Missouri Women's Leadership Coalition

In 2001 leaders in several women’s organizations saw an opportunity for a new mission: to increase the number of progressive rural Missouri women elected at all levels of government, including the legislature and statewide offices. They banded together to form the MWLC.

We are a non-partisan coalition that recruits, trains, and gets elected women who support reproductive choice, family planning, ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and other women’s and family issues. The MWLC Education Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to this organization are tax deductible. The MWLC PAC was formed to provide financial support to candidates’ campaigns. Donations to the PAC are not tax deductible.

Outside of its urban centers, Missouri presents a harsh political landscape for progressive women running for office. We bring the support missing in rural areas through mentorship, training, volunteer networks, and financial support. The MWLC was formed to help women develop the skills to get involved in the political process … and WIN! In the 2018 election, we endorsed 31 candidates and 6 were elected. We are currently vetting women running for office in 2020. Be sure to follow our endorsements page for information on the candidates we are backing!

Here are what a few of our candidates have to say about MWLC…

“MWLC was an early supporter of my special election campaign in which I flipped a seat in the MO State Legislature. Their support of women candidates, and of my campaign early on, helped in my victory. Thank you, MWLC, for advancing progressive women in government!”
Trish Gunby, Incumbent Candidate HD 99

Your endorsement and support mean so much to our campaign. Thank you for the work you are doing for women in leadership.”
Rhonda Dolan, Candidate for HD 31

Want to be part of the movement?

Donate to MWLC today!

About Us

The Missouri Women’s Leadership Coalition was created specifically to increase the number of rural progressive female candidates in Missouri. We work to recruit and support outstanding female candidates in winnable races outside of Missouri urban centers.

Our mission statement: achieve political gender equality in Missouri by recruiting and helping elect pro Choice, pro ERA women in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural areas outside of our two major cities.

As a nonpartisan organization, we offer progressive female candidates for Missouri public office professional, emotional, and financial support. Our organization is working every day to increase women’s participation in state politics.

We have had great success in recruiting outstanding progressive women candidates in targeted races outside of the urban areas of our State, and collectively we can give these candidates the support they need to run a successful campaign.

Join us by contributing to our mission, all funds will be used to help elect pro-Choice, pro-ERA women to public office in areas outside of the major cities in Missouri. Join us today!

The MWLC Education Fund is a non-profit 501c3, organization which conducts our education and training programs. The MWLC PAC is the political organization which screens, endorses, and financially supports progressive women candidates for office

MWLC and MWLC Education Fund Board of Directors

President, Susan McClintic

MWLC PAC Treasurer, Jane Crigler

Secretary, Shirley Breeze

Treasurer, Nancy Copenhaver

Patty Cahill

Peggy Cochran

Lee Rathbone-McCuan

Rebecca Richardson

Joan Shores

Regina Weir

Donate or Join

MWLC’s 100 year of women voting campaign

THEN: THE RIGHT TO VOTE, NOW: THE RIGHT TO GOVERN

For over 100 years women have celebrated the right to vote in our country. Missouri women played an active role in the fight for the right to vote. Today the MWLC honors their work by continuing the fight but now the fight is for equality in governing. With your financial support, MWLC can change the ratio of men to women in state government from the current 3 male legislators for every one woman.

To celebrate the Missouri women who fought for our right to vote, contribute to our fundraising drive to support women candidates in upcoming elections. Your donation will go directly to support our endorsed candidates.

Donations can be made securely online here or if you prefer to donate via check, please make the check out to MWLC PAC and include your occupation and employer, then send to MWLC c/o please make the check out to MWLC PAC and include your occupation and employer, then send to MWLC c/o Jane Crigler MWLC President, 435 W. 9th Street, Apt 103, Kansas City, MO 64105.

Donate to MWLC 501c4

Donations to MWLC’s 501 c4 account help support our mission including progressive issues advocacy for women, and our organizational expenses. Donations are not tax-deductible.

Donate to MWLC PAC

The MWLC PAC was formed to provide financial support to candidates’ campaigns Donations to the PAC are not tax deductible.

MWLC Membership

Become a member of MWLC and help support our mission of electing progressive women throughout Missouri.

Donate to MWLC Education Fund

The MWLC Education Fund conducts training for potential progressive women candidates and campaign workers outside the major metropolitan areas. Donations to the MWLC Education Fund are tax deductible. Tax ID EIN 20-1086079