Newsletter June 2021
Updated: Sep 20, 2021
WIRE's Vision
WIRE is committed to expanding women's representation in local government. WIRE envisions a world where more women hold appointed and elected public office in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Forward Spring Spring is considered one of the most meaningful and memorable seasons for many as it is a time for new beginnings – flowers in bloom, graduations, weddings – and moving forward. Spring began with the Vernal equinox when the day and night hours are even at approximately twelve hours each.
Given WIRE’s goal of equal representation of women in local government, it may be no surprise that WIRE sprung forward this Spring with the launch of its new Appointed program and the addition of board and advisory council members – Diane Papan, Linda Prieto, Chelsea Bonini, Reid Myers, Denise Brosseau and Susan Shankle – who will help strengthen WIRE for Women’s programs, recruitment efforts, and network.
Living into our vision of a world with more women in elected and appointed positions, WIRE launched an initiative to raise the number of women holding appointed positions in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The initiative will identify the many and varied appointments available, share information about the nature and requirements of serving in these positions, and equip women with the tools to navigate the appointment process. WIRE services include:
An online Appointed Offices resource page with links to current open positions in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and each of their cities.
Connecting women seeking more information about scope, requirements, and responsibilities of open appointments with former appointees or other resources to help them evaluate fit.
Coaching and tools, a hallmark of WIRE, to help with the process of applying for appointed office. Contact WIRE to be connected to experienced public servants who can help qualified women in their pursuit of fulfilling public service opportunities.
Interested in learning more or have friends that fit the bill? Join WIRE (and encourage those friends to join) at our Appointed Program training event on October 2, 2021. Details coming soon.
Paying it Forward
Led by board member Karen Schwarz, former San Mateo County Community College Elected Trustee, the Appointed program is focused on recruiting and empowering women seeking local appointed leadership positions in public office.
We are delighted to have Karen lead this program as she has first-hand experience and knowledge about the entire process from “thinking about it” to landing an appointed role as a (now former) appointed member of the Redwood City Library board.
“It can be a scary and lonely experience for some. It was through the encouragement of other women that I took the first step; however navigating the process was still a challenge. I want to change that experience and am grateful that I have an opportunity to pay it forward and help other women seeking an appointed role in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.”
Find Your Seat at the Table – Open Local Positions
These are exciting times and there is no time like the present. There are hundreds to thousands of opportunities for women seeking leadership roles in public office in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If you or someone you know is interested or would be an ideal candidate, please reach out to us. We are here to help!
Take the first step now. Click here for more information on local positions in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Get Involved! If you support our mission, there are many ways to support WIRE:
Events / Programs / Workshops
Digital Team
Marketing
One-time Contribution
Recurring
Mentor a Candidate
Be a Guest Speaker
Join Our Board or Advisory Council
Save the Date!
