MIList Training Program
by Christy McGillivray

A recent study conducted at Brown University finds that women, regardless of age, partisan affiliation, income, and profession, are significantly less likely than men to express interest in seeking political office. The good news is that we can remedy this lack of representation when we decide to run. Emily’s List, the largest national PAC in the country which also happens to be devoted to helping pro-choice Democratic women run for office, is dedicated to doing just that. Emily’s List, along with their affiliate here in Michigan known as MIList, is helping women candidates and those interested in campaign work, by running free weekend-long training seminars known as the Political Opportunity Program. POP gives potential candidates a thorough over-view of how to successfully run a campaign.

This is hands-down the best political training I have ever attended. The instructors are not only engaging and entertaining—they are top-notch professionals with years of field experience. The background materials that they provide to participants are invaluable, and their advice and instruction is some of the best I’ve come across. If everyone who attended the POP training was able to absorb and start implementing all of the information we were given, we’ll have a plethora of women elected to office in 2006! I highly recommend setting a weekend aside to participate in the Emily’s List POP training for anyone interested in either running for office, or working to get pro-choice women elected. What we need to do is encourage ourselves and other women to take the plunge and run for office. When pro-choice women run for office, we all win!

For more information, Go to the MI List website

Macomb County NOW
General Membership Meeting
May 17, 2006
7:30 ~ 8:45

Macomb’s Threats to Choice:
Are We Another South Dakota?

presented by
Katey Aquilina
Community Organizer for
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan

Mt. Clemens Public Library
150 Cass Avenue

Women Build Project

On March 18, Macomb Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the first of five houses, the first being a Women Build construction. The actual building of the Women Build house must be done by women only. Marsha Gross, Habitat volunteer, says, “This is a great opportunity for a group of women to work together that wants to make a difference in their community. We will teach them how to build on the site. Only women will build this house. It’s for a single mother of two school-aged sons.”
Recipients of the homes are selected based on need for adequate shelter, ability to make house payments, and willingness to partner with the program.
If you would be interested in helping this project, contact Diane Russell, Russell89@sbcglobal.net.