By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

 For the past 11 years, Missouri women have had a strong advocate on their side.  The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life at the University of Missouri is working to put more women in public office, on boards and commissions and in leadership positions.  “Women do a better job of working together and problem solving,” said Vivian Eveloff, Director of the Sue Shear Institute.  “More women need to step forward and run for office, and we’re helping them to do that.”

One of the signature programs of the Sue Shear Institute is the Talent Bank.  The talent bank is a resource to government leaders when they make selections and appointments to boards and commissions.  The Institute has developed a reputation for providing highly qualified women as candidates for public appointments. 

Another top program is the 21^st Century Leadership Academy for college women. “Our program brings college women together with leaders in government—female judges, elected officials, policy makers and other leaders for a week-long residential experience,” said Eveloff.  The program is held on the campus of the University of Missouri in St. Louis. 

Although Missouri currently has a high profile U.S. Senator, Claire McCaskill, the state has never had a woman governor and ranks 33rd in the U.S. for women in elected office with 23%.  Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is likely to run for the other U.S. Senate seat in 2010.   (National averages and state rankings provided by: 
Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.)

“I’m hoping in my lifetime that we will see a woman governor in Missouri,” said Vivian Eveloff.  The Institute’s Pipeline to Public Office program is preparing more women to run for office and offers campaign training programs in several areas throughout the state.  “Nearly 50% of the women who have attended our campaign training programs have gone on to win their elections.”  The Institute provides professional trainers and women mentors.  “Champions should run with champions,” said Eveloff. 

Additional unique programs offered by the Institute include Walk Before They Run program that is held on Saturday mornings throughout the state to introduce women to female elected officials in a low-pressure setting.  The Institute also offers a program for female attorneys on how to become a judge.  Currently Missouri is one seat away from having a female majority on the state Supreme Court. 

For more information about The Sue Shear Institute, visit: http://www.umsl.edu/~iwpl/index.html