Why Representation Matters

You might notice that at NDTC, we mark, recognize, and celebrate many heritage and affinity months throughout the year. 

Invariably, we get a lot of “but why?” emails. Often they are, shall we say, not polite. But for the genuinely curious ones, who are asking in good faith, here is the short answer: We do this at NDTC because representation matters, and we need more voices at the table to represent us all for a stronger democracy.

The Longer Version

As an organization founded to train any and every Democrat who wants to run for office by lowering the barriers to entry, NDTC knows we must get folks from all backgrounds in the ring to build a stronger democracy. Having a diverse group of voices legislating makes it harder for groups to be left behind, forgotten, or outright harmed – because someone who represents them is there to push back.

That’s why we not only mark several heritage months in our programming, but specifically seek out experts from various backgrounds. When folks don’t see others relatable to their life experiences running for and holding public office, it can be hard to know what to do or where to start. We’re here to tackle that large, looming question mark many have, especially those from marginalized communities. 

The Consequences of Representation 

We’re already seeing what happens when elected officials aren’t representative of voters. The 119th Congress is relatively diverse, and there were certainly a lot of firsts – the first openly transgender representative, the first time two African American women are serving simultaneously as Senators, the first Korean American Senator, and more. But it’s a drop in the bucket considering the wider picture of what American voters look like, and still far from representative of how they experience life. 

Here are just a couple of important examples: Women represent still just over a quarter of lawmakers, with Democrats far outnumbering Republicans. You have to wonder how different things might be – for reproductive rights, labor laws, and funding for a host of things – if that changed. And the age of most lawmakers is impossible to ignore: the average age of the House is 57, and the Senate 64. The operative word here is “average.” Meanwhile younger voters experience college debt, inflation, lack of affordable housing, and diversity very differently, and the electoral outcomes are stark. 

Being The First

Representation is also a self-fulfilling prophecy. When more people at decision-making tables look like you, no one questions your belonging – or the issues you bring to the conversation. If people in the halls of power look like you, you can see yourself walking a known path in their shoes. The very fact that these leaders are at the table is often a huge win in dispelling stereotypes. 

Conversely, if no one at decision-making tables looks like you or shares certain life experiences, it can be hard to define your place as a candidate or elected official. Yes, you can be your own cheerleader in that department, but it’s often harder to know what that end goal looks like when you’re a “first.”

Being a trailblazer is an amazing story to tell – after you’ve made it. While you’re navigating that uncharted path, it can be lonely. And there is another side of the self-fulfilling prophecy coin: you don’t see people like you on the ballot, so you never imagine taking that path for yourself, and so your community does not have a voice, and therefore lacks representation in legislation that affects them. 

Representation Matters, Period.

Any democracy without a diverse set of voices and experiences in power does itself no favors. That’s why NDTC's core mission remains to lower the barriers of entry, train any Democrat who wants to run for office, and build the next generation of inclusive and lasting political, Democratic power.

Stay on the lookout for upcoming affinity month programming in our live training schedule, especially if you’re a member of the community. 

If you’re looking to build a diverse and equitable campaign, check out our course “Equitable and Inclusive Campaign Practices”. If you’re looking to implement these values in another political community, enroll in our “The Fundamentals of Equity & Inclusion” and “Creating a Positive Team Culture” courses. 

And as always, our website is always free to explore for more campaign resources.