Susan invites you to learn about, support and contribute to California Women Lead

 

I see CWL as a key statewide organization whose goal is to support women in gaining appointments on boards and commissions and achieving elective office.

 

California Women Lead began as California Elected Womenπs Association for Education and Research (CEWAER), which first grew from seed money donated by The Ms. Foundation in 1974. The founders were an association of women elected to a variety of offices in California government. CEWAER was a communications network for elected women who had a sense of aloneness in their disproportionate numbers within the male power structure of the timesãa counterpart to the "old boys club.≤

 

In early 1975, CEWAER representatives met with Governor Jerry Brown just weeks after his inauguration. Governor Brown had appointed Claire Dedrick and Rose Bird to serve in his cabinet, as Secretary of Resources and Secretary of Agriculture, respectively.  CEWAER urged the Governor to establish hiring policies that would further integrate qualified women throughout the civil service.

 

Women in California have yet to reach parity, particularly, in the state legislature. Term limits have impacted our ability to keep women in public office and so our work continues.

 

I first joined CEWAER in the 1970s, after I was appointed to serve on the Ventura City Planning Commission.  When I was elected in 1998 to the County Board of Supervisors in Santa Barbara, I was invited to join the CEWAER Board of Directors.  Over the years, Iπve seen our organization strengthen its commitment to collaborate with others who share our goals in policy education and research, and share our vision toward a California where diverse leaders reflect all people who live and work here.  The organization continues to encourage women to seek public office and join CWL for support, and also seeks to stimulate research and discussion of public issues as they relate to women and our role in government.

 

In 2007, we renamed CEWAER to better fit our needs. Our new name, California Women Lead, was announced on January 28, 2008 at the annual Legislative Welcome.  I continue to serve on the Board of Directors, and encourage you to contact me about your interest in California Women Lead.