KC think tank bringing civic leadership training program for women to SWMO

A Kansas City-based nonprofit think tank working to increase women’s participation in civic and economic leadership roles is bringing a training program to southwest Missouri.

United WE announced in a news release this week that it's seeking local participants for its Appointments Project Journey Groups civic leadership initiative. Applications, available at United WE's website, are being accepted through July 28 for the program slated to meet monthly from August through January 2026. 

The Appointments Project Journey Groups program is available for free to participants due to a grant of an undisclosed amount from the Missouri Foundation for Health, according to a United WE spokesperson. The southwest Missouri initiative intends to recruit 30 to 40 women who would participate in three cohorts, the spokesperson said.

“This innovative program is directly informed by our research about the barriers to women’s civic participation – and takes a practical, hands-on approach to helping women launch their civic leadership journey," United WE President and CEO Wendy Doyle said in the release. "This municipal-level data reinforces why we launched the Appointments Project 13 years ago, and I’m delighted we are able to expand this proven program to women in southeast and southwest Missouri."

A 2023 study funded by United WE and researched by University of Missouri-St. Louis faculty found that across the state, women occupy 36.9% of roles on civic boards and commissions, with the number higher in Springfield at 39.6%, according to past reporting.