In Pennsylvania | ||
|
A Message from Christine J Olson Thank you for your interest in Winning with Women in Pennsylvania and welcome to our web site! I want to take this opportunity to a dynamic and growing network of politically active Republican women in Pennsylvania. First, let me share with you my story of political involvement. You will see that like most other people, perhaps like you, I wasn't sure how or exactly why woman's political involvement was so critical. Eight years ago my life changed dramatically when I received a call from the Governors Office inviting me to consider an appointment to the Republican National Committee to fill a vacancy. Until that time my civic participation, while consistent, was fairly limited to voting and donating money (both extremely important actions mind you). I must confess that I did not know how this could be a priority given other personal and professional demands—my children, my work, my family, etc. My first inclination was to turn down this invitation, but after much reflection and good advice I decided to take the plunge into the world of politics! In the end, I decided to increase my political involvement because I owed it to my sons and their future. I have to share with you that eight years later I am relieved that I made the right, although difficult decision, to commit my time, energy and personal as well as professional resources to political involvement. As the National Committeewoman for Pennsylvania, I have found the avenue by which I can make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many individuals. Every time I work to help elect a Republican candidate, I know that I am working to provide the highest quality of life for my children, your children and the next generation of Pennsylvanians. To this end, I am thrilled to introduce Winning with Women in Pennsylvania, an initiative to enhance the role of Republican women in Pennsylvania politics, government and public policy. I am a proud Pennsylvanian, but as a state we do not boast a positive record for woman's involvement in the political process. In fact, Pennsylvania ranks 48th among 50 states for the level of woman's political participation. The Republican Party is committed to creating change. This statewide effort is part of a national program coordinated by the Republican National Committee (www.winningwomen.org). We started the Winning with Women in Pennsylvania program three years ago with these goals:
In February 2001, I founded the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, a statewide training program to prepare women for increased political involvement. I encourage you to find out more about the program here on the web page and to consider applying to be a part of the next class. In addition, we have designed this web page to offer you information, access and encouragement to become more active. Currently, we are excited to be offering a one-day conference for Republican women this June 17th called "Setting the Stage for Victory in 2006: Women Making a Difference". Visit the page often to be sure to receive updates and new calendar listings. My associate, Bernadette Comfort directs our Winning with Women initiatives in Pennsylvania and I invite you to contact her (724-463-5110 or comfortb@ptd.net) as soon as you can to become involved! Our efforts will be successful only if we help to advance Republican women like you! Take the first step today by contacting us and chart your future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Best wishes, Christine Toretti Olson | ||
