Rising Tide of Democratic Women in Southern Oregon
Paulie Brading
Saturday morning over 50 Democratic women representing all age groups from 20 somethings to 70 somethings strolled through the doors to attend an all day workshop sponsored by Emerge Oregon.They came from all regions in the area. The mission was to provide a venue with excellent presenters and panels to help women self identify themselves as potential Democratic candidates. These women wanted training in how to advance themselves in political training.
Ann Lininger, recently appointed Clackamas County Commissioner told her story about growing up in Southern Oregon, becoming an attorney and a parent of two young children. Ann is going to run to keep her position against a very well known opponent.
Next, Janeen Olson, former Director of Marketing and Communications for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and currently Director of Development and Communications for the Juvenile Rights Project, Oregon's champion for children in the courtroom and the community gave an inspiring presention titled Brand You.
Four women from very different backgrounds and different passions shared what inspired them, how they balance their activism with family life and how their talents emerged. You could have heard a pin drop on the floor as the participants listened to these presentations. The Q &A afterwards could have gone on all afternoon.
Another session divided the participants into round table discussions to discuss tools of influence. Last,Kathryn Firestone, Emerge Oregon Executive Director talked about the exciting opportunites for women in Oregon and how Emerge Oregon is helping Democratic women succeed.
Democratic women throughout Oregon are invited to contact emergeoregon.com to apply to become members of the second training class. Just call 503-203-1029 or visit their website. It is a competive application so appy early.
The matriarchy down south who planned the event included their leader Lynn Howe, and Midge Thierolf, Marilyn Hawkins, Darby Stricker, Julie Rubinstein, Bunny Lewis, Sue Densmore, Candance Bartow, Barbara Dellenback and Paulie Brading. Up next, a follow up with the women who attended Saturday's event and more training.
The after event at the Red Rock attracted 70 Democrats who partied into the evening. Not bad for a Saturday in August!.
We will continue to challenge Emerge Oregon to get the heck out of the Metro area to discover women leaders in all areas of the state. Someday the organization Emerge Oregon may just change their name to MERGE OREGON!
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connect with blueoregon
Aug 11, '09
First, enormous thanks and many kudos to the "matriarchy" down south! You're amazing!
Second, a "second" on Paulie's commentary. It was a tremendous day full of enthusiasm and energy - a real "roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-going!" kind of day that lasted right through the evening.
Third, much gratitude to all the participants, trainers and presenters for skipping out on a beautiful Rogue Valley day to spend it indoors with us. Thanks too to Reps. Judy Stiegler and Peter Buckley (newest member of our advisory board), Bill Bradbury and Steve Novick for traveling to join us at the reception.
And finally, applications are now being accepted for the 2010 program (postmark deadline Oct. 26). Read more and download the application at www.emergeor.org or call 503.922.2177 if you have questions. We can't wait to hear from you.
Kathryn Firestone Executive Director, Emerge Oregon
Aug 13, '09
Yes.
This is the real deal.
Exactly.
<h2>Go Gals!!!</h2>