Regardless of the 2020 election results, the real work begins now.
Today, women in the United States are more educated and politically ambitious than ever before. However, the record numbers of women running for office, casting votes, and marching for change haven't translated into full and equal political participation. On average, women are less likely than men to engage in a huge range of important political activities--from speaking up on the issues they care about to holding their representatives accountable.
There are lots of reasons we fail to get involved, despite how much we care. Maybe you're worried that you don't know enough to be an effective advocate. Or maybe the problems seem so big and overwhelming that you feel paralyzed, or like our political system is broken, and you don't know which tools and tactics will actually create real change.
Equal parts information and inspiration, We All Have Issues: A Woman's Guide to Smart, Sustainable, Political Engagement is both a primer and call-to-action for women of all ages who want to exercise their voices and engage more fully in civic life. It's the ultimate guide to political engagement, filled with practical (and proven) tactics to make your voice heard and have an influence on the issues YOU care about most--whatever those may be.
Many of the skills you need--to get local roads fixed, to engage on issues of reproductive health or global warming or any issue you're passionate about--you likely already have. You just need to brush up on the basics and get focused. That's where this book comes in. Written by Courtney Emerson, cofounder of the All In Together Campaign, We All Have Issues is a nonpartisan, nonjudgmental starting point for all women who want to do more but aren't sure where to start, featuring stories and tactics from changemakers across the country.
This book will help you:
- Brush up on how our government is structured and how the legislative process works (from Congress to your local city council)
- Find out who represents you and the best ways to engage and influence them
- Prioritize your issues, where you can make the most difference
- Plan for the kind of long-term civic engagement that actually makes change happen (politics is a marathon, not a sprint )
The question isn't if you can create change on behalf of the issues you care about. You can. The question is: What's at stake if you don't? You already have issues--now is the time to do something about them.
Industry Reviews
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""After You Vote is an invaluable resource for women ready to create change. This smart, accessible guide arms you with the knowledge you need to make our political systems work for you—and the tools you need to fight for the causes you care about. Keep this book close as you take on the world!""
—Emily Koh, director of strategic initiatives, TIME'S UP
""After You Vote is a tremendous, well-timed, and highly accessible resource with proven and practical tools for women who are looking to use their minutes wisely to make the greatest impact, and it couldn't have come at a more critical time: women's political participation is more important now than ever.""
—Erin Loos Cutraro, CEO and founder, She Should Run
""Courtney Emerson's new book, After You Vote, is a critical call to action empowering all women with the skills and resources to make an impact. Now, more than ever, we need women harnessing their full collective power to build a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.""
—Kathy Hochul, 77th Lt. Governor of New York and former Member of Congress
""I know so many women who want to be more politically active but who hesitate, feeling lost or disillusioned with the current state of things. But, as After You Vote makes clear, the reality is that it's never been more important to get involved and fight for the causes you support. Let this brilliant book help you get started!""
—Giovanna Gray Lockhart, founder, NYWC
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