Eagerly sitting in front of my computer anticipating the start of my first blog, I cannot help but marvel at the realization that I AM a participant of Emerge California Class of 2012, and recognizing the 100 Year Anniversary of California women securing the right to vote. Thanks to the suffragettes and California voters of 1911, a passion for equality and justice drive me to join the proud lineage of women in elected offices. Every year a significant number of courageous women join the sisterhood of Emerge and live up to its mission to increase the number of women in elected offices.
We salute those women. But we know having such opportunities, rights, and freedoms came with a price- they were won through the sacrifices of millions of women who fought in for women’s suffrage in California. This battle was part of a national movement which set new standards for new ideas and bold actions, dramatically affected the electoral power and political support, and eventually lead to the passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, granting American women the right to vote in 1920.Emerge America strives to build upon this legacy by empowering, engaging, and embracing women in politics.
Salute!
Dr. Annette Hoffman-Walker
Emerge California
Class of 2012