I attended a lovely early evening event tonight - Women on Board. The Commission on the Status of Women for the City of Bloomington organizes this annual event at the end of March to celebrate women’s history month. The emphasis is on women’s leadership and encouraging women in our community to become involved with local boards and commissions. Civic engagement is the backbone of democratic governance - which is why it is one of my campaign issues.
Congratulations to Jillian Kinzie, named the Emerging Leader this year! Jillian is an inspiration to so many. Her campaign for City Council District 2 revealed her intelligence and political skill. As Jillian pointed out in her acceptance speech, it may be time to stop discussing the glass ceiling as the mechanism that keeps women out of positions of power. Instead, it would be more accurate to see women’s access to power as winding through a labyrinth.
My evening was completed as part of a small-group audience with Chelsea Clinton at the IU auditorium. It was great to be in a room with Democratic Women’s Caucus members and a good number of active college democrats. I have such hope for our future! Ms. Clinton was articulate, thoughtful, and probably the best ambassador for her mother’s presidential campaign. I am optimistic that local residents will have the opportunity to attend campaign rallies featuring both Democratic candidates. I look forward to it!
More on the women in power / women and power in a future entry.
Julie