The Feminist Queries: Joan Buchanan

We are certainly getting our time with women running for elected office here at Change.org these days - and I couldn't be happier to share their stories and views on feminism.

Next up on the Feminist Queries docket is Joan Buchanan, who is running for Congress in California's 10th District. Joan was elected to the California State Assembly just six months ago, and has been strong voice for fiscal sanity - particularly when she voluntarily cut her own salary by 10% until the California budget is balanced. Nice work, Joan. Way to be the change you wish to see. Take a look at her amazing story and why she decided to run for office, as well as some tips for those also considering a political career.

Do you consider yourself a feminist? If not, why? If yes, how so?

Yes.  I believe that women have unlimited potential and that we have a constitutional right to full equality - in the workplace and in our schools, colleges and universities - including the right to make reproductive health decisions.

My mother worked as a waitress to support her four children.  I helped her count her tips at night and watched her save $5, $10, $20 at a time for the down payment on our house.  She was a remarkable, independent woman and instilled in us the belief that we could be or do anything.  It was a strong foundation for future success.  I've passed these same values to my daughters because I want them to fulfill their potential.

What made you decide to run for office?

I love working with people and solving problems.  In 1990 our teachers were on strike and our school district was near bankruptcy.  We needed new leadership.  I served for 18 years and turned our district around financially, rehabilitated old classrooms by passing bonds, and improved student performance by maintaining a relentless focus on achievement with the underlying belief that all children can learn.  Our district now has the highest Academic Performance Index for all large unified school districts in the state and 96% of our students go to college.

I ran for State Assembly in 2008 turning the last federal or state Republican seat in the San Francisco Bay Area Democratic in a very competitive election.

After much due diligence, I made the decision to run for the open Congressional seat in CD-10.  I believe my private and public sector financial skills and experience uniquely qualify me to deal with the most urgent issues facing our nation - the economy, education, and healthcare.

Have you faced any "glass ceilings" as a female running for political office?

Voters associate women with schools so my school board elections were natural, and because our schools improved every year, it was easy to earn the voters confidence and win re-election.  Running for State Assembly and now Congress have been very different experiences.  I have been told that I did not have enough experience despite being the only candidate with both private and public sector financial experience and that I should wait my turn despite serving almost 20 years in elected office.  One of my opponents went to women's organizations to try to preempt their support.  Fortunately these tactics provided energy and determination to my campaign.

How can we encourage more women to run for office?

Deciding to run for office is not easy and campaigning can be very stressful.  No one can be fully prepared for the first negative mailers or ads.  No one can be fully prepared for the set backs that occur throughout a campaign.  Here are three suggestions to help women:

• Early endorsements are important. No one believes an individual is a serious candidate until she receives endorsements. It is critically important for women's organizations to support women candidates.
• Early money is equally important. Men tend to have more business associates than women, making it easier for them to send a letter and raise money. Women need to support women candidates with their purses, and they need to give generously. Money not only is a measure of support, it is needed to run an effective campaign.
• Provide a network of support. Connect new female candidates to current office holders who can be mentors. It's nice to talk to someone who's been there, done that!

What is the single most important issue to you today?

Education.  The economy will turn around.  We can and will pass a bill to solve the healthcare crisis.  I believe public education is in crisis in our nation and it must become a national priority, and improving education takes a long-term commitment.  The Public Policy Institute of California issued a report recently that said that we needed graduate 20 percent more students from college to meet our workforce needs in coming decades.  Half the engineers at our national laboratories and our high tech and biotechnology companies are from other countries.  If we do not invest in education, we will not have the workers and leaders to build the industries of the future, not only leaving our children behind, leaving our nation behind.

If you could ask feminists everywhere one question, what would it be?

What are you waiting for?