On February 6, as Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the state of New York to announce her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, I sat in awe of the ability women have to make a difference in America today. It was merely eighty years ago that the fight for women’s suffrage, which began with Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Stanton, and thousands of others, was won, making it possible for women in America to vote. Now, look where we have come! Mrs. Clinton called politics “the art of making possible what seems impossible,” and to me, that is what it is all about.

As we embark on an important election year, members of STAND–Students’ Action for New Directions, a new program of WAND–are searching for ways to inform first-time voters of the importance of casting their ballots on November 7th. It is our belief that by making the importance of a single vote known to our peers, we hold the ability to ensure that issues facing women will remain in the forefront of American politics.

I commend Hillary Rodham Clinton and all of her efforts. Her stance on ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, implementing legislation for gun control, and building better public schools for America’s youth, exemplifies the strength of today’s woman.

The next generation is taking an active stance, as well, to increase the power of America’s women. On behalf of all of the members of STAND, I would like to assure you that this generation of young women will make a difference. STAND is dedicated to making possible what seems impossible. And we would like to thank WAND for supporting us

Wonder What STAND Is?

Students’ Action for New Directions—STAND—was founded by 12 high school girls from eight states who met in Washington, D.C. for the 1999 WiLL/WAND National Conference. They created STAND to be their own national grassroots program within WAND. STAND offers youth the chance to “be at the table,” not only with other active youth and youth organizations, but also with women leaders and policy makers. For more information, contact stand@wand.org.