The White House Project seeks cabinet members to open more doors

   Marie Wilson, former President of the Ms. Foundation and co-founder of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, believes it's time for the conversation to stop being about women. At a luncheon last month with a small group of Michigan leaders, Wilson set forth a agenda that would transform the gender discussion across America, by making sure that women are at the table in every area, from politics to business.
   "We need to get enough women in all sectors, so that it is about agenda," Wilson said. As President of The White House Project, she directs an effort to train women who have a desire to take on leadership roles or better communicate in the public arena. "We have been finding our voices," she said. "Now it's time to start raising our voices."
   Wilson was in Novi to support the formation of The White House Project's Michigan Cabinet, a group of community leaders who have committed to personally raising funds to increase the number of Michigan women trained through the organization's Go Run political workshop, Debate Boot Camp and other programs. According to Michigan director Shannon Garrett, The White House Project's goal is to train 200-300 women every year in workshops that are kept very affordble. The White House Project offers scholarships and stipends for travel, child care and lodging, based on financial need.
    The Michigan office has also hosted events that encourage women to invite other women to run for office. The White House Project has on-line greeting cards with messages that tell women, "I believe in you and your leadership," and urge them to seek office. Without encouragement, many women would not even consider running.
   "We still wait to be asked," Wilson said.
    For information about The White House Project, Michigan trainings or the Michigan cabinet, contact Shannon Garrett, sgarrett@thewhitehouseproject.org or visit http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org/