Women Learn How To Run for Office in WAPPP Initiative

As this year's presidential election has shown, female candidates face unique challenges in the political arena. Kate Coyne-McCoy, Northeast regional director of EMILY’s List and Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP) fellow, addressed these obstacles in last Friday's session of the political training program, From Harvard Square to the Oval Office. Coyne-McCoy conducted the first training session of the year on the crucial steps to becoming a political candidate and the preparations of running for office.

Coyne-McCoy inspired the students to reflect on their personal reasons to run for office and what they can offer as a candidate. Before making the commitment, the students learned they must effectively formulate a campaign message, define their candidate platforms, raise funds to cover campaign costs and achieve a comprehensive understanding of both their constituency and the current political atmosphere.

Coyne-McCoy told the students about “getting your house in order,” consisting of thoroughly reviewing their employment and educational histories, financial and investment records, voting records and memberships and organizational affiliations.

She also stressed the importance of growing a network of supporters by gathering and keeping track of contacts made through work events and social gatherings.

“Most women don't realize that they have been building coalitions all their lives,” she said. “If you organized your kids' carpool or the PTA meeting,you've built a coalition.”

These networks are being further developed through the alumnae of the Oval Office program, building an “ole’ gals” network.

Massachusetts State Representative Lori Ehrlich, MC/MPA ’05 and Oval Office ’05, is a member of this network. She was the keynote speaker at this year’s Oval Office welcome breakfast.

“Because of this program and programs like it, more women today are running for office and participating in political life than ever before,” said Erlich. “The Oval Office program is like a well-stocked tool box I reached into daily for my campaign for State Representative.”

Victoria Budson, WAPPP’s Executive Director said: “In order for us to obtain women’s equal representation in our political structures, it will require the will of many. Through the Oval Office program, WAPPP trains the best and the brightest to ensure that more women have a seat at the table to make policy decisions and enact change.”

This year marks the fifth anniversary of Oval Office with more than 160 alumnae completing the program. Oval Office is an initiative of WAPPP that provides a select group of Harvard graduate students with the training and support they need to ascend in the electoral process at the local, state and national levels. Ultimately, WAPPP's goal is to fill the political pipeline with women, striving towards equal representation in government.