Leadership Institute for Political Impact

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts wants local women to make an impact on social change by getting involved in civic affairs including running for political office.   To help develop future leaders, the foundation has created the Leadership Institute for Political Impact to train Western Massachusetts women in their civic leadership potential.

The Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political Impact is a non-partisan initiative designed to address the civic interests and the skills requested by women of our region. The 12-month institute incorporates intensive workshops, technology, the development of county cohorts and the expertise of mentors. The institute will provide women with education and increased confidence in their political leadership potential through emphasis on four primary focus areas that will build a cumulative portfolio of knowledge and skills.  The focus areas include personal leadership, community organizing, legislative process and policy, and running for political office.

Read about the goals for the Institute in this full description.

See the full Institute Calendar.

Apply Now! Download the Institute Application here and mail or e-mail back to the Women's Fund by Friday, April 16th.

Listen now to Dr. Jennifer Lawless on why women need to run for office!

Seeking Common Ground
The Seeking Common Ground initiative brought together members of the faith and secular communities to address women's economic security through dialogue, forums, and grant-funded projects. The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts was one of only five women's funds in the country to receive funding from the Ruth Ray Hunt Memorial Funds which launched this national initiative in 2006. Locally, our $450,000 grant has allowed us to support unique partnerships between secular and faith-based organizations ranging from a Somali women's collective business enterprise to a partnership between a local survival center and four area churches. While this special initiative ended in 2009, the Women's Fund continues to support economic justice projects through our annual grants.