Leading with passion
Being an active citizen requires a passion for what you do.
Alexia Lang
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: News
|
The UMKC Starr Women Leaders Program, in association with the Women's Center, hosted the event titled "Active Citizenship: Having a Voice on Issues You Care About."
Featured panelists included Theresa Garza Ruiz, Jackson County Legislator, Cathy Jambrosic, LGBT activist, Kara Lineweber, Public Policy Director for El Centro, Joy Springfield, attorney and ACLU of Kansas and western Missouri Racial Justice Task Force Co-Chair, and Holly Weatherford, Kansas Public Affairs Manager for Planned Parenthood of Kansas and mid-Missouri.
Arzie Umali, assistant director of the Women's Center and moderator for the event, kicked things off by asking how each woman got a start in activism.
While each story was different, with some starting at a young age and others later in life, all of the women experienced a catalyst that gave them a reason to take a firm stand.
One primary challenge that faces many women who are interested in activism is maintaining a balance between being active in the community and caring for a family.
Springfield said the best thing she has learned to do is take the kids along. She said it is good to instill active citizenship in children at a young age.
In the end, each of the panelists said the one thing that continues to drive them is a passion for what they do. Their advice to the audience was to find an issue about which to be passionate.
alang@unews.com
Be the first to comment on this story