Women’s Guide to Economic & Political Power
We ARE The Economic Powerhouse
Women are a formidable and growing force in the U.S. economy. Today, women own approximately 13 million firms, representing nearly 43% of all U.S. businesses. These companies employ over 10 million workers and generate $2.1 trillion in revenue annually. Despite this, significant disparities remain.
In fiscal year 2023, the federal government awarded a record $30.9 billion in contracts to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). However, this represented only 4.6% of total eligible contracting dollars, once again missing the statutory goal of 5% and leaving billions in opportunities on the table.
The personal financial picture shows similar inequities. On average, women earn just 84 cents for every dollar paid to men, a gap that is even wider for most women of color. This persists even as 40% of all households with children under 18 rely on a mother as the sole or primary source of income.
With women driving 85% of all consumer purchasing—totaling up to $20 trillion annually—our economic influence is undeniable, yet our economic security is not guaranteed.
A Call for Collective Action
This disconnect is amplified by a political system where money often speaks the loudest. In 2023, federal lobbying spending surpassed $4.21 billion, a testament to the immense resources large corporations use to influence policy in their favor.
Expecting a different outcome while using the same approach is futile. We must stop waiting for others to champion our cause. As women leaders, we must ACT NOW. It is time to Run for Office, Donate to Candidates that support women and VOTE!
Together we CAN change our future!
Sincerely,
Margot Dorfman, CEO
Shape Our Future: A Woman's Guide to Economic & Political Power
Our economic future is not decided for us; it is decided by those who show up. For too long, decisions about our pay, our businesses, our families, and our health have been made by rooms where we are underrepresented. This guide is a blueprint for changing that. It outlines four key pillars of political power: Voting, Contributing, Running, and Serving.
1. The Power of Your Vote: The Foundation 🗳️
Your vote is the most fundamental tool of power you have. Women have been the deciding factor in major elections because we vote at higher rates than men.1 We aren't a "special interest group"; we are the majority of the electorate.
Why It Matters: Every elected official, from the local school board member to the President, makes decisions that impact your wallet. School boards set the property tax rates that affect your housing costs. City councils decide zoning for small businesses. Congress passes laws on equal pay, family leave, and federal contracting.
Your Action Plan:
Vote in Every Election: Local and state elections have the most direct impact on your daily life. Don't sit them out.
Research the Economic Agenda: Look past the talking points. Does a candidate have a clear, actionable plan to support equal pay, fund childcare, or expand access to capital for women-owned businesses?
Vote Your Economic Interests: Your vote is a direct investment in your own financial future. Use it to hire the person you believe will deliver the best return.
· Resources:
Candidates Campaign Sites
2. The Power of Your Dollar: The Investment 💵
Money is a megaphone in politics. Contributing to candidates who champion women's economic advancement amplifies the issues we care about and helps them compete against a system often funded by corporate lobbyists.
Why It Matters: Candidates need resources to run campaigns, share their message, and win. When they are funded by women, they are more accountable to women. Your contribution sends a clear signal that women's economic issues are a political priority.
Your Action Plan:
Become a Small-Dollar Donor: You don't need to be a millionaire. A recurring donation of $10 or $25 a month provides a candidate with a reliable source of funding and demonstrates grassroots support.
Invest Strategically: Find candidates with a proven track record on our issues. Support organizations that work to elect pro-woman candidates.
Think of It as an ROI: A contribution to a candidate fighting for paid family leave could provide a massive return for you and your family down the line.
3. The Power of Your Voice: Running for Office 📣
To truly change the conversation, we must be in the room where the conversation happens. The most direct way to ensure our interests are represented is to represent them ourselves.
Why It Matters: When women run, they win at the same rate as men. The primary obstacle is often the decision to run in the first place. Studies show women need to be asked multiple times, while men often decide on their own. We can't afford to wait to be asked.
Your Action Plan:
Run for Something: It doesn't have to be Congress. Consider running for your local school board, library board, city council, or county commission. These roles are powerful and directly shape your community.
Encourage Another Woman to Run: If you're not ready to run, identify a woman in your network who is a leader and encourage her. Be part of her support system.
Get Trained: Organizations like the National Women's Political Caucus, CAWP: Center for American Women and Politics and your national party offer resources and training to help launch successful campaigns.
4. The Power of Your Presence: Serving in Office 🏛️
When women hold elected office, it changes outcomes. Our presence is not just symbolic; it is transformational.
Why It Matters: Research shows that women in office are more collaborative and more likely to champion policies that support families, women, and children.3 They sponsor more legislation, pass more laws, and bring more federal funding back to their home districts. They focus on crucial issues like healthcare, paid leave, education, and economic security.
Your Action Plan:
Support Women in Office: Follow the women who represent you. Amplify their successes and provide constructive feedback. A network of support helps them govern effectively.
Demand Accountability: Hold your elected officials—men and women—accountable for their promises on the issues that matter to us. Attend town halls and write to their offices.
Build the Bench: By mentoring and supporting women at the local level, you are building the pipeline of experienced leaders who will one day serve in state capitals and in Washington, D.C.
Your voice, your vote, and your leadership are the keys to unlocking a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Let's get to work.
Step Up and Run
Your Path to Serving in Office.
First things first. Get to know the lay of the land. Reach out to current leaders and ask questions. Why did they run? What did they do to get elected? What were the highs and lows of the campaign? What would they do differently? Begin building relationships with those connected to the office you seek. Town Commissioner? Speak with the town staff, mayor commissioners and state organization that provides trainings for the newly elected.
And while running for office can seem daunting, it’s not about having a perfect resume. It's about having a passion to serve your community. Women have the skills, experience, and perspective needed in government. The path to public office is a journey—here’s the map.
Phase 1: The Foundation (12-18+ Months Before Election Day)
This is the "thinking and planning" stage. It’s about building your base long before you ever file paperwork.
Step 1: Find Your "Why."
Identify Your Passion: What issue keeps you up at night? Is it underfunded schools, zoning laws hurting small businesses, a lack of local healthcare access, or environmental concerns? This passion will be the fuel for your campaign.
Define Your Vision: Don't just run against something; run for something. What is your positive vision for your community? Clearly articulating this will inspire voters and volunteers.
Step 2: Research & Choose Your Office.
Start Local: Over 95% of elected officials in the U.S. serve at the state and local levels. These roles—School Board, City Council, County Commission, Library Board, State Representative—have a huge impact on daily life and are more accessible for first-time candidates.
Do Your Homework:
What are the responsibilities of the office?
Who is the incumbent, and what is their record? Is the seat "open" (no incumbent)?
What are the filing deadlines, residency requirements, and signature-gathering rules for this specific office? (Check your county Board of Elections or Secretary of State website).
Step 3: Build Your Network & Test the Waters.
Get Involved: Join local boards, volunteer for another campaign, or become a leader in a community organization (like the PTA or a neighborhood association). This builds your credibility and shows your commitment.
Listen to Your Community: Attend town halls and community meetings. Talk to neighbors, local business owners, and community leaders. What are their biggest concerns? This is the foundation of your future platform.
Connect with Political Mentors: Reach out to current or former elected officials (especially women) for advice. Organizations like Vote Run Lead, She Should Run, Emily's List, and the National Women's Political Caucus exist specifically to help women explore a run for office and can connect you with valuable resources.3
Phase 2: Building the Campaign (6-12 Months Out)
This is where you make it official and start building your campaign infrastructure.
Step 4: Assemble Your Kitchen Cabinet.
You cannot do this alone. Gather a small, trusted group of 3-5 people to be your core advisors. This team will help you make key decisions and provide moral support. They might include a close friend, a politically-savvy mentor, or a community leader who believes in you.
Step 5: Create a Preliminary Plan & Budget.
Campaign Plan: How will you reach voters? (Door-knocking, social media, local events, mailers). How many votes do you need to win?
Fundraising Plan: How much money will you need for yard signs, website hosting, and advertising? Make a list of potential donors, starting with your own network of friends and family ("friendraising"). Don’t be intimidated—most local campaigns are won with modest budgets, and every dollar counts.
Step 6: Craft Your Message & Develop Your Brand.
Your Story is Your Strength: Why are you the right person for this job, right now? Weave your personal story with your policy vision. Authenticity is key.
Develop a "Stump Speech": Practice a concise, compelling 2-minute version of who you are, why you're running, and what you want to do. You’ll use it everywhere.
Build an Online Presence: Secure a domain name (e.g., https://www.google.com/search?q=JaneDoeForCityCouncil.com), set up professional-looking social media pages, and get a good headshot.
Phase 3: The Active Campaign (3-6 Months Out)
This is the public-facing, high-gear phase.
Step 7: Announce Your Candidacy & File the Paperwork.
Make an official announcement to launch your campaign. This can be a press release, a social media video, or a kickoff event with supporters.
Ensure you have met all legal requirements for filing with the election authorities by the deadline.
Step 8: Fundraise & Execute Your Field Plan.
Make the Ask: This is often the hardest part, but it’s critical. Call potential donors, host small fundraising events, and make direct appeals. People want to invest in leaders they believe in.
Meet the Voters: This is the most important work. Go door-to-door, attend community festivals, and participate in candidate forums. Direct voter contact is how local elections are won.
Step 9: Get Out the Vote (GOTV).
In the final weeks, your campaign's focus shifts to ensuring your identified supporters actually cast their ballots. This involves phone banking, sending reminder texts, and offering rides to the polls.
Step 10: Starting in Office
Check with your state for the associations that provide training on ethics, laws, local operations and your role in the position you serve. You are not alone and support is often provided.
Running for office is a marathon, not a sprint. But by breaking it down into these phases, the process becomes achievable. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to be willing to serve.