Management Consultant Jean Weinberg on the Importance of Cross-Generational Collaboration Between Women
BY NEHIR TOPALOGLU
Notable women in politics throughout history. Institute for Youth in Policy
As members of the ever-changing world of adversity we live in, it is important to keep in touch with how our local communities are governed so that they can function in a way that grants true democracy to all. For young women, the primary readers of the Girls Who Start Publication, engaging with our local communities through simple acts of civic service can change these adversities into opportunities for personal and communal development. From the vibrant energy of young activists to the seasoned wisdom of experienced leaders, women are making their mark in local governance, contributing to a richer, more dynamic political landscape and a growing recognition of the indispensable role women play in local politics.
Jean Weinberg, an Alinsky-style community organizer and management consultant based in Newton, Massachusetts, has been involved in politics since her adolescent years in the thick of the civil rights movement. During her childhood in Hartsdale, New York, Weinberg had the encounter of a lifetime when primary leaders of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Julian Bond, visited her family’s synagogue days before the Selma March. Raised by parents who prioritized equality and civic engagement, Weinberg was encouraged to organize and take part in events that would advance the people around her. Weinberg’s cousin, who was unfortunately shot in the Vietnam War, sparked the idea for Weinberg’s first act of civic service for her local community of Hartsdale. As a sophomore at Edgemont High School in 1968, Weinberg organized an anti-Vietnam War moratorium, a day of education on the war that provided students with information on the importance of its end. The event allowed Weinberg’s community and the guest speakers who traveled for it, most notably a New York Congressman, to feel a sense of togetherness in such a dark time. Since then, Weinberg has dedicated her life to fostering change that moves communities forward, focusing on women and minorities.
Female members of the Class of 1976 (two years younger than Weinberg) walk across the Green. The Dartmouth Review
Weinberg attended Dartmouth College for her post-secondary education. She was also an involved member of the University of California at Berkeley community during the summer of 1972 and fall of 1973. While at Berkeley, Weinberg took a class called “Women and Their Careers,” in which she was paired with an older woman in a steady career and was expected to conduct regular meetings with her to gain an understanding of how she led her life and furthered her field of study. “As a twenty-one-year-old at the time, learning from a woman in her sixties about balancing work and life was extremely beneficial to me. Having a mentorship of that kind allowed me to better understand how I wanted to pursue my life,” says Weinberg. She was also a part of a larger internship program on community organizing with Tish Sommers.
As one of the twenty three women in the Class of 1974, Weinberg made her mark at Dartmouth by helping to launch a new organization: Women of Dartmouth. Ruth Adams, the former President of Wellesley College, was hired and granted $350,000 to “help make co-education work” at Dartmouth, partnering with students like Weinberg to create Women of Dartmouth. The organization strived to create an empowering and supportive community for the minority group of female students through events like workshops and seminars with female authors.
Weinberg and her friend posing with the 47th speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill Jr. Jean Weinberg
After graduating, Weinberg worked tirelessly in D.C. to further abortion access for women. Weinberg explains, “Now, there are lots of women in politics at all levels, but back then, we were a minority. I remember attending conferences where in a room of a hundred officials, only about three of them would be women.” In the following years, Weinberg founded her own management consulting company for non-profits, government branches, and politicians. Weinberg explains, “The mentors I had found while in Washington D.C. helped make my transition as smooth as possible,” and she finds that the best mentorships are “mutually symbiotic.” The mentor should provide advice but also learn from the new generation, as equality in a mentorship improves the experience for both parties.
Older women with extensive experience in political circles bring a wealth of knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the intricate web of local governance. Their years of navigating the political landscape equip them with the skills to bridge divides, negotiate complex issues, and foster collaboration. These women serve as anchors, providing stability and continuity in times of change.
Jean alongside elected officials in city and state governments. Jean Weinberg
On the other end of the mentorship, young women are injecting new life into local politics with their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. They utilize the power of social media and technology to connect with their communities, raise awareness, and mobilize support for critical issues. Their passion for social justice and environmental sustainability is helping to reshape local agendas and push for policies that address the evolving needs of communities. In Weinberg’s experience, the younger generation has a much more “hopeful” outlook concerning the future of our society.
Perhaps one of the most profound impacts of women in local politics is the inspiration they provide to future generations. By taking on leadership roles, breaking barriers, and effecting positive change, women fuel the aspirations of and empower young girls to envision themselves as active contributors to the political landscape. Weinberg believes that it is the duty of older generations to create “entry points in local and broader politics” for the next generation to make their mark on the world.
Still, the question remains of what young women can do to create and sustain positive change in their communities. Here are Weinberg’s final recommendations:
Hear your own voice first.
“You cannot convince people to believe or act towards something without immersing yourself in it first. Find local issues and causes that you are passionate about.”
Share your ideas with others.
“Once you form your opinions, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with others. Engage in deep conversations surrounding your topics of interest.”
Empower and support your peers.
“Show your support for peers and other women who are also putting themselves out there. Hear out their ideas and explain to them why you agree or disagree.”
Find opportunities to take action.
“Hundreds of internships and workshops based on civic engagement and politics are available in any city. Make an effort to find a cause that aligns with your views and interests.”
Reach behind you.
“Share your accomplishments with your peers, especially those who are younger. Pass down the knowledge you have gained to those who will come after you.”
It is never too early to start making your mark on the world. As we celebrate the strides made in fostering gender equality in politics, it is crucial to recognize the importance of continued support and encouragement for women of all ages to actively engage in shaping the future of their communities through local politics.
