| October 7, 2009 | Contact: Kristina Goodman |
| For Immediate Release | 212-261-4346 / kgoodman@thewhitehouseproject.org |
WISCONSIN WOMEN TAKE THE LEAD
Award-Winning Leadership Program Establishes Field Operations in Milwaukee; Applications Now Open for Political Leadership Training October 23rd -24th
Milwaukee – Today, The White House Project announced the expansion of its ground-breaking Vote, Run, Lead program to Milwaukee, as part of their national effort to build a permanent, nonpartisan pipeline to women’s political leadership across the U.S. The innovative program has been instrumental in propelling a diverse array of women into positions of political leadership, having trained over 8,000 women to lead in the political arena since its inception in 2005, and will train over 100 women at Wisconsin Go Run October 23rd – 24th in Milwaukee.
The White House Project has trained over 200 women in the Milwaukee area since 2007 through their award-winning Vote, Run, Lead political leadership training program. With regional offices based in Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, there has been a passionate demand by women in Wisconsin for permanent field operations in the state. Through partnerships with The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee and Public Allies program, the organization has successfully established an office in Milwaukee to meet the growing interest of women across Wisconsin to lead a political life.
While Wisconsin is home to trail-blazing women leaders like Vel Phillips, the state currently ranks 31st in the nation for women’s political leadership. No woman has ever been elected to the U.S. Senate or Governorship in Wisconsin, one woman serves on the Milwaukee Common Council, and only 22 percent of the state legislature is comprised by women. Wisconsin Go Run will address this shortfall by training women to run at all levels of government.
As they prepare to launch their political campaigns and become more civically engaged, Wisconsin Go Run will teach participants the nuts and bolts of how to run for elected office. Representing a range of political affiliations, these women will emerge from their training ready to embark on a spirited political journey to bring positive changes to their home state. Among this weekend's dynamic participants are:
- Dana Schultz, a community organizer based in Milwaukee: “Growing up on a family dairy farm in Northern Wisconsin, my family was forced to sell the cows because of the horrible milk prices and factory farms snowballing the market. Now, I engage women in Milwaukee to fight for paid sick days for the health of their families. From urban to rural, I have a passion for connecting shared values of working families all over the state with real policy solutions. I'm excited for the tools Wisconsin Go Run will aid me to run for State Assembly in the near future.
- Emma Hynes, a student and project assistant in Madison: “My dad has colon cancer. Helping him to make difficult decisions about his health and finances while navigating doctors and insurance companies has taught me as much about the problems with our health care system as my graduate classes in public health policy. I believe our government has a responsibility to protect those who are sick and to discourage behaviors that lead to public health problems. It's easy to forget that policies are about people--that the health of our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers may depend on our collective ability to advocate for equal access to health care, address global epidemiological problems like swine flu, or legislate about drunk driving. I know first hand the role that health policies play in individuals' lives. My hope is that Wisconsin Go Run will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to take my passion for evidence-based health policies to the political arena.”
- Britt Wegner, who works in the legal field in Milwaukee: "I've always dreamed of running for office, and did everything right when it came to schooling, the positions I took, the Boards I served on, and the bridges I managed not to burn. However, I never knew how to actually go about running for office. With Wisconsin Go Run, I will finally gain the piece of the puzzle that has been holding me back. We need more women in office-and this is our missing link."
- Catherine Emmanuelle, a newly single mother, student, and candidate: “I was at a crossroads. I could go out and get four jobs to make ends meet or go back to school and invest in a college degree, not only for me, but for my young daughter as well. I am excited to hone my leadership skills as a first-time candidate, as I look to secure a seat on Eau Claire’s City Council to better represent our city and her residents. I hope to lend a voice in our local policy—for I believe we are all people with dreams and a future. I am committed to working with all people in our community, hearing and valuing each voice, as we work together in opening the doors of possibility vital to Eau Claire’s growth.”
These participants will join an impressive group of alumnae who have gone on to run and win elected office across the nation. Much of the program’s popularity is due to its hands-on, practical approach which demystifies the political process for women who are not traditionally tapped for positions of political leadership. Vote, Run, Lead participants include some of the most underrepresented women in our political system: 41% are women of color; 46% earn less than $35,000 a year; 20% live in rural communities; and 50% are under the age of 30.
The expansion will kick-off in Milwaukee with Wisconsin Go Run – a multi-day political leadership training program led by national experts, covering the fundamentals of campaign strategy, fundraising and communications. Applications are now open for this and other Vote, Run, Lead trainings, and are currently available on The White House Project’s website, http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org. Travel and childcare stipends as well as application and housing scholarships are available based on financial need. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
The White House Project, a national, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization, works to advance a richly diverse, critical mass of women into leadership positions, up to and including the U.S. Presidency. For more information, please visit: http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org.
