her work on the programs this year and the various committees in the past have helped the drive the chapter's presence. She will be missed greatly. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to her husband and family, and also to  Zions Bank where she served as the Vice President of Zions Bank's Women's Financial Group where much of her work was focused on assisting women entrepreneurs.  

    Sharon was also an enthusiastic and passionate member of the Da Vinci Charter School Board where she helped shape the foundation of the growing school.

    Her ambition and memorable spirit will be missed.

    (information courtesy of Paula Miller, NAWBO member as well as Anna Gamel, Da Vinci School Board and member of the Red Sky PR team)

    Women-owned businesses create $4.2 billion of Idaho economy

    Idaho has about 36,300 women-owned businesses that employ more than 33,000 people and contribute about $4.2 billion to the state's economy, according to a report based on U.S. Census data.

    The report by American Express said Idaho ranks 25th in the nation for growth of women-owned companies, and 15th in the nation for their revenue growth since 1997.

    The number of Idaho companies owned by women has grown 41 percent since 1997, compared with the national growth rate of 50 percent.

    However, the women-owned business workforce had a larger growth spurt in Idaho than in the U.S. That segment of employees in Idaho has grown about 29 percent since 1997, or more than three times the national average of about 8 percent, according to the data.

    To see the full report, go to http://www.openforum.com/women.

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