Membership

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Build The Bench RI was founded by a group of more than a dozen women community leaders, advocates and connectors who came together in Spring 2026 to find ways to support women and gender expansive candidates, who share our values, who are running for local municipal offices such as town council and school board. 

Our founding members include former electeds Sandra Cano, Vimala Phongsavanh, and Stephanie Gonzalez, community activist kimika Ross, serial founder Anne Holland and community organizer Ditra Edwards. 

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. 

We welcome self-nominations - you don't have to know someone to get in. However, you should be a woman or gender expansive person, who shares our progressive values and who is interested in supporting the same in running for local municipal office in Rhode Island. (Male allies are encouraged to donate to the candidates we endorse!) 

Membership is considered a personal activity - no one represents their employer, they are solely representing themselves. Candidates themselves are not encouraged to join. 

Membership is free, but all members must agree to donate at some level to the campaigns of at least 50% of our endorsed candidates.  We do not dictate the amount you give. All donation sizes matter because they represent support and caring.  Endorsed candidates are chosen, after a round of interviews, based on a vote of the full membership. 

If you are interested in joining, please fill out the application form and we will get back to you as we are ready. Thank you!