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When
women get involved in the political process they tend to support issues
that affect women's lives such as education, housing, affordable health
care, child and eldercare, and violence against women. Research also shows
that when women are involved, t he
issues they are concerned about become the issues that policymakers
address.
Also, when women get involved, institutions traditionally dominated by men
become more accessible to other women (WV Governor’s Commission for
Women). Boards and commissions are examples of networks that women can get
involved in to make these events happen. Boards and commissions are
advisory or regulatory groups that work with state agencies or
professional groups.
Regulatory boards
and commissions set licensing standards and professional requirements for
members. The members are those working in the state agency or professional
group. In fact, advisory boards and commissions provide guidance and
advice to the program or agency with which they are affiliated. The
importance of women serving on a board or commission to the improvement of
West Virginia women is vital.
Serving on a
board or commission is a great way to get involved in civic life and to
make a difference. As a member of a board or commission, women can
influence public policy, improve expertise in a given area, gain
recognition for contributions, and advance a career. Many people use their
seat on a board or commission as a stepping-stone to another appointed
position, an elected office, or a federal advisory committee (WV
Governor’s Commission for Women).
This would be
a perfect way for a woman to become known in the public sector as a civic
leader and knowledgeable on public policy issues. However, there are many
different boards and commissions and their roles vary, which is important
to know when deciding upon what board or commission to join.
Please visit the
Links page in order to find the
Secretary of
State's web page Link for more information on joining a board or
commission. |
