Empowering Women Through Civic Engagement
How United WE and AARP are Opening Doors
United WE and AARP are working together to bridge the gender gap in civic leadership. Through an engaging initiative, they are inspiring and equipping working women to serve on appointed boards and commissions – bringing diverse perspectives to decision-making tables across communities.
Recently, AARP hosted two insightful sessions in partnership with United WE, designed to educate and motivate women to take on these influential roles. The events were structured to highlight national research on gender disparities in civic spaces, share inspiring personal stories, and provide a roadmap for overcoming barriers that often hold women back from seeking leadership positions.
Prabh Kaur, Director of new Affiliate Integration Services at AARP, and Felicia Brown, Senior Advisor at AARP are two program facilitators who work with United WE for this partnership.
Why Representation in Civic Leadership Matters
As Prabh Kaur noted, organizations and governing bodies with women at the helm often demonstrate greater financial success and a deeper commitment to inclusivity. Yet, despite these benefits, many women hesitate to step into these roles. Impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and a perceived lack of expertise frequently deter capable women from applying for positions on boards and commissions. “A lot of times, we hold ourselves back because we don’t see ourselves in these spaces,” Felicia Brown shared. “We think we need to check every box before we even consider applying, whereas men are often willing to jump in and learn as they go.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
One of the most valuable aspects of this initiative is its focus on demystifying the appointment process and providing hands-on support. Participants learn how to identify local opportunities, navigate the application process, and leverage available resources. More importantly, they heard firsthand accounts from women who have successfully taken this path – stories that resonated deeply and helped attendees visualize themselves in similar roles.
For many, the event sparked both excitement and apprehension. As Felicia Brown stated, one participant put it this way: “It’s one thing to talk about it; it’s another thing to actually do it. Now, there’s a game plan, and I have to follow through.” This mix of enthusiasm and apprehension is precisely what the Appointments Project aims to address—by equipping women with knowledge, confidence, and a network of support, they are far more likely to take the leap.
A Support System for Success
A key takeaway from the sessions was the reassurance that no woman has to navigate this journey alone. United WE provides ongoing guidance through the Appointments Project to help women find the right fit for their skills and interests, answer their questions, and support them through the appointment process. “It’s not just about filling out an application and hoping for the best,” Felicia Brown emphasized. “There’s a network here to help every step of the way.”
The Road Ahead
The success of this initiative with AARP is already evident in the enthusiastic feedback from participants. Many expressed gratitude for the insights shared and the connections made, with some even taking immediate steps to explore appointment opportunities. “What I heard from a few of the women is they were excited and scared at the same time. So, excited for the opportunity and it's like, crap, now there's a game plan and I got to do it. Whereas before we were just talking about it and so that was good,” said Prabh Kaur.
By continuing to foster these conversations and providing tangible support, United WE and AARP are not just encouraging women to take a seat at the table – they are ensuring they have the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact in their communities. The message is clear: women belong in leadership, and with the right support, they can and will shape the future of civic engagement.
