WE CAN!

The Women’s Electronic Communications & Action Network: A Model for Democracy

There is a new grassroots voice in Colorado politics. In January 1999, Colorado Women’s Agenda launched WE CAN! the Women’s Electronic Communications & Action Network. In partnership with 12 women’s and progressive organizations in Colorado, WE CAN! tracks state legislation, ballot initiatives and other events that concern economic security for women and their families, civil rights, health, domestic violence, and work/life balance. When it’s time for action, WE CAN! provides members with a brief overview of the issue, links to more information, and several easy steps to speak out to elected leaders—all through email and Internet technology. During the 2000 session, WE CAN! activists generated 565 personalized faxes to Colorado legislators on issues such as gun safety, affirmative action, domestic violence, pay equity, prenatal care for undocumented women, the state Earned Income Tax Credit and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. As a record number of bills were introduced and moved at a blistering pace, activists were mobilized literally within minutes. As one WE CAN! member remarked, "It’s like my political alarm clock. It wakes me up and tells me I’ve got to do something." "The Internet is a powerful tool for building an online community of women who can share knowledge, experience and strategies, and work collectively for social change," said Karen Amidon, Executive Director of Colorado Women’s Agenda. "Not only are our members making their voices heard at the state capital, but they are using the network to give us information and feedback. It’s another mechanism we have to really listen to women’s concerns and priorities." Colorado Women’s Agenda is a small organization with two full-time staff; but like the wizard behind the curtain, appears larger and more powerful through the use of technology. By leveraging the expertise of other progressive and women’s groups for the content of the network and for the technology itself, WE CAN! has some demonstrated successes, such as amending a punitive bill regarding drug testing for welfare recipients. Perhaps the greatest success of WE CAN! is that more women are engaging in the political process, feeling that their collective voices will be heard. As WE CAN! members have said, "Without WECAN, I probably would not have spoken out on issues thus far during the 2000 legislature. What an easy and provoking way to get citizens activated." The Colorado Women’s Agenda has been actively involved with CPA through the Women and Economy Program. Karen Amidon has played an essential leadership role as an ongoing participant at the annual Grassroots Leadership Retreat. The Colorado Women’s Agenda partnered with CPA in 1996 and again this year on state-specific Women’s Voices initiatives in Colorado. If you are interested in learning more about WE CAN!, check out the website for the Colorado Women’s Agenda; send an email to [email protected]; or call at (303) 863-7336. WE CAN! is part of Environmental Defense Action Network. For more information on CPA’s Women’s Economic Agenda, visit CPA’s website www.stateaction.org.