United WE Brings Civic Leadership Training to SWMO and SEMO
Research shows women are underrepresented in appointed roles in Springfield, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, and across the state
(KANSAS CITY, MO) – United WE today announced plans to offer their civic leadership training to southeast and southwest Missouri and released new municipal-level data showing women are underrepresented on boards and commissions.
At a virtual press conference with representatives from the Office of Governor Mike Kehoe and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, United WE announced that they will bring their Appointments Project, which helps women get appointed to civic boards and commissions, to southwest and southeast Missouri with support from Missouri Foundation for Health. Through Appointments Project Journey Groups in each region, United WE will provide participating women with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take their first steps in civic leadership. The program is free and open to all women in southeast and southwest Missouri interested in pursuing a civic leadership role. Applications are being accepted through July 28.
“United WE works to advance women’s civic leadership because we know that making local appointed boards and commissions more representative of the communities they serve will improve outcomes for everyone,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “This innovative program is directly informed by our research about the barriers to women’s civic participation – and takes a practical, hands-on approach to helping women launch their civic leadership journey. This municipal-level data reinforces why we launched the Appointments Project 13 years ago, and I’m delighted we are able to expand this proven program to women in southeast and southwest Missouri.”
Dr. Anita Manion, Assistant Professor in Political Science, University of Missouri-St. Louis, discussed municipal-level results of United WE’s study on gender parity on boards and commissions in Missouri. The study, which was recently published in a national academic journal, found that women and people of color are underrepresented broadly on boards and commissions. The groundbreaking study of 273 Missouri municipalities with a population of over 1,000 found women comprised only 36.9% of members of boards and commissions, and white Missourians comprised 92.3% of members. The gender disparity is especially glaring on “power boards” that have enormous impacts on public policy and the allocation of financial resources, such as planning and zoning, transportation, budget and finance, adjustments and appeals, and public works.
“Inclusive civic leadership is essential to building healthier communities. When leadership reflects the communities it serves, policies and decisions are more effective and better aligned with the needs of all people,” said Rachel Rimmerman, Health Advocacy Strategist at Missouri Foundation for Health. “We’re excited to support United WE’s Appointments Project to help expand leadership opportunities for women in these regions and ensure local boards and commissions benefit from diverse perspectives.”
Last year, United WE released findings from the first national study of women’s representation on local appointed boards and commissions, finding that of 5,125 board seats analyzed, only 39% are occupied by women.
United WE’s Appointments Project has helped more than 200 women secure positions on local appointed boards and commissions. Based on the results of a landmark study by the United WE Institute, the Appointments Project works to increase women’s civic participation, improve policy outcomes, and make local boards and commissions more representative of the communities they serve. Through research-backed programming and trainings, United WE helps women jump-start the application process and build confidence in their ability to serve, and acts as a resource for prospective appointees and officials/staff in their cities and regions.
Interested applicants are asked to apply by July 28.
To learn more about United WE’s Appointments Project, visit: www.united-we.org/appointments-project
View the slides from today's press conference, and municipal-level raw data for Springfield, Joplin, and Cape Girardeau. A recording of today's event is available upon request.
