In theory, our democracy is based in representation. But in reality, our government is disproportionally white, straight, and male. According to the Pew Research Center, the 115th Congress is the most diverse in history, with almost one-in-five voting members a racial or ethnic minority. Even so, these numbers are woefully inadequate compared to the actual composition of the nation’s population. But to make progress in governmental representation, we must also have a diverse pipeline that leads to public office. And it does not take long at the AAPC’s Pollie Awards to notice that the broader political sphere lacks diversity.

This week on another LIVE episode of the Election University podcast, our hosts Reiny Cohen and Jason Bennett talk diversity and politics with China Dickerson. China is the Deputy Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice America, the Chair of the Young Democrats of America Women’s Caucus, and President of the political strategy firm, Dickerson Strategies. They chat about recruiting and retaining women and people of color to political roles, expanding diversity in leadership, and ways to that our political parties and leaders can #DoBetter to eliminate systemic barriers to greater representation.

You can (try your best to) keep up with China and her work with NARAL Pro-Choice America, Dickerson Strategies, Young Democrats of America, or DC Young Democrats by following her on twitter at @MsChinaD or connecting with her on Linkedin.

So listeners, we want to know what you think! What are you doing in your workplace or political sphere to incorporate more, diverse voices? What do you think must be done to bring more voices to the table in your political party?  How have you seen this industry change in the last decade? Let us know what you are up to and your thoughts about this podcast by emailing us at podcast@ElectionU.com or leave a note in the comment section below.

You can listen to the show right here on the EU website or by subscribing in iTunes, Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and more! If you do subscribe, please leave us a rating and review. We love the feedback and we read every one! If you'd like to hear a particular topic on our podcast, please email podcast@electionu.com. As always, thanks for listening!