Editor:

American women have had a lot to celebrate this summer. In June, The White House hosted the United State of Women Summit and 28 major companies signed their Equal Pay Pledge. In July, we saw the first female presidential nominee of a major party. In August, female athletes were the unquestionable breakout stars of Team USA. And two weeks ago, we celebrated Women’s Equality Day.

Despite these high points we can’t afford to take for granted what’s at stake for American women right now. Women are more likely to live in poverty and work a minimum wage job. Access to reproductive healthcare is threatened, and sexual assault pervades our campuses and communities.

We need quality legislation and leadership to address these critical issues. However, it’s difficult when the individuals who understand them best remain so underrepresented in government. Women bring a unique perspective and prioritize policies that help women and families. We need more of them to jump into politics and begin moving up the ladder.

Why not you, or a woman you know? When it comes to politics, many don’t know where to start. That’s where Emerge Colorado comes in. We’re Colorado’s premier candidate training program and give Democratic women the skills and network they need to run for office and win. We’re recruiting for the class of 2017 now. applications are live at www.emergeco.org.  Let us help you be a force of change.

Jenny Willford

Executive Director, Emerge Colorado

Denver