This Sunday at the Champaign Public Library current and past elected government officials will be speaking at a public panel about women in politics, hosted by the Champaign County Young Democrats. These officials inlcude State Representative Carol Ammons, State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, former State Representative Naomi Jakobsson, and former Champaign County Board Chairwoman Patricia Avery. The panel will focus on the real experiences these women have had in their positions, with hopes to help future candidates or to inspire more women to pursue a career in politics. Check out the facebook event here and the full press release below:
Champaign, Illinois, August 5th, 2017– Champaign County Young Democrats are hosting a panel discussion at the Champaign Public Library on Sunday, August 13th with women who are currently or have been elected officials. This panel will explore the experiences of area politicians as they campaigned for office and governed.
Panelists include State Representative Carol Ammons, State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, Former State Representative Naomi Jakobsson, and Former Champaign County Board Chairwoman Patricia Avery. The discussion will be hosted by WDWS Morning Show Host Elizabeth Hess.
Right now, women make up about 20% of Congress and nearly 25% of state legislatures which is poor representation for 50% of the population. Women across the country have shown an increased interest in running for office since the 2016 election and the Champaign County Young Democrats hope to encourage more women to run by elevating the stories of local politicians.
“By discussing the personal political experiences of the panelists, I think it will be easier for women to see themselves running for office some day,” said Young Democrats Treasurer, Adani Sanchez.
Attendees are encouraged to stay for the whole discussion since there will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end. Please contact Adani Sanchez at adani.sanchez@gmail.com with any questions.
The Young Dems were formally organized in December 2013 and is a growing group of Champaign County residents forty-five years and younger who actively work to encourage youth involvement in political action and help to elect democrats. We also support our community and our members’ diverse community efforts outside the Young Dems. For more information about the Young Dems and how to get involved, email champaignyoungdemss@gmail.com. Also, the Young Dems can be followed on Facebook at facebook.com/CCYDems.