Self-Esteem: It’s More Important Than You Think!
Last month we talked about civic self-efficacy: the measure of someone’s confidence in their understanding of government or community structures and their ability to enact change. Many women say that confidence part feels the hardest. Women in our community often know what they believe and have the knowledge to back it up, but they tell us they don’t always have the confidence it takes to talk about politics or their vision for America. In a world where conversations about politics so often devolve into debates or fights, we certainly understand the choice to keep quiet to keep the peace at the dinner table.
In a 2019 survey, we learned that more than a third of the women we work with feel like no one in their life shares their views. When they look around to see what others believe—in person or online—they see that everyone around them thinks differently from them. This isolation can make anyone doubt themselves over time.
“I switched parties this election and my bubble of FB friends are mostly with opposing views. Get hardly any comments or connection with most now. Feel very outed in my bubble. Happy to be a part of this group!”
Gals Together Michigan Member
Valuing and trusting ourselves is an important element of civic efficacy. That’s why self-esteem is so important! By recognizing and celebrating folks’ strengths and affirming their value as individuals, our community validates each other and helps that self-esteem grow. We’re helping our community discover their strengths, build their confidence, and activate their full civic power.
We also invite our community to sign up for validating text messages. Sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, these messages are designed just for our community of women based on what they tell us they need to feel supported through their day.
“I first want to say THANK YOU for always saying just the right thing, the thing that I needed to hear, and anything that I can do, for the cause, please let me know”
SMS Program Participant
Ultimately, Galvanize USA is creating a healthy, prosocial environment that makes women feel empowered to say what they think, have tough conversations, and come together for progress. Over time, we believe that increasing self-esteem can bring about the changes we really want to see in the world, like increased civic and personal efficacy, a sense that our fates are all linked, and an America that truly works for everyone—white, Black, and brown.
