AVOW

Mission

The mission of AVOW is to advance the voices of women in public life.

Values

• Courageous Civility –

AVOW, which is nonpartisan, values the difficulty and complexity of discussing tough topics. Courageous civility requires us to respect differing perspectives and to seek greater understanding. Courageous civility does not require agreement or resolution.

• Inclusiveness – AVOW values the inclusion, equity and belonging of ALL women in public life regardless of socioeconomic status, race, color, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability and/or political affiliation.

• Integrity - AVOW values integrity and accountability, identifying facts and truth over rhetoric and hyperbole as women pursue knowledge and express opinions.

From these values AVOW strives for:

• Women at Every Table– AVOW calls for the active and equitable engagement of women in every place decisions are discussed and made. Better decisions are made when women participate in the process. Every sector would be better served with the leadership and guidance of women.

• Women Reaching Across the Aisle – AVOW promotes women working together across the aisle and seeking common goals.

• A Call to Action – AVOW encourages women to participate at all levels of government, elections and the community so the full strength of women’s voices is represented in decisions. Advancing Voices of Women can only happen when women step forward and claim their role.

To this end AVOW has these pillars:

• Paul Helmke School for Women in Public Life – Through the Women’s Campaign Institute and Profiles in Public Service, AVOW identifies, recruits and educates women to seek public office, manage campaigns, and gain appointment to boards and commissions.

• Civil Conversations – Civil Conversations are guided discussions about issues facing women, our community and our country. Participants are exposed to views of others, gain understanding and seek common ground when possible.

• Women’s Opinions in Media – AVOW women author weekly opinion columns in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Opinions represent the full ideological spectrum, and authors are encouraged to write articles that are thoughtful, well-researched and civil.

• Other projects that advance our mission.