Empowering Women: Steps to Local Government Leadership

Despite increasing demands for diversity in leadership, women continue to face significant underrepresentation in political offices, especially at the local level. Although women represent over half of the U.S. population, they occupy merely 31% of state legislative seats, under 30% of mayoral roles, and only 26% of elected county positions nationwide, according to data from the Center for American Women and Politics.

Women keen on effecting real change often discover that the best opportunities arise at the local level. Local governance is pivotal for shaping policies around education, affordable housing, and public health, as these decisions have a direct impact on communities. By assuming roles in local government, women can amplify their voices and influence policies that are vital to daily life.

“Get involved!” urges Kelly Krout, a 2022 Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas. “If running for office feels overwhelming, support a candidate you admire, volunteer for their campaign, and immerse yourself in the political process. Engage with your local party or assist in voter registration initiatives. There are numerous avenues to start, so explore where your help is most needed.”

Research consistently indicates that when women participate in decision-making, policies often prioritize community welfare, education, and family issues. A United Nations study highlighted that female leaders in local governance are significantly more inclined to invest in public goods and services that benefit entire communities. Women often adopt a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, enhancing bipartisan cooperation.

The core issue is no longer about why women should seek leadership roles; the focus has shifted to how they can do so effectively.

Ways for Women to Engage in Local Government

Define Your Passion

The journey into local governance begins with identifying the issues that resonate with you. Whether your interests lie in education, public health, or sustainability, having a clear objective can streamline your efforts. Your enthusiasm can shape your platform, helping you connect with community members and advocate for impactful change.

Consider volunteering for organizations or committees that align with your interests to gain experience and credibility:

• League of Women Voters—A nonpartisan group fostering informed and engaged government participation. Members can help organize voter registration, advocate for public policy issues, and enhance civic involvement.
• Community Health Boards—Local health departments and nonprofits frequently have advisory boards or volunteer initiatives dedicated to improving public health outcomes.
• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)—Local governments commonly train volunteers to respond during emergencies, including natural disasters and public health crises.

Learn About Local Governance

Grasping how local government functions is essential. Attend city council meetings, school board gatherings, or public hearings to observe the decision-making process firsthand. Understand the structure, responsibilities, and key players within your community’s government.

Krout emphasizes, “A common barrier for women contemplating office is the feeling of lacking knowledge. Yet, you don’t need to be an expert; you just need passion and a willingness to learn.” Many local governments provide online resources or free workshops for those keen on civic engagement:

• National League of Cities (NLC) Civic Engagement Workshops—Offers workshops and webinars to educate residents on local government operations and how they can engage in decision-making processes effectively.
• NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institutes—Provides free or low-cost workshops that equip residents with the skills to become effective leaders and engage with local governance.
• VoteRunLead Civic Leadership Training—Features free workshops aimed at training women to run for office and take on leadership roles in their communities.

Cultivate Relationships

Building connections is critical in any leadership role, including local government. Start by forming relationships with community leaders, local politicians, and civic organizations.

To broaden your network, participate in events organized by chambers of commerce or local boards and commissions. Neighborhood associations are excellent venues to meet others dedicated to transforming government policies. These gatherings typically focus on community safety, local development, and enhancing quality of life, with volunteers often involved in advocacy efforts and collaborating with city officials.

Pursue a Board Seat

Taking the significant step of running for office or joining a government board is a direct way to effect change. Positions such as city council member, school board representative, or planning commissioner allow you to influence local policies profoundly.

Although preparing for office requires effort, extensive political experience isn’t necessary. Many women transition into politics from backgrounds in education, healthcare, or business, all of which offer invaluable insights into local issues.

Partner with organizations that provide resources, training, and mentorship for women looking to forge political paths:

• She Should Run: Start to Run Program—A nonpartisan initiative with free and low-cost workshops to guide women through running for local office, helping them build confidence and connect with supportive networks.
• EMILY’s List—Active in recruiting women interested in running for office at all levels of government, from local schools to Congress, and offers training for effective campaign strategies while connecting candidates with supportive donors.

When women step into leadership roles within local government, their impact stretches far beyond the immediate community. Policies established locally can resonate, inspiring changes at state and federal levels and creating a ripple effect of positive transformation. Women in local politics have the power to redefine societal norms through their leadership, providing a crucial pathway for driving change—one decision, policy, and community at a time.

Taking that first step into local governance is not only about personal development; it’s a pivotal action toward transforming communities and sparking a movement of future changemakers.