A new project will ensure the number of women serving in gubernatorial appointed positions effectively reflects the number and diversity of women who live in California.

The California Women’s State Appointment Project (CWSAP), a coalition of women’s groups, is urging the current gubernatorial candidates to inspire, recruit and promote women to apply for appointments at the state level.


The announcement of the new non-partisan project will be made at 10 a.m. on Thursday in a press conference on the Capitol South Steps at the Capitol.

While progress has been made under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration, the numbers of high-level, paid or volunteer appointees still does not mirror the representation of women in California.

“The California Women’s State Appointment Project’s efforts will ensure we have a rich, diverse pool of women from all corners of the state included in next year’s appointment process,” said Rachel Michelin, Executive Director/CEO for California Women Lead in a release.

“There are so many amazing women throughout California and with all of the challenges the state is facing, it is increasingly important that we encourage and provide them with opportunities to serve.”

California Women Lead, the National Women’s Political Caucus-California, Leadership California, the California Commission on the Status of Women, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) comprise the coalition of organizations leading the statewide appointment effort, according to a press release.

The application along with information to answer questions on the process is located on California Women’s State Appointment Project’s website (www.cawomenlead.org/cwap).

Who: California Women’s State Appointment Project Coalition

Speakers:
Laura Chick, CA Inspector General and appointee; Rachel Michelin, CA Women Lead

What:
Non partisan program launch to encourage and recruit women appointees for the new Governor’s administration

Where:
Capitol South Steps, Sacramento

When: August 26, 2010, 10am