" It was the strongest weapon left with which to continue our battle." (Alice Paul commenting on the hunger strikes)

Michael Fullan defines moral purpose as principled behavior connected to something greater than ourselves that relates to human and social development (2001).  Alice Paul dedicated her entire life to securing equal rights for women.  She was literally willing to die for a cause.  Her behavior demonstrated that she was not going to stop at any measure, until she had achieved her goal.  Paul is a true example of a leader with a moral purpose.  At the end of her life she was known internationally as a humanitarian, for her cause.  Her efforts and purpose allow her to be defined as a revolutionary and a pioneer. 

Alice Paul had a deep understanding of the process of change.  As a leader, she knew that in order for change to be successful, according to her standards, she needed to be in control of the process.  As a new member of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA), she was appointed chair of the congressional committee.  With this position, she had the opportunity to directly influence the politicians in Washington D.C.  When this role did provide her with desired results, she founded the National Women’s Party (NWP).  The sole purpose of the NWP was to have an immediate passage of the federal amendment guaranteeing the disenfranchisement of women.  Paul used her understanding of the change process to direct her actions and behavior, appropriately, as she tirelessly fought for equal rights.

Alice Paul was a leader for equal rights, at a time when men were so very powerful.  Women were viewed as second class citizens and barely had a voice in their personal lives, let alone their political lives.  Alice Paul recognized that in an effort to make change, she would need to communicate and share her vision.  Paul used her education and life experiences to gain support from others.  When the acceptable, feminine approaches used by NAWSA didn’t work, Paul introduced new methods.  Paul led the NWP as they used similar strategies that were used by the suffrage movement in Britain.  The NWP staged demonstrations, parades, held mass meetings, picketed the White House and held hunger strikes.  Her picket signs presented messages that demanded to know why a president would fight for democracy abroad while denying it at home.  All of these techniques were successful in gaining the needed support, to eventually pass the 19^th Amendment.   The political strategies and techniques, used by the NWP, became the blueprint for civil rights organizations during the twentieth century. 

Alice Paul was a great leader for women and men.  She had a clear sense of self.  Paul was not willing to accept anything less then her vision.  She knew what she wanted and had the ability and courage to express it.  Alice Paul knew how to achieve her goals, and she was not going to let anyone, even the President of the Unite States, dissuade her. 

Fullan, M. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. San Fransico: Jossey-Bass

Alice Paul displayed many qualities of leadership.  Paul possessed a clear and vibrant vision of her goals for equality.  Through her actions, she was able to share this vision to others and act upon it.  As a communicator, she was able to clearly express her vision to both her followers and resisters.  Paul did this through a variety of ways, including marches in Washington D.C and silent protests on the White House.  Paul had the ability to direct her actions, successfully, towards her goal.  Nothing stopped or delayed her pursuit.  Lastly, Paul was dedicated to her cause. She spent a lifetime of energy to accomplish her goal.  She never married nor had children, which was the main goal of many women in her time.  Paul was willing to do whatever it took, including being jailed and abused, in order to see that the 19^th Amendment was passed and that women would have the right to vote.

The main turning point in Alice Paul’s life was when she realized that her position on equal rights was not the same as the National American Women’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA).  It was a very courageous and bold move for her to form a brand new party, the National Women’s Party (NWP).  By forming this new group of suffragists, she actually was working against people who she previously supported.  This could have and did weaken her actions for a short while.  Paul had the ability to recognize that a momentary shortfall would be the correct consequence for a future gain.

Alice Paul spent years working towards gaining the right to vote for women.  Her efforts were ignored and ridiculed by many politicians, including the President.  This repeated failure, served as a source of fuel for her cause.  Each time she was denied, jailed or even abused, Paul fought harder.  She constantly searched and discovered new ways for supporting and implementing her cause.  Her dedication and commitment were astounding.  The tireless efforts of one woman continue to have a direct impact on a nation, almost 100 years later. 

Hakala, D. (2008). The Top 10 Leadership Qualities. Retrieved from

            http://www.hrworld.com/features/top-10-leadership-qualities-031908/

Alice Paul, born in 1855 to Quaker parents, is amongst one of the few Americans that has had a major impact on the history of this country.  She had an unyielding vision that guided her and fellow suffragists to fight towards equality for women.  Paul was progressive and unstoppable. 

Alice Paul was born in New Jersey to wealthy parents.  As a child she and her siblings were offered many luxuries and experiences that were uncommon for that time.  Her Quaker up-bringing was based on the belief that men and women were equal.  Her faith established the foundation of her belief in equality.  Her faith also provided her with a prosperous heritage of activism and service to country. 

After finishing her master’s degree Paul made a decision to become a suffragist.  She joined the National American Women’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and quickly found herself working in Washington D.C., organizing for the suffrage movement.  She organized a major publicity event in an effort to gain national attention.  Along with her followers, Paul planned a huge parade of women that was to march up Pennsylvania Avenue, coinciding with Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration.  The parade turned ugly when the male onlookers physically attacked the suffragists while the police stood by and watched.  The day following the parade, the suffragists became a national conversation. 

After continued dissatisfaction with the efforts and campaign techniques of NAWSA, Paul left and formed the National Women’s Party (NWP).  NAWSA supported President Wilson and saw the Democrats as allies.  Paul wanted to hold Wilson and the democrats responsible for women’s continued disenfranchisement.

Under Paul’s leadership, the NWP organized “Silent Sentinels” in which the suffragist would stand outside the White House holding banners that were inscribed with provocative   phrases directed towards President Wilson.  President Wilson was amused by the suffragist and gave them little attention, each day, as he passed them.

The turning point came when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917.  Few Americans believed that Alice Paul and her NWP would continue to picket a wartime president.  This was viewed as an extremely unpatriotic event.  Paul saw this as the perfect time to gain increased attention for the cause.  The suffragists were attacked by angry mobs and were arrested on several occasions.  The suffragists, including Paul, were beaten repeatedly in prison and put through torturous treatment.  When the news about their treatment became known, some politicians and the public demanded their release. 

In direct response to the public’s protest about the prison abuse, President Wilson reversed his position and announced his support for a suffrage amendment.  He called this decision a “war measure.”  Due to Alice Paul’s continued commitment to a cause, in 1920 the 19^th Amendment was passed.  This gave women the right to vote after a long 72 year battle. 

Alice Paul was an amazing, progressive leader of her time.  Her courage and determination are unmatchable by many.  She had a vision and never let the many obstacles she encountered, lead her astray.  She was fearless in her labors.  She did not allow time or society to define her.  It is remarkable, that in spite of her efforts, sacrifices and accomplishments she is still not a recognizable historic figure.   Alice Paul was an unassuming leader who focused on a cause and not recognition for her efforts.  

Carol, R., Myers, K. and Lindman, J. (2007) Alice Paul: Feminist, Suffragist and Political

Strategist. Alice Paul Institute. Retrieved from http://www.alicepaul.org/alicepaul.htm