DEMOCRATIC WOMEN ON THE MOVE IN WEST VIRGINIA PRIMARY
The West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women (WVFDW) is pleased to see growth in women seeking elected office.
“There are not enough women serving in government. That’s true at all levels, from city councils and county legislatures all the way up to Congress”, said Karen Coria, public relations chair for the WVFDW. “Why does it matter if women have a voice in politics? Clearly, because women’s specific rights and interests are not protected otherwise, particularly since ‘women’s issues’
include, literally, everything — health care, the economy, foreign policy, education.”
Democratic women from around the state stepped up by the filing date to run for offices including US Congress, WV State Senate, WV House of Delegates and numerous local county races, including county commission, county clerk and circuit clerk.
“Democratic women understand that one of the best ways to have their voices heard is to fight back and run for office,” said WVFDW President Anna Gillespie, a resident of Brooke County. “We are proud of the role that the Federation plays in helping women establish leadership positions and who now view running for political office vital to our livelihoods.”
Democratic women are encouraged to join county clubs affiliated with the WVFDW where they meet and interact with women of like minds.
“It’s important to me to interact with women who believe in the same ideals as I do,” said Sharon Pickens, newly elected president of the Jackson County Democratic Women.
The WVFDW has long been associated with valuable training to prepare for elections. Final plans are in the making for the 2022 Women’s Summit to be held on March 26 at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. A luncheon with guest speaker will begin at 12 p.m. with leadership-election training until 5 p.m.
“Developing a strategy to run for office is challenging. Having a sound plan that allows you to build your campaign team is crucial to get people on your side,” said Teddie Grogan, vice president of the WVFDW.
The WVFDW recently celebrated 57 years of organizing women to participate in the political process. A complete list of current WVFDW officers, and club presidents is now available on
their website.
Any woman registered as a Democrat and residing in West Virginia may become a member of a local club in their county. For more information and to register for the summit, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/WVFDW or WVFDW.org.
