IGNITE's Blog

Join IGNITE online for our young women’s track at the New England Women’s Policy Conference: The Time Is Now: Gender Justice, Antiracism, and Systemic Change.

Election Day has come and gone. As 2020 begins to wind down many of us are looking forward to a restful holiday season. But if we know anything about civic engagement, activism, and women’s rights, it’s that the work doesn’t end when the election is over. The real work happens in the years in between.  

Curious about running for office? Maybe you’ve wanted to get into politics for a while now, or maybe the election lit a fire inside you. Whatever it is, congratulations! We need more women with political ambition to rise and follow this dream. Less than a quarter of elected officials are women and the numbers are even lower for women of color.

Election Day is over just like that. Now what? This election has consumed many of us for what feels like the better part of a year. It’s fair to be feeling tired, burnt out, and frankly ‘over’ political discussions. But in reality, we’re just getting started. Now is when we begin the next phase of our civic duty - we hold politicians accountable for their promises.

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney who has served as the junior United States senator from California since 2017. As of November 7, 2020, she is the Vice-President Elect. Here's a timeline of key moments that brings us to the first African American, the first Indian American, and the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States.

Young womxn are owning their political power by running for office across the nation. They’re hoping to make a difference in their community and inspire the next generation of leaders by making their way into elected office. Here are some of the many womxn in the IGNITE community who will be on the November 3rd ballot.*

Political women offer strategic, resourceful and resilient approaches to leadership. As the pandemic sheds light on significant disparities, women’s political leadership has been instrumental in ensuring access to community resources and lifting up marginalized voices. By supporting women leaders, we have the power to shape the landscape of politics for a brighter, more inclusive future. Here are just a few of the many elected officials who are leading their community through the global pandemic. 

IGNITE alumni across the nation have been putting in the work to represent their communities. These women are often the first women in the position, and their work can inspire the trajectory for so many young women to get involved with politics. Especially for BIPOC, it’s important to have people of all backgrounds represented in places of power and leadership. For Hispanic Heritage Month, IGNITE is highlighting alumni who are using their political power to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. 

IGNITE the Vote Ambassador Emily Grimmius reflects on the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This reflection was first published on Emily's website.

Going back to school is always stressful, especially with all the issues gaining traction this year. But no need to feel alone this upcoming year. If you have an interest you’re passionate about, why not express it? Find folks with common (and uncommon) interests to build a community!