Let me start by saying that I supported Barack Obama from the day he announced his candidacy. I am a feminist. I am the child of an Eastern-European immigrant, the daughter of a WWII veteran, a woman who came of age in the shallow frenzied 70s and the darkening selfish 80s.

I supported Obama because I believe that we must live the ideal espoused by Martin Luther King, Jr. – we are awake and aware enough in this 21st Century to finally and truly judge people by the content of their character and not the color of their skin (or their gender, faith, sexual preferences, wardrobes, accents, whatever). And I believe that Barack Obama’s character has been evident. He is a catalyst for actual change. He has the inner strength to speak harsh truths without laying blame, to turn the other cheek when fear turns ugly, to recognize need without displaying patronizing superiority and to ask for aid without operating from a position of cringing doubt. He is an American ideal – not a product of cultural privilege, but a smart, hard-working, socially-conscious, public servant.

Yes. I can feel some of you shaking your heads at my naiveté. But I tell you this is the truth of my heart. He is the one. We, all of us who have despaired over our growing national callousness and continued prejudices, we can use this election to recommit to raising awareness and working to make change happen everywhere.

His election does not end racism any more than Hillary Clinton’s defeat in the primaries guaranteed continued gender inequality. We’re not living in an either-or world. It’s just not that simple. But his election signals that we, as a people, have evolved to the point where the majority will act in a new way. When given the choice between fear and hope – the majority will now choose hope.

As a woman, hope is my strongest ally. Hope smoothes my way and steadies my hand and calms my nightmares. And hope has been in short supply lately. But now it is making a comeback.

It’s as though America is shaking itself and looking around and saying, “Wait. This isn’t what we are. We don’t divide people by haves and have-nots, by deserving and undeserving…by conditions of birthplace or family. We make opportunities, we open our arms to possibilities, we celebrate individuality and sacrifice and honesty. Anyone can realize their dreams here.”

So, speaking as a complex, multi-dimensional woman, I tell you that the election of Barack Obama creates a climate where we can step forward and make our own hopes realities. The time is here for doing. Let’s be sure that we support policies and candidates and social movements that build on what happened here last Tuesday. Hope, not fear.

Hope, not fear.

“Just before strolling out to make his speech last night, Barack sent me and several million of my closest friends an email thanking us for our support and reminding us that we are in this thing together. The goal was not to win an election, although that was necessary to do what we have to do. The goal is and always has been righting the ship. He’s going to get back to me from time to time to explain what is going on and ask for my opinions. Brilliant.”

I think it’s a wonderful reminder to make sure we keep contacting “Barack” with issues of concern to us as women. That’s what having Barack Obama in the White House means to me.

I greatly admire Michelle Obama and I am pleased that she will now be a national and international figure. I think about one of my heroes, Eleanor Roosevelt, and all that she accomplished for women as first lady and thereafter and I have great hope that Michelle can similarly be a great advocate for women in her white house role.

If we think we have arrived and we don’t need an AAUW, think again. We are not equal. AAUW is not a tea party for women who want to celebrate their degrees from colleges and universities. It has to be more than that…