Why Women Should Work Together

In any community, women have many roles: as workers, businesspeople, leaders, mothers, wives, teachers, advocates, and very often as peacemakers.

But regardless of our political party affiliations, all women have common goals: to promote the welfare of our families, businesses and the community at large.

In Knox County, there are too few women and minority representatives on our governments’ elected and appointed Boards, Commissions, and Councils.

It is time for women to take up our responsibilities as civic leaders, to work together for our common benefit, and to actively support those of us who choose to run for elective office.

What We Believe In

First of all, we believe in moving forward and away from the rigid power structures of the past, toward a better future for our community and our families. That's why we are "progressives," because we believe in progress.

We believe in these principles:

* Government that is open for everybody to participate in and that is not conducted behind closed doors.

* Efficiently run government that is ethical and responsible with the money it collects in taxes, tariffs, and fees.

* Government that recognizes and respects the dignity of people of all skin colors, ethnic origins, gender/sexual orientations, ages, incomes, abilities, and cultural and religious traditions.

* An education system that meets the needs of all our citizens, rich or poor, no matter which neighborhoods they live in.

* Affordable, quality healthcare for all citizens, including safe family-planning choices for women.

* Affordable and safe housing.

* Government that recognizes the importance of the separation of church and state activities in order to preserve the liberty of all.

* Sustainable development planning. We depend on the natural world for our health and happiness. We need to make intelligent choices for the preservation of the health and beauty of East Tennessee's hills, valleys, water, air, and soil, so that we can balance community and economic development and conserve our natural resources. .

* Finally, and most important, the understanding that all Knox County citizens have something to bring to the table, and that open, respectful debate is the key to solving our problems as a community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What about abortion? I don't want to join a group that's for abortion.
No one is "for" abortion. But we recognize that women and girls are often faced with decisions that only they can make. We believe that all women and girls of reproductive age should have access to the information they need to make responsible decisions for themselves.

2. Is "progressive" just a code word for "liberal"?
No. Progressives are citizens who want to make progress toward a better, freer, more informed, more open, and more civilized society for us all. We want civil discussions on matters of importance to all citizens. We want to advance the causes of social justice, responsible use of the environment, and ethical government for all the people.

3. Do I have to agree with everything in this list of principles if I want to be part of this movement?
No, of course not. No one can agree on every detail. However, our core principles remain: open, ethical and efficient government; respect for people's differences; individual freedom on personal issues; and responsible policies on environmental development. If you can sign on to those core principles, you're a progressive!