A recap of The Lola's Advocacy Education Series kickoff event, featuring panelists sharing unique stories and advice on making a meaningful impact in the world of politics and advocacy

On April 20, Her Term and The Lola, a third space for womxn that serves as a members club, coworking space, and purpose-built environment for personal and professional growth, hosted the kickoff event for their Advocacy Education Series, part of the Allies and Activism member group. This series aims to provide valuable insights and opportunities for meaningful engagement in the world of politics and advocacy, while encouraging participants to question if they are doing enough.

The event, "Authentic Engagement in Politics," brought together a diverse group of panelists who shared their experiences volunteering with Her Term and advice on empowering women to make a difference in the political landscape. The panelists included Kacie Lett Gordon and Katie Mullins from IT ALL Media, Sinoun Chea from ShiftWeb, Amy Zehfuss from Springboard Strategy, and Cecily McLeod Elgart, historian-author-lawyer. The purpose of the session was to highlight stories and examples of how these Lola members, who previously had only engaged in politics through voting, were able to leverage their unique talents and skills to authentically contribute to politics in ways that aligned with their personal values.

Many panelists and audience members felt compelled to take action due to recent events, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the increasing number of gun violence stories. Katie Mullins, who was searching for her own way to engage, expressed,

"You know, we constantly ask ourselves, 'Are we doing enough?' And the answer is probably no, but we're doing what we can... I'm not really good at protesting, to be honest. It's just not where I feel most effective... That can be a real challenge when you know it's a worthy cause and you want to do something for it. But at the end of the day, when we do what we do best and focus on being in our magic, that's truly when we make the greatest change for people."

Leveraging Skills to Help Candidates

Sinoun Chea, a web designer from ShiftWeb, conducted a workshop with candidates on SEO (search engine optimization) and highlighted the significance of a strong online presence for candidates, stating, "You should be able to find yourself easily. Nowadays and if you can't find yourself, you're definitely doing something wrong." Kacie Lett Gordon and Katie Mullins from IT ALL Media organized a two-hour authentic storytelling session for candidates, assisting them in learning how to discuss their backgrounds and connect with voters.

Building Long-Term Strategies and Understanding Local History

Amy Zehfuss from Springboard Strategy shared their work on developing a long-term, sustainable, and repeatable strategy to find new people who can contribute to the political sphere. They collaborated with Emory's Goizueta Business School MBA students to create a talent strategy focused on "unlikely suspects" who have never been involved in politics before. Cecily McLeod Elgart, a historian and lawyer, underlined the need to understand local history and authored a series articles about women legislators in Georgia, published by the Atlanta History Center, aiming to educate and inform people about local government and politicians.

Sharing Advice for Authentic Political Engagement

The panelists provided valuable advice for those who want to authentically engage in politics. Amy Zehfuss encouraged attendees to recognize their skills and knowledge, while Sinoun Chea reminded the audience that politicians need support just like everyone else. Katie Mullins emphasized the importance of focusing on one's strengths and applying them in a way that has the most significant impact on others. Kacie Lett Gordon recounted her experience of reframing her approach to avoid being overwhelmed by the world's challenges.

Emphasizing the Importance of Local Politics and Activism

Bari Love, involved with Georgia Women on the Run and the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, stressed the significance of local politics and hosting events for candidates. Chris Chan, a former Republican turned activist, concentrated on fundraising and engaging the Asian American community. The panelists discussed the need for local political and activism involvement, focusing on understanding the impact of policies on communities.

Empowering Different Backgrounds and Age Groups in Political and Social Activism

Debra Nealy, a college access strategist and executive director of Step Ahead Scholars, highlighted the importance of investing in young people and blending the energy and innovation of youth with the wisdom and experience of mature individuals in activism. The panelists also emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of the many people working behind the scenes to support political candidates and social change.

Combating Gun Violence and Supporting Candidates Committed to Changing Gun Laws

During the conversation, the panelists talked about strategies to fight gun violence and support candidates who are committed to changing gun laws in the United States. They shared key takeaways, including supporting organizations like Moms Demand Action and voting for candidates who prioritize gun control, especially in local elections.

Exploring the Power of Local Media, Social Media, and YouTube Ads in Promoting Political Campaigns

In the closing portion of the discussion, participants explored the power of local media, social media, and YouTube ads in promoting political campaigns and getting people involved. They emphasized the importance of reaching out to local communities and engaging people through issue-based advertising. As people become more involved, they might see themselves as capable of running for office and making a difference.

Conclusion

The Lola's Advocacy Series Kickoff Event was a lively and engaging discussion that provided valuable insights into authentic political engagement and empowering women to make a difference. The panelists' experiences and advice offer a powerful reminder that everyone has something to contribute, regardless of their background or expertise. By understanding the importance of local politics, leveraging personal strengths, and engaging with communities, individuals can play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and driving positive change. The session also highlighted the impact of recent events on people's desire to engage in politics and showcased how finding one's own way of contributing can lead to a more fulfilling and effective involvement in the political sphere.