Bill Christopher’s recent columns demonstrate a not-so-subtle sexism and personal bent towards paranoia that are all-too-common in politics today. Emerge Colorado is an independent organization with one staff person - me - that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. For centuries the “Old Boys Club” has fiercely guarded their political power by blocking women, minorities, and people with non-dominant identities from the political arena. So, since 2012 Emerge Colorado has trained mothers, teachers, business owners, realtors, pastors, and all types of women on how to build a seat at the table for themselves and their communities. We’ve trained over 300 women and currently have 38 alumnae in office across the state. Voters continue to put Emerge alumnae in office because they are hard-working, honest, engaged advocates for community issues. To imply otherwise is both sexist and an insult to the voters who elected them.

What we are teaching isn’t deeply political - it is about filing campaign paperwork, public speaking, building a website, and yes, confronting negativity and sexism on the campaign trail. It turns out that all most women need to succeed is for someone to encourage them to run. But to the privileged, equality can sometimes feel like oppression. For some men, the amount of women supporting each other and stepping into leadership roles right now feels scary. To those I say - we are here to work with you, not against you, to create a more just and equitable future for all Coloradans. We hope you’ll join us.

Michal Rosenoer,

Executive Director, Emerge Colorado