Inside Mass NOW: Meet Jamie Gaynes

Jamie Gaynes joined Mass NOW as its Vice President of Legislation in 2015 because she wanted to be “in the room where it happens” when it came to supporting those who identify as women and girls.She recently took a break from panning out the organization’s legislative agenda to chat about the need for more women to run for office.

Q: What's your favorite feminist quote and why?

A: This is a hard one for me because there are so many great quotes to choose from! I have been thinking a lot about our political landscape recently and this quote from Sen. Stabenow has really been stuck in my brain:

"It is easier to spend a few months and some money electing the right people than to spend years and a lot of money trying to get the wrong people to do the right things."- US Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

I love this quote because it’s sums up the simple truth of why we need more women, and especially women of color, to run for office and win. Now is the time for women to get into office, disrupt the patriarchy, and stand up for our intersectional feminist values.

Q: What advice would you give to young feminists feeling discouraged by today's political environment?

A: If you don’t like the way the system works, get in there and change it. Research shows women need to be asked seven times to run for office before they do, so I hope our readers consider me as one of their asks. RUN FOR OFFICE!I would also remind young feminist that your elected officials work for you. Show up to their offices, call, email, and tweet to tell them who the boss is! Keep them accountable for their actions and remind them who holds the power in elections. Vote early, often, and local!

Q: Who is your current feminist warrior?

A: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey! She takes on everyone, from the gun industry to the federal government, and always stands by her beliefs. I would gladly follow her into battle!