Part I of our interview with Senator Bea Lanzi of Rhode Island was published last week. Senator Lanzi is in part responsible for the Lindsay Ann Burke Act of 2007, which requires dating violence education in public middle and high schools in Rhode Island. The law is the first of its kind in the country, and we discussed the Act in Part I of the interview. As promised, here’s Part II.

Your resume includes an impressive list of accomplishments, including 10 years in the Rhode Island House of Representative, as well as executive positions on the current Senate Education, and Environment and Agriculture Committees. You also belong to a number of political caucuses in the Senate and outside organizations, all while raising your beautiful daughter, Sofia-Rose. Do you have any tips or advice for other busy mothers who are involved politically or would like to be?

I think it is very important for every voice to be part of the conversation.  Like all working mothers, it is a challenge I face every day to have balance and quality of life.  I am attached to my daytimers calendar- I keep every part of my day in there and check things off as the day goes on!  Those early classes in time management have served me well throughout my life!  But, seriously, whether you have a few hours to be involved or much more time than that, it is important to get involved.  I say that whatever time you can give, don’t be afraid to get involved and bring your voice to the conversation.

Do you have advice for girls who would like to be officeholders as adults?

I tell my daughter and young girls that you can achieve what you wish and work for.  If you are interested in politics and feel that you have something to offer – don’t be afraid to put your name out there.  Get involved in student government where you can learn leadership skills. Apply for government internships while in school where you can learn about the political process first hand.  Get involved in local campaigns- volunteer with candidates and officials who you believe in and support.  Be active and establish yourself as someone who is a hard worker, who is motivated and willing to work on causes and issues that are important to the community.

What do you think is the most important thing we could do to help get more women into political office? What are the major obstacles to enacting legislation that helps women and advances issues important to them?

It’s interesting you ask this because I wrote an article for Glamour Magazine in 2000 entitled “Uncle Sam Needs You!” aimed at encouraging young women to get involved in the political process and run for office.

As a State Senator, I work to enact legislation on behalf of my constituents that positively affects Rhode Islanders.  There are many other women who are doing the same thing in RI and across the country.  If someone is thinking of running for political office, whether male or female, the important thing is to ask yourself what issues are important to you and your community, what qualities do you bring to public service, what is your level of commitment, your dedication and your desire to serve?  If you answer these questions and feel that you can make a positive difference, then believe in yourself and your message and offer your ideas as a candidate.

Do you have a role model, either in real life or from history, who you look up to or try to emulate?

I have a lot of role models, people that I admire.  Instead of giving you a list, I would like to simply say that the qualities I work to emulate are the ability to always stay focused, never forget the important issues and why people have elected me to serve them and to behave with integrity and grace.

Do you have any interest in running for a higher office?

Politics is a quick changing environment.  I will be starting my 10^th term in the legislature in January 2011- my 5^th term as a State Senator.  I feel honored to have received the support and confidence of my constituents once again.  I am focused on this upcoming session and I am not really thinking about any other office at this time.