Shifting Perspectives: How Women Can Heal the Political Divide with Jenifer Sarver

 

 

Jenifer Sarver is the founder of Sarver Strategies and a storyteller with a passion for empowering others to develop and share their own narratives. She collaborates with both corporate and nonprofit clients to craft compelling stories and trains them in effective storytelling techniques. Through classes, workshops, and personalized sessions, Jenifer teaches her clients about media training, advocacy and engagement, public speaking, executive presence, and virtual communication. Jenifer's goal is to foster civil discourse and empower more women to pursue public office. In 2018, she ran for the 21st Congressional District in Texas, finishing fifth in an 18-way primary. Drawing from the lessons learned and personal experiences gained during that campaign, she actively supports and encourages others to run for office. Jenifer holds the esteemed distinction of being an inaugural member of the Civil Society Fellowship, a collaborative partnership between ADL and The Aspen Institute. She is also a valued member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

 

Today, Jenifer and I discussed her career and the importance of being able to articulate your position and listen to the perspectives of others to engage in meaningful dialogue. She discusses the necessary mindset shifts that we all need to make to have open discussions and change our perspectives. We discuss why we need to ask good questions and be better listeners. We address why a lot of women are still hesitant to discuss politics, and what women can do to be more informed and empowered to make their own decisions on political and policy issues. We analyze why television news fails to represent a diverse set of opinions and how that impacts our ability to communicate with each other.  We also discuss how and why women can get involved in politics and influence policy change.

 

“There are a million ways that you can volunteer and support, not necessarily even candidates or political parties, but nonprofits. And you might find your passion and your why in that process, and that might ultimately lead you to run for office.” - Jenifer Sarver

 

This week on Political Contessa:

 

• The importance of storytelling in political messaging
• Why women need to be involved in politics
• The role of TV news in the decline of diversity of thought in politics
• How to understand diverse experiences
• The power of misinformation
• How women can increase their political visibility
• How women can run for office
• Jenifer’s experience running for office in Texas
• How to be an active listener

 

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

• The Daily -New York Times Podcast
• LBJ Women’s Campaign School
• Women’s Public Leadership Network

 

Connect with Jenifer Sarver:

 

• Sarver Strategies Website
• Women & Politics Institute
• Jenifer Sarver on Twitter
• Jenifer Sarver on LinkedIn

 

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

 

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