Inspired by the power of coalitions, MWLC was formed in 2001 by five mainstream women's organizations for the exciting purpose of increasing the number of progressive Missouri women elected at all levels of government in our state -- especially the state legislature. Missouri Women's Leadership Coalition is now an eight-member coalition that cooperates with other like-minded organizations. MWLC works to achieve gender balance in Missouri where women's elective numbers in the state legislature dropped from 23.4% in 2001 to 21.3% percent today. This is below the national average for state legislatures of 22.5% -- not an impressive number in light of women's population numbers of 51 percent. The MWLC Education Fund is a non-profit 501c3 which conducts our education and training program, founded in 2003. Through the MWLC Education, the coalition conducts campaign schools. Our unique focus is on how to run campaigns in small towns and rural areas of Missouri. With the support of the Education Fund we are also able to monitor each legislative session, and inform our members about the potential impact of proposed legislation on women and families.