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Represent: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World
“Over the last few years we’ve seen a remarkable surge of women running for office, and even better, winning. Running takes courage, passion, and commitment, but it also takes books like this. June and Kate have created a wonderful resource for women as they think about taking the leap.”—Hillary Rodham Clinton
Turn “can I do this?” into “yes, I can!”
Join the growing wave of women leaders with Represent , an energetic, interactive, and inspiring step-by-step guide showing how to run for the approximately 500,000 elected offices in the US. Written with humor and honesty by writer, comedian, actress, and activist June Diane Raphael and Kate Black, former chief of staff at EMILY’s list, Represent is structured around a 21-point document called “I’m Running for The Checklist.” Doubling as a workbook, Represent covers it all, from the nuts and bolts of where to run, fundraising, and filing deadlines, to issues like balancing family and campaigning, managing social media and how running for office can work in your real life. With infographics, profiles of women politicians, and wisdom and advice from women in office, this is a must-own for any woman thinking of joining the pink wave.
Turn “can I do this?” into “yes, I can!”
Join the growing wave of women leaders with Represent , an energetic, interactive, and inspiring step-by-step guide showing how to run for the approximately 500,000 elected offices in the US. Written with humor and honesty by writer, comedian, actress, and activist June Diane Raphael and Kate Black, former chief of staff at EMILY’s list, Represent is structured around a 21-point document called “I’m Running for The Checklist.” Doubling as a workbook, Represent covers it all, from the nuts and bolts of where to run, fundraising, and filing deadlines, to issues like balancing family and campaigning, managing social media and how running for office can work in your real life. With infographics, profiles of women politicians, and wisdom and advice from women in office, this is a must-own for any woman thinking of joining the pink wave.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2019
49 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
June Diane Raphael
2 books13 followersJune Diane Raphael is an American actress, comedian, screenwriter and producer. She starred in TV comedy programs Burning Love and Adult Swim's and Grace and Frankie. Notable film work includes supporting roles in Year One and Unfinished Business, as well as her 2013 Sundance film Ass Backwards, which she co-wrote and starred in with her creative partner Casey Wilson. She also co-hosts the movie discussion podcast How Did This Get Made? alongside Jason Mantzoukas and her husband Paul Scheer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 19, 2019
I love June Diane Raphael from her acting, movie writing, and podcast hosting, but this workbook from her might be the best thing she has done to date. Together she and Kate Black want more women to run for office, whether it's secretary of the HOA, city councilwoman, governor, or president! It's engrossing, empowering, and edifying. It's a great gift for the strong women in your life!
March 21, 2020
I received an autographed copy of this book as a gift from my kids. "Hmm," I wondered, "do they think I should run for office?" Well, for any woman who thinks she can't or shouldn't, read this book! Aside from that, the book is a great source of information for any reader. It provides a good overview of women's history and amazing women leaders of all persuasions. At the end, the authors provide a terrific list of books for more reading. My favorite 'extra' in the book, however, is the 1989 essay by Peggy McIntosh (reprinted as an authorized excerpt) entitled White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. McIntosh is a women's studies professor, and lays bare the many ways in which we need to re-frame the conversations we are having about the haves and the have-nots. Very enlightening, and highly recommended, the book and the final essay will open your eyes to a new and empowering way of looking at the ever-evolving world we all share.
September 18, 2019
Not interested in running for office but I found a lot of value in reading 'Run For Something' and thought this might not be another good book. While I really liked for RFS, I remember thinking that book also didn't quite address certain barriers that candidates from marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, the disabled, etc. So this seemed like a book that would be a good book that would address women running for office.
Part workbook, part history book, part 'how to guide', etc. the book takes the reader through the process from the costs to the pitfalls to how to more naturally expand one's circle for supporters, money, resources, etc.
Honestly? RFS is a better book. This one tried to be far too many things at once: profiles of women currently in office, "to dos" for how to run for office, the history of women running and recent history of what led us to this moment, etc. Way too many things going on.
I also thought that these weren't the right authors for this book. I'm not sure how many people could simply email and then be put in front of EMILY's List when many candidates (not just women) really struggle to get traction, attention, money, help, etc. I liked how RFS was open about how there's a good chance your campaign will be quite slim: just you and a friend or maybe just you.
I'm not saying this is a terrible book: I'm willing to bet for the right person it'd be a really great fit. But I really thought 'Run For Something' was superior for what it was trying to do without being too "cute."
Recommend library borrow for this.
Part workbook, part history book, part 'how to guide', etc. the book takes the reader through the process from the costs to the pitfalls to how to more naturally expand one's circle for supporters, money, resources, etc.
Honestly? RFS is a better book. This one tried to be far too many things at once: profiles of women currently in office, "to dos" for how to run for office, the history of women running and recent history of what led us to this moment, etc. Way too many things going on.
I also thought that these weren't the right authors for this book. I'm not sure how many people could simply email and then be put in front of EMILY's List when many candidates (not just women) really struggle to get traction, attention, money, help, etc. I liked how RFS was open about how there's a good chance your campaign will be quite slim: just you and a friend or maybe just you.
I'm not saying this is a terrible book: I'm willing to bet for the right person it'd be a really great fit. But I really thought 'Run For Something' was superior for what it was trying to do without being too "cute."
Recommend library borrow for this.
October 1, 2019
*I chose this on Net Galley*
This book is marvelous! I wanted to read it not because I will be running for office, but because I want to know how to support women (and non-binary) people that want to-- especially WoC that tend to be so under-represented and have more barriers to applying.
While "Represent" is written by 2 white women, they acknowledge their privilege and include many case studies and other information about WoC! The book is a workbook and the tools in here are not just for running for office-- they can also be used for job applications etc. It includes a mix of statistics, facts, and stories to create a wonderfully well-rounded collection.
The dedication reads "we dedicate this book to all the men who have been making decisions about women.... without women. Thank-you for your years of public service at tables without women present. Thank-you for your time, your energy and your talent. We appreciate you. And also... we're coming for you." This gave me chills in the best way and set my expectations quite high-- but the book exceeded them! I learned so many things I did not know and feel a bit better prepared to help increase gender parity across the board (they include school board positions too!).
Well done June Diane Raphael and Kate Black! This is immediately going into my Goodreads list of important non fiction!
This book is marvelous! I wanted to read it not because I will be running for office, but because I want to know how to support women (and non-binary) people that want to-- especially WoC that tend to be so under-represented and have more barriers to applying.
While "Represent" is written by 2 white women, they acknowledge their privilege and include many case studies and other information about WoC! The book is a workbook and the tools in here are not just for running for office-- they can also be used for job applications etc. It includes a mix of statistics, facts, and stories to create a wonderfully well-rounded collection.
The dedication reads "we dedicate this book to all the men who have been making decisions about women.... without women. Thank-you for your years of public service at tables without women present. Thank-you for your time, your energy and your talent. We appreciate you. And also... we're coming for you." This gave me chills in the best way and set my expectations quite high-- but the book exceeded them! I learned so many things I did not know and feel a bit better prepared to help increase gender parity across the board (they include school board positions too!).
Well done June Diane Raphael and Kate Black! This is immediately going into my Goodreads list of important non fiction!
July 22, 2019
A colorful guide that encourages women who are eager to know more about politics and serving in them. Will appeal to a younger audience although many of the features could be useful to those who are already in the process of running. It includes scenarios, anecdotes and checklists. This is an indispensable guide that makes something daunting into something achievable.
Access to review copy provided by the publisher
Access to review copy provided by the publisher
November 2, 2019
This is an informative workbook intended for women who have any interest in running for office. The book itself is a beautiful work of art, with colorfully designed pages and visually appealing text boxes and charts. There are full-page highlights of the stories of specific women who hold office, and fascinating historical information about the road women have paved to get where we are today. The authors point out how much more work there is to be done and give practical, motivational advice about what women can do to help change their local and global communities.
As much as I enjoyed reading it, I do wonder if the book may be slightly too cutesy for women who are seriously looking into running for office. The authors add a lot of humor to the book, which makes it entertaining, but I'm guessing that women who are truly intending to run for office are more intense, serious types who may want something less journal-like than this book. But, of course, having never run for office, I could be totally wrong. And this book might be a great starting point for them. The other aspect I think it's missing is bipartisan perspectives. Most of the women highlighted are Democrats and although there is a diverse list of organizations included, the main focus on one party may make some readers feel ignored, which is exactly what women advocates don't want to do.
Overall a well-researched guide that will teach all readers something new, whether they're planning to run for office or not.
As much as I enjoyed reading it, I do wonder if the book may be slightly too cutesy for women who are seriously looking into running for office. The authors add a lot of humor to the book, which makes it entertaining, but I'm guessing that women who are truly intending to run for office are more intense, serious types who may want something less journal-like than this book. But, of course, having never run for office, I could be totally wrong. And this book might be a great starting point for them. The other aspect I think it's missing is bipartisan perspectives. Most of the women highlighted are Democrats and although there is a diverse list of organizations included, the main focus on one party may make some readers feel ignored, which is exactly what women advocates don't want to do.
Overall a well-researched guide that will teach all readers something new, whether they're planning to run for office or not.
May 3, 2019
I was going to wait to read this book until a bit closer to the publishing date.... and then I saw the trailer for Knock Down the House (a documentary of some of the women that ran for office in the 2018 primaries) and wanted to read this book ASAP. And I'm glad I did.
Full disclosure: I am Canadian, but I think this book is helpful for women running everywhere. A lot of these topics (how to fundraise, how to ask your friends/colleagues/acquaintances for support, how to build your team, etc.) can be applied anywhere. This book is a great starting point for any woman considering a run for office.
It is important to make running for office more accessible to women, and this book helps with that. It goes without saying it will take SO much more than just reading a book, but hey: if there was a "How To" guide for how to achieve your goal, would you not start there?!
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And thank YOU to June Diane Raphael and Kate Black for writing this book which I'm certain is going to inspire women to run for office and change the world.
Full disclosure: I am Canadian, but I think this book is helpful for women running everywhere. A lot of these topics (how to fundraise, how to ask your friends/colleagues/acquaintances for support, how to build your team, etc.) can be applied anywhere. This book is a great starting point for any woman considering a run for office.
It is important to make running for office more accessible to women, and this book helps with that. It goes without saying it will take SO much more than just reading a book, but hey: if there was a "How To" guide for how to achieve your goal, would you not start there?!
Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And thank YOU to June Diane Raphael and Kate Black for writing this book which I'm certain is going to inspire women to run for office and change the world.
November 23, 2019
Very basic. If you know anything at all about politics or civics, skip it. Also they passed over a lot by telling the reader to “google” things.
This book begins with the author’s despair at Donald Trump being elected president and then...includes anecdotes and advice from Republican women who presumably were happy with that outcome. I get the idea of encouraging *all women* to run for office but it’s not compatible with other goals like reproductive justice, fighting climate change, stopping fascism, Medicare for all etc. The book talks about the authors’ white privilege but many Republicans *don’t even believe that exists.* To a lot of people, it’s nice to be nice and paper over these issues but I couldn’t stop thinking about these contradictions.
This book begins with the author’s despair at Donald Trump being elected president and then...includes anecdotes and advice from Republican women who presumably were happy with that outcome. I get the idea of encouraging *all women* to run for office but it’s not compatible with other goals like reproductive justice, fighting climate change, stopping fascism, Medicare for all etc. The book talks about the authors’ white privilege but many Republicans *don’t even believe that exists.* To a lot of people, it’s nice to be nice and paper over these issues but I couldn’t stop thinking about these contradictions.
for-shelving-only
August 12, 2019Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review such an insightful, important book.
I have experience in the political field, working on and assisting with several campaigns in a critical role. I have a lot of knowledge about the process and steps of campaigning, but I found this book to be invaluable. The angle of being aimed specifically at women, written by women, and featuring great women was something I'd never experienced. I have been considering a run for office within the next few years, and I will definitely be buying this book in hardcopy to have by my side at all times when I do.
I have experience in the political field, working on and assisting with several campaigns in a critical role. I have a lot of knowledge about the process and steps of campaigning, but I found this book to be invaluable. The angle of being aimed specifically at women, written by women, and featuring great women was something I'd never experienced. I have been considering a run for office within the next few years, and I will definitely be buying this book in hardcopy to have by my side at all times when I do.
November 18, 2020
A guide for woman on running for office in order to help make the changes they want to see in the world. Written by June Diane Raphael, actress and podcaster, and Kate Black, a policy advisor.
This book not only encourages and empowers you to run for office, but it gives you actionable steps to help run your campaign. I would recommend this book not only for future candidates, but also for senior staffers who want to help run a campaign. It is inspiring, engaging, through, funny and very accessible. It also sprinkles stories of real women who have run for office and this makes it even more interesting. I would definitely recommend to anyone considering a run for office.
This book not only encourages and empowers you to run for office, but it gives you actionable steps to help run your campaign. I would recommend this book not only for future candidates, but also for senior staffers who want to help run a campaign. It is inspiring, engaging, through, funny and very accessible. It also sprinkles stories of real women who have run for office and this makes it even more interesting. I would definitely recommend to anyone considering a run for office.
February 28, 2020
This book is a fun, exciting resource for any woman interested in running for political office, Kate and June have a great dynamic on the page that makes the material very engaging, and the steps included are fun and will definitely point to the right path for prospective candidates. This is even a fun read if you're not planning on running yourself, but just want to get a better understanding of the process! Highly recommend.
May 31, 2022
Was it a little cheesy? Yes. I still found it inspiring and a good guide to thinking through a first run for something. A friend gifted this to me and it really has me thinking I'm going to try to get involved in my local board of supervisors or advisory board. This book will give you a lot to think about but I appreciate that it's more of a workbook and it has lots of resources you can bookmark and come back to later.
November 12, 2019
I don't think i will be running for office but I still read the whole thing. I think it was an enjoyable little workbook and probably decently suited to someone thinking about running for local office.
November 13, 2019
This book is important and super useful. I really like the workbook style and all the checklists and cheat sheets it provides. It definitely needs to be a reference for every woman (everyone) interested in public service.
November 20, 2019
I highly recommend this book and while it focuses on elections, it’s advice and information is useful to all professional women. I would recommend buying it though because it’s a workbook. I got it from the library and will be purchasing my own copy to work through after returning it.
April 22, 2020
Incredibly detailed book full of great information and resources for women interested in running. The book was PACKED with advice and interlaced with humor so that it was easy to read. I enjoyed it a lot and could see myself reading again if I pursue this path
June 19, 2020
Reading this book made me feel like I could run for office, something I’ve never thought. Even if you aren’t going to run for office, this book is useful to make better sense of the system.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2024
Represent is a helpful beginners guide for women interested in running for office, (big or small positions) run for office. It includes worksheets to brainstorm and questions to ask yourself/others. It offers helpful advice from building a team, social media, and fundraising.
September 1, 2019
Bold, fierce and inspiring. Be the force of change and represent! I believe in this book and hope in inspires so many myself included!
January 11, 2020
An inspiring and practical guide for anyone who has ever thought they might be interested in running for office.
January 21, 2020
This book was great — helpful, informative, a LOT of information. I liked the workbook aspect and how the profiles were weaved in throughout. I can’t wait to send this book to my friend!
February 2, 2020
This is a good book if you are just starting to think about running for office. Not good if you are a Republican woman.
March 4, 2020
A great book for guiding anyone interested in running for an elected position.
May 26, 2020
Interesting read! Visually stunning but with great content also. From pta president to local official, great tips for women running for any type of office.
June 10, 2020
I received this book as a gift at Christmas this year and by May 2020 I signed up to run for State Representative. The book is very well done and organized.
October 26, 2020
Every women thinking of running for elected office should buy this book.
January 23, 2021
Ideally for women who are pro choice and Democrat, this practical and at times funny workbook for women running for office is a god send.
January 2, 2022
This book is hilarious. Joel gave it to me for my birthday. It is written like a convo. I wish it had more Canadian content, though. It did lead me to other orgs and webinars in USA.
November 22, 2022
It has some good points and tips.
January 19, 2023
Great resource and fun, too! The Alaska-specific information was questionable, but is still widely applicable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews