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 have 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 candidates, particularly women of color and those from historically underrepresented communities, who demonstrate commitment to these values:

§  economic opportunity and fairness

§  protecting voting rights and democratic participation

§  reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy

§  immigrant dignity and inclusion

§  racial justice and equity

§  responsible gun policies

§  access to quality education and housing

Note: 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 bundling club.)  Together, we will evaluate and select candidates to support. Then, individually, we will simultaneously donate to those candidate's campaigns to the best of our ability and within legal limits. 

We are not a PAC. Every donation will be made by individual members directly to the group's chosen candidates.  We believe there's a real value in multiple donors coordinating their individual donations, 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

In future we hope to also support chosen candidates in non-monetary ways as well. Those activities will be driven by candidate needs and decided by our Members. 

Why We Focus on Local Races

Town council, school board and similar local offices 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 provides a platform for 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 are a group of community leaders, advocates, organizers and connectors in Rhode Island. We share common values and agree that supporting women candidates for local office, particularly women of color and historically underrepresented communities, will help build a stronger Rhode Island.  

Membership is free.  Although members are required to make campaign donations to a portion of the candidates the group agrees on, we do not dictate the amount you give. All donation sizes matter because they represent support and caring. 

Membership is limited and selective. As a new group, we are moving with deliberate and considered pace. Our goal is not to be huge, but rather to be effective and helpful. Potential members who are women of color and/or from historically underrepresented communities are especially encouraged. 

Let us know if you are interested in learning more as we begin to add more members.

Are you a woman or gender expansive candidate who is running for local office in Rhode Island, such as school board or town council, and would like to be considered for our support? Do you feel your demonstrated values match those listed at the top of this page?  Click on the button below to contact us.