Duval, Betina

Metadata

Abstract

An oral history of Bettina Duval, activist and founder CaliforniaLIST. The interview was conducted for the Women, Politics, and Activism Since Suffrage Oral History Project for California State University, Fullerton’s Center for Oral and Public History. The purpose of this interview was to gather information regarding Duval’s involvement with CaliforniaLIST and her work as a political activist. Specifically, this interview talks about Duval’s single-parent childhood and role models; shares memories of her political involvement at Berkeley; describes how she got involved in politics; recalls working on John Glenn and Mondale-Ferraro campaigns; shares how she met her husband and why they moved to Southern California; explains why she created CaliforniaLIST; describes the organization’s purpose and why candidates have to be pro-choice Democrats; describes political climate during early 2000s and candidates CaliforniaLIST supported; talks about the structure and day-to-day operation of organization; challenges of running political fundraising network; why she re-branded to California Women’s List; talks about why there are so few women in elected office; speaks about her involvement in the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica and Parks and Rec Commission; compares how men and women lead; discusses challenge of balancing home life with activism; defines feminism; discusses the current state of American politics; shares impact activism has had on her life; what it takes to be a good political candidate; why it’s important for women to be in politics; shares advice for women interested in politics and/or activism; and finally, reflects on impact of feminist movement. Bulk Dates: 2002-2015.