Know Your Power

1. Embrace Your Political Roots and Wings

Roots—a sense of belonging. Wings—the freedom to fly away and experience life on your own terms.

Political heritage. Nancy Pelosi's upbringing in a politically active family shaped her future in politics. Her father, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., was a U.S. Congressman and Mayor of Baltimore, instilling in her a deep understanding of public service from an early age. This foundation provided her with the "roots" necessary to ground her political career.

Personal growth. While her family background was crucial, Pelosi also emphasizes the importance of developing one's own path. She encourages women to pursue their ambitions, even if it means challenging traditional expectations. This balance of honoring one's heritage while forging an independent path is crucial for success in politics and life.

Key elements of Pelosi's political roots:

• Devout Catholic upbringing
• Italian-American heritage
• Democratic Party loyalty
• Exposure to constituent services from a young age

2. Turn Adversity into Opportunity in Politics

Organize, don't agonize.

Resilience in politics. Pelosi's journey to becoming the first woman Speaker of the House was marked by numerous challenges. She faced skepticism, sexism, and fierce competition. However, she consistently turned these obstacles into opportunities for growth and advancement.

Strategic thinking. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, Pelosi advocates for focusing on organization and action. This approach helped her navigate complex political landscapes and emerge victorious in crucial elections. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared, building strong coalitions, and maintaining a clear vision of one's goals.

Strategies for overcoming political adversity:

• Build a strong support network
• Stay focused on long-term objectives
• Learn from setbacks and adjust strategies accordingly
• Maintain a positive attitude and resilient mindset

3. Build a Strong Grassroots Organization

I had hundreds of people walking precincts to rally support and turn out the vote for me. I knew from experience that organization would be the key.

Power of organization. Pelosi attributes much of her success to her ability to build and mobilize strong grassroots organizations. She learned the importance of this approach from her father's campaigns and applied it throughout her political career.

Volunteer engagement. By valuing and empowering volunteers, Pelosi created a dedicated base of supporters who were crucial in her campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections, clear communication of goals, and recognition of volunteers' efforts.

Key elements of effective grassroots organization:

• Clearly defined goals and messaging
• Thorough volunteer training and support
• Efficient use of resources and technology
• Continuous engagement with supporters
• Data-driven decision making

4. Be a Voice for Important Issues

I came to Congress to build bridges, not burn them, and that's true of most of us who run for public office.

Advocacy and courage. Pelosi stresses the importance of being a strong advocate for crucial issues, even when they are controversial. She cites her early focus on AIDS awareness and funding as an example of taking on challenging topics that others might avoid.

Bridge-building. While being a vocal advocate, Pelosi also emphasizes the importance of building coalitions and finding common ground with others. She argues that effective leadership involves balancing strong convictions with the ability to work collaboratively across party lines.

Key issues Pelosi championed:

• AIDS awareness and funding
• Human rights in China and Tibet
• Women's rights and representation
• Economic justice for working families
• Environmental protection

5. Balance Family Life with Political Ambitions

I thought I owed it to my free-spirited youngest child to be sure I knew how she felt. After all, the possibility of my taking on the large and unanticipated job of campaigning for Congress—not to mention the possibility of actually having to serve—would have a bigger impact on her than on her siblings.

Family support. Pelosi's political career was deeply intertwined with her family life. She emphasizes the importance of involving family members in decision-making processes and ensuring their support for political ambitions.

Sequential approach. Pelosi pursued her political career after raising her children, demonstrating that it's possible to balance family responsibilities with political ambitions. She encourages women to find their own path and timing for entering politics.

Strategies for balancing family and politics:

• Open communication with family members
• Flexible approach to timing political involvement
• Integration of family into political activities when appropriate
• Maintaining strong personal relationships outside of politics

6. Know Your Power and Use It Wisely

Lindy taught me to think differently. I remember telling her that I thought I had too many opportunities, that perhaps I should give up one of my positions. This was prior to my election to Congress, when I was chair of the 1984 Democratic National Convention Host Committee, and also chaired the committee that enforced the delegate selection rules.

Embrace opportunities. Pelosi learned from mentors like Lindy Boggs to recognize and seize opportunities for leadership. She encourages women to embrace their power and not shy away from taking on multiple roles and responsibilities.

Strategic use of influence. Knowing one's power also involves using it wisely and strategically. Pelosi emphasizes the importance of building coalitions, understanding the political landscape, and choosing battles carefully to maximize one's impact.

Ways to recognize and use your power:

• Seek mentorship from experienced leaders
• Take on challenging roles and responsibilities
• Build a strong network of supporters and allies
• Stay informed and engaged in key issues
• Use your platform to advocate for important causes

7. Disrupt the Status Quo in Politics

That is the tradition of our country. Our Founders were disrupters—magnificent disrupters. Martin Luther King Jr. was a disrupter, as were the suffragettes. It is the American way. The change that resulted from these leaders has made our country greater.

Challenging traditions. Pelosi advocates for disrupting outdated political norms and practices. As the first woman Speaker of the House, she embodies this principle, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in politics.

Innovation in governance. She encourages fresh thinking and new approaches to solving political challenges. This includes embracing technology, empowering new voices, and challenging entrenched power structures.

Examples of political disruption:

• Empowering freshman representatives with key roles
• Implementing new communication strategies
• Challenging traditional power dynamics
• Advocating for underrepresented groups
• Introducing innovative legislative approaches

8. Master Policy, Politics, and People

To be successful in Congress, leaders must excel at three tasks: mastering the policy, understanding the politics, and knowing the people—most critically, how courageous they will be.

Policy expertise. Pelosi emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding the issues at hand. This involves continuous learning, staying informed on complex topics, and being able to articulate policy positions clearly.

Political savvy. Understanding the political landscape, including the motivations and constraints of various stakeholders, is crucial for effective leadership. Pelosi stresses the importance of building coalitions and navigating complex political dynamics.

People skills. Knowing how to work with diverse groups of people, understand their motivations, and inspire them to action is a key leadership skill. Pelosi highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and the ability to inspire courage in others.

Key skills for political leadership:

• In-depth policy knowledge
• Strategic thinking and coalition building
• Effective communication and persuasion
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Ability to inspire and motivate others

9. Fight for What You Believe In

Courage springs from the heart. I often say to my candidates, "Just show people a picture of what is in your heart." The voters know that what is in your heart is what you will have the courage to fight for.

Passion and conviction. Pelosi emphasizes the importance of having deep-rooted beliefs and the courage to fight for them. She argues that authentic passion resonates with voters and inspires others to action.

Persistence in adversity. Fighting for one's beliefs often involves facing significant opposition and setbacks. Pelosi's career demonstrates the importance of perseverance and maintaining one's convictions in the face of challenges.

Strategies for effective advocacy:

• Clearly articulate your core values and beliefs
• Build coalitions around shared goals
• Use personal stories to connect with others
• Stay informed and prepared to defend your positions
• Maintain resilience in the face of opposition

10. Maintain Civility in Political Discourse

Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.

Respectful disagreement. Pelosi stresses the importance of maintaining civility and respect in political discourse, even when dealing with strong disagreements. She argues that this approach is not only more effective but also essential for the health of democratic institutions.

Building bridges. While advocating for one's beliefs, Pelosi emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and building relationships across party lines. This approach can lead to more effective governance and the ability to achieve meaningful progress on important issues.

Tips for maintaining civility in politics:

• Focus on issues rather than personal attacks
• Listen actively to opposing viewpoints
• Seek areas of common ground
• Use respectful language, even in disagreement
• Remember shared goals of public service

Last updated: March 11, 2025