The U.S. has a poor track record of electing women. Did you know that women hold only 17% of congressional seats, less than a quarter of state legislative seats, and only six governorships in the 50 states? This under-representation of women in public office has a profound impact on policy making.

As a leader in your community, you know that women make a difference in the public arena. You also know that we need more professionals with experience in natural resource and conservation issues serving in office. Women in the environmental field have skills and expertise on issues of critical importance, and should be at the table when policies that will affect our planet are being debated.

Enter The 2012 Project, a national, non-partisan campaign to increase the number of women in legislative office by identifying and engaging accomplished women from under-represented fields and industries – including the environmental field – to run for office. As part of this effort, The 2012 Project has teamed up with the Environmental Leadership Program and Rachel’s Network.

During this webinar, The 2012 Project’s presenters, including former state legislator Pan Godchaux (MI) and former Lieutenant Governor and Ambassador Gail Schoettler (CO), will share their experiences serving in public office, and the difference it makes to have women setting the agenda and making decisions about public policy. They will explain why 2012 is such an important year – when redistricting creates new and open seats that are better opportunities for new candidates – and how The 2012 Project can help those interested in exploring a run for office get connected to organizations that can further their campaigns in practical, tangible ways. You will also learn more about why it is essential for women environmentalists to throw their hats in the ring in 2012.

Join us for this thought provoking, empowering, & resource-filled presentation.This is for anyone interested in ensuring that women are at the table at every level of government.