June Diane Raphael wants more women to run for political office — so she is writing a book encouraging women to do just that. As People reports, the actress-comedian will pen “Represent: The Badass Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World” with Emily’s List Chief of Staff Kate Black. The book will see Raphael and Black coach women on “how a campaign might work in the messiness of their real lives, how to harness their passions/anger/humor/intelligence in public office, and what they actually need on their resumes to lead,” according to its description.
The “Grace and Frankie” actress told People that she’s writing “Represent” because she is tired of the persistent gender gap in politics. “Women represent less than 20 percent of Congress and less than 25 percent of state legislatures,” she explained. “Last time I checked we make up over half the population. I’m no mathematician — despite the rumors — but these numbers are haunting. I’m collaborating with Kate Black on this book because we both truly believe we need our government to reflect the actual population.”
“We can’t look at another photo of a bunch of older white dudes making decisions about women,” Raphael added. Truer words were never spoken.
Per “Represent’s” official synopsis, the guide “acknowledges the barriers standing in front of women [in politics], and helps them jump right over them.” For women who prefer to stay behind-the-scenes, the book “includes information on the next best option — how to support, uplift and nominate other women.”
“Represent” will be published by Workman Publishing and is expected to hit shelves in 2019.
Raphael recently wrapped The Big Hundred Instagram campaign, which saw the actress and her husband, Paul Scheer (“The League”), providing followers “bite-sized” activism tips during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Raphael’s acting credits include “Veep,” “New Girl,” and “Lady Dynamite.” She is developing “Unhinged,” a Hulu series about a woman with rage problems, with her frequent collaborator Casey Wilson (“Happy Endings”).
