United WE’s Appointments Project^®

Elected officials rely on recommendations from civic boards and commissions to make informed decisions and drive policies, yet many of these boards function without a woman at the table. The League of Kansas Municipalities and its participating member cities are working with United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE, to encourage and promote that board and commission vacancies be filled with diverse and underrepresented members of their communities.

United WE tackles gender inequality on civic boards and commissions through its acclaimed Appointments Project^® - the only program in the country that helps women get appointed to civic boards and commissions at the city, county and state level. The Appointments Project® is research-based, proven, and makes it easy for cities to get involved. The program educates and engages city staff on the value of equal representation and connects them to a pool of highly qualified women ready to serve. The program also works with elected leadership to identify willing partner organizations to encourage and attain diverse participation in the Appointments Project. In addition, the program provides training, support and connections to women in order to demystify the appointment process and prepare them for civic leadership.

The impact of the Appointments Project® is magnified throughout communities. In 2019, United WE commissioned research that shows that increasing gender diversity on civic boards and commissions improves organizational effectiveness, increases public trust and improves all people’s lives.

The Appointments Project® is in more than 34 cities throughout the nation, including recent expansions to Austin, TX and Richmond, VA. Through this program, 175 women have been appointed to civic leadership positions, including 28% women of color, and a pipeline of women are ready for the next opportunity.

For more information about getting involved with the Appointments Project® or bringing the program to your community, visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.

United WE is an acclaimed, solutions-focused, nonpartisan thought leader on all issues that affect women and families. United WE advances all women’s economic and civic leadership to make meaningful change. The organization envisions a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.