About Build The Bench RI

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Founded in 2026, Build the Bench RI is the project of a group of women leaders who gathered to jointly support women and gender expansive candidates who are running for local office in Rhode Island, such as town council, city council and school board.  

Who We Support

We support local women and gender expansive candidates, particularly women of color and those from historically underrepresented communities, who are committed to building healthy, equitable, and democratic communities. 

We specifically seek candidates who share our seven values (see below). We believe governing from these values requires courageous leadership, but gender alone does not define leadership. Therefore, candidates we support should also demonstrate integrity, courage, and commitment to addressing structural challenges facing Rhode Islanders.

How We Support Candidates

Fundraising is one of the most significant challenges local women candidates face. So, our core support takes the form of a political giving circle (aka a donor club.)  Together, we evaluate, interview and select candidates to support. We are not a PAC.  We donate directly as individuals to endorsed candidates' campaigns. Each candidate receives donations directly from at least half our members. 

 We believe there's a value beyond monetary in our approach, because:

§  candidates feel showered with appreciation from many people - a community of women at their back.  

§  donors learn about candidates they might not have known of otherwise, and feel more involved in the democratic process

Additionally, we publicize endorsed candidates' races via our social feeds and our own networks. Most races for municipal council and school board do not receive much media attention, so we hope our attention will be helpful. 

Why We Focus on Local Races

Town council, city council and school boards profoundly impact Rhode Islander resident's lives. Although these races don't get the media attention of state-wide and statehouse races, they deserve to. 

Also, while we honor local governance in and of itself, we also recognize it can also provide a platform for personal growth beyond. Elected may move up the political ladder and/or they may apply their new skills and connections to their lives as professionals, advocates, appointees and unelected community leaders. By supporting local races, we are hoping to build the bench: helping grow a pipeline of women's leadership. 

We seek leaders who demonstrate a commitment to the following values and policy priorities:

1. Building an economy where all people can earn a living wage, build wealth, and meet their basic needs.
2. Protecting voting rights, expanding democratic participation, and ensuring communities have meaningful power in the decisions that affect their lives.
3. Advancing reproductive justice by protecting bodily autonomy and ensuring equitable access to comprehensive reproductive, maternal, and sexual health care.
4. Protecting the rights, safety, and full inclusion of immigrants, regardless of immigration status.
5. Advancing racial justice by dismantling systemic racism and promoting equitable policies and opportunities for all communities.
6. Eliminating gun violence through evidence-informed policies that strengthen community safety while respecting civil rights.
7. Ensuring equitable access to safe, affordable housing and high-quality public education.