This is the third edition of a weekly series focusing on organizations and non-profits. The series highlights what they do and how they do it as well how you can get involved. If you have recommendations, please suggest them in the comments!

With the 2012 election in only two months and the Democratic National Convention under way, I thought I would feature an organization that strives to put women in office. To learn why you should vote and why women’s vote count, read my post here.

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EMILY’s List

electing women to create progressive change

EMILY’s List is dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to office.

• EMILY’s List looks for viable political opportunities and recruits strong pro-choice Democratic women candidates to run.
• We tell our community of members about these women, and ask them to give directly to the campaigns of candidates for House, Senate, and governor.
• We provide extensive training for candidates and staff so they can make the most of limited resources and win the toughest races.
• Finally, our WOMEN VOTE! project reaches out to women voters in the days and weeks before Election Day with persuasive messages that motivate them to go to the polls and cast their ballots for progressive Democrats — because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s When Women Vote, Women Win!

EMILY’s List makes investments to help women develop political skills and cultivate resources so that we can bring more women into politics and elected office. Only then can we build a lasting progressive majority dedicated to social justice, civil rights, diversity, economic reform, and compassion — and construct a society that values the contributions of all of its citizens.

“This year we have the chance to fundamentally change how Washington works,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Coming off the special election victory of Suzanne Bonamici in Oregon, Democratic women have tremendous momentum going into this election cycle. In 2012 we have an unprecedented 11 women running for the Senate; women — like Suzanne — are winning special elections; and the EMILY’s List community has never been more energized. We have exceeded one million members and we’re not done yet.

“Washington isn’t working for women and families, but we can change that by electing Democratic women who stand up to the right, get things done, and build a more progressive America.”

EMILY’s List is supporting an unprecedented number of Senate candidates: six incumbents and five challengers. Every single one of our challengers would be the first women to represent their states in the Senate. Mazie Hirono would be the first Asian American woman Senator and only the 2nd woman of color ever to serve in the Senate. Other firsts include Tammy Duckworth, who would be the only woman in office with combat experience.

EMILY’s List has help elect 9 female governors, 16 US Senators, 87 US Representatives, and 507 women to state and local offices.

To learn more about EMILY’s list, visit their website: emilyslist.org