Women's Caucus
About the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus
The Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus is a grassroots organization that works in full partnership with the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP). Specifically, the caucus works to educate and empower women to take on leadership roles within Democratic politics and strongly impact the outcome of elections at the local, state, and national level.
The caucus will build this support and capacity among Democratic women by pursuing the following actions:
- Advocating equitable representation and funding of Democratic women as it relates to candidate recruitment, senior positions within ODP, and appointments to serve on boards and commissions at all levels of government.
- Providing educational training and workshops that focus on fundraising, coalition building, leveraging technology, developing political infrastructure, and supporting candidates and campaigns.
- Facilitating statewide and regional networking opportunities through the ODP website, an e-newsletter, and social networking tools like Facebook and MySpace. In-person networking events will also include an annual service project, an annual fundraising luncheon, an annual organizing conference, various regional policy and political events, and an informal mentorship program.
- Promoting and featuring political, community and grassroots leaders by creating an annual document that lists all Democratic women elected officials, attorneys, business owners, and progressive group leaders.
- Building a Democratic women’s speakers bureau to be utilized by local Democratic and progressive women’s groups.
About the Caucus Director
Erin Spencer Upchurch began as the Executive Director of the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus in January 2010. As a longtime activist, she spends her time advocating for and empowering both individuals and communities. Her advocacy includes working with LGBT youth and women living with HIV. In 2007, Erin co-created an annual statewide youth leadership summit for young adults living with HIV/AIDS, and she is the founder of Something on the Inside -- a creative project that raises awareness regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Professionally, Erin’s work for non-profits and political organizations has run the gamut. She has played a number of roles for Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, the Columbus AIDS Task Force, and Equality Ohio. Erin currently serves on the board of the Ohio AIDS Coalition and is also a licensed social worker. She received her Bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University, and her master’s degree, also in social work, from Case Western Reserve University.
Get Involved!
To get involved with the Ohio Democratic Party’s Women’s Caucus, contact:
Erin Upchurch
Women’s Caucus Director
Ohio Democratic Party
340 East Fulton Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
eupchurch@ohiodems.org
(614)221-6563
Become a fan of the Caucus on Facebook
Follow @ohiodemwomen on Twitter
