041 - Encouraging Women to Speak Up on Political Views with Maureen McInerney of Women’s Public Leadership Network
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PC041 - Encouraging Women to Speak Up on Political Views with Maureen McInerney of Women’s Public Leadership Network
Maureen McInerney is the Director of Development at the Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN), an organization aimed to educate, organize, and inspire center-right women to step into public offices across the United States. Maureen is responsible for the fundraising and development initiatives of the organization and serves as the Vice President of the Log Cabin Republicans of Greater Boston Chapter. Prior to joining WPLN, she has served in multiple leadership roles and political campaigns including as my campaign manager and the Program and Leadership Associate at ReflectUS. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication Studies from Northeastern University and often volunteers her time at SYC West End Youth Rugby as a U12 & U15 Rugby Coach.
Maureen joins me today to share her journey into the political arena and how entering into politics opened her eyes to the reality of how few women build political careers and run for public office positions. We discuss why more women should be offered bigger roles in political campaigns and how it could help enourage more women to step into political roles. We discuss the pushback women often receive in the political landscape and why many women tend to think twice about running for office. We discuss ways women can speak out on political topics they’re passionate about without running for office or working on campaign trails. We also discuss how women can have open conversations about their political beliefs and values and why it’s important to maintain open, respectful dialogue about controversial topics.
“The ideology is split in terms of our representation. Things won’t move to even reflect where the public opinion is unless people get mad and they start talking about these issues.” - Maureen McInerney
This Week on Political Contessa:
Maureen’s journey into the political landscape
Discovering how few women enter into politics and run for public offices
Why Maureen believes more men run for public office than women
Why more women need bigger roles on campaigns
Balancing your personal life with your political-work life as a woman in politics
Why many women think twice about running for office
How women can use their political voice without running for office
The gap between political opinion and public values
Building confidence to share your political ideas, beliefs, and values
Maintaining respectful and open dialogue on political topics
Why women’s political power typically comes from the far left
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 32: Politics is ROUGH and You Have to REALLY Want It with Liz Kurantowicz
Them: Why We Hate Each Other– and How to Heal by Ben Sasse
U.S. Political Ideology Steady; Conservatives, Moderates Tie - Gallup
Connect with Maureen McInerney:
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If you’ve ever considered running, or you know a woman who should, I’ve got something just for you: my quick guide called secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.
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