Welcome to Michigan Women's Forum!

I'm trying so hard - I really am - to embrace winter.

It arrives with this month's solstice, whether or not I am prepared. So many things end up happening without my being quite ready for them. Our family hanukkah party date has been set, the United States Post Office has duly informed me of the deadline for mailing packages to arrive in time for my Minnesota and Maryland families' Christmas celebrations. This morning's conversation with our Farmington friends included planning for New Year's Eve. That means I have under a month to complete my project for The White House Project (read an important update HERE.)

I am always ready for updates to Michigan Women's Forum, which seem to arrive right on time. We're bringing you news about Sandy Fowler's passionate campaign for a Heart Filled Holiday, a December 12 motorcycle unveiling for a Michigan woman in need, the presentation of a mural created by a talented Michigan artist, a Pocket of Peace from Jan Lundy perfectly timed for this stressful holiday season and the release of a children's book written and illustrated by a creative team of Michigan women.

The swell of women's voices

The irony struck me when I spotted two op-ed columns positioned one above the other in today's Detroit Free Press.

Above, the thoughts of a male legislator defending language in a bill amendment that would have a profound impact on women's lives. Below, the passionate argument against that language by a woman representing an organization that unequivocally opposed it.

It got me wondering about how women's voices are represented on the op-ed pages of our local newspapers. I'm still looking into it, but at first glance, the answer is "not well".

I considered the same thought last Sunday, as I read Rochelle Riley's beautifully written account of a sorority's decision to purchase a former car dealership and re-purpose it into a community service center. This amazing group of women paid $850,000 for the property, and in the process, helped a church find a new home in their former headquarters.

I can't count how many times I've seen columnist Mitch Albom's work featured on page one. Riley's column deserved that kind of attention. It ended up on page 2.

I'm a former newspaper editor. I know these decisions have no ulterior, sexist motive. Still, I believe if more women sought influence in our local newspapers, knew how to tell their stories and share their values and ideas, we would begin to see a shift in how often and how well women's voices are heard.

It's the same principle being promoted by The White House Project across all sectors: Create a critical mass of women, and we'll start to change our conversations. Even though 90 percent of Americans surveyed say they're comfortable with women's leadership, we only represent 18 percent of the leaders across the board. That's a disconnect we can only repair with the involvement of more women.

You can help train more women to raise their voices - through Go, Run or Debate Boot Camp training offered by The White House Project. These workshops featuring women leaders are open to all women. Scholarships are offered, and even assistance with child care. Every contribution is valued and will be put to work in the service of Michigan women.

Drop a check or money order payable to The White House Project into an envelope addressed to Michigan Women's Forum, P.O. Box 921, Farmington MI 48332-0921. I'll forward all contributions to Shannon Garrett, The White House Project's Michigan director.

• Go to The White House Project donation site:  https://secure2.convio.net/twhp/site/Donation2?df_id=1420&1420.donation=form1 to make a donation of any amount. Under "Please credit this gift to", enter "Joni Hubred-Golden".

Remember, every contribution is tax deductible. And that's important this time of year.

--JH-G

Six years ago, my Jewish husband was asked to perform in a Detroit area choral group's annual Christmas concert.

(At the time, this amused me no end. I have since learned that Brian enjoys Christmas music, and even more when it's played by a klezmer band. But I digress.)

The Jackson Chorale has a decades-long history of Christmas concerts. Every year, they close with "Joy to the World." And I'm not talking about a wimpy-milque-toast-cheery version of this Christian holiday anthem. When the Jackson Chorale sings "Joy to the World," you don't just hear it.

You feel it.

The joy rattles your bones and seeps in through your skin, it echoes in your chest and bounces across your ear drums.

Every year, as I leap to my feet, applauding wildly, I say to no one in particular, "NOW it's Christmas."

This year, I've been really listening to the waves of music that flow through my car radio and accompany my every holiday shopping trip. Because it occurred to me that if anyone took the time to really think about the lyrics of "Joy to the World," no one would ever sing that song without brass and a set of tympani.

It's not "Oh, joy, it's Christmas!". It's "Joy to the WORLD," joy on a GLOBAL SCALE. How is it possible to communicate that without resonance and power?

Or what about another of my holiday favorites, "Oh, holy night"? Ever really thought about these lyrics?

Truly He taught us To love one another;
His law is love And His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break For the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

As someone who hovers spiritually between chanukah and Christmas, I am sometimes temporarily blinded by memories of perfect holidays I've never really had and thick stacks of ads that remind me to show my love to others with gifts of gold, opulence and fur. But every now and then - in the glow of a blazing menorah and the wisp of an ancient song lyric heard as never before - I catch a glimpse of What Should Be.

Said the king to people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere

It's in there. And if I could wrap it up, I'd give a bit to everyone I know.

--JH-G

Meet a Michigan woman with A Vision for Clean Water

A trip to Nepal changed the way Eileen Heasley and her husband, John, looked at the world.

"My son was the first one in Nepal," said Heasley, who is now Executive Director of A Vision for Clean Water. "My husband and I joined him, and we all experienced the filthy water. I did not even trust the city water in Kathmandu (the capital and largest city)."

They made a decision to help one orphanage, and John Heasley became interested in filter technology. He was certified through Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology, which offers technical training in water and sanitation for the poor in developing countries. Soon, the Heasleys began encouraging others to take the training, and a non-profit organization was born.

The trips to Nepal expanded as well. The volunteers who join in all pay their own travel expenses. One young man who volunteered recently had been unable to find a job and decided to take the CAWST training. Because his certification is recognized in developing countries, A Vision for Clean Water was able to connect him with a village that needed assistance.

In addition to individuals, A Vision for Clean Water is supported by the Troy Rotary Club, of which Eileen is president. One village has been adopted by the American Association of University Women and others are supported by church groups.

"One time, a hotel owner approached us and wanted to take care of the villagers around his hotel," Eileen said.

Since 2002, 13 villages have been helped or are in process. A Vision for Clean Water has changed its approach; now, rather than picking villages, they wait to be approached. That way, the organization is dealing with villagers who are willing to pay a portion of the cost and do the work required to improve sanitation and keep their water clean.

“The reality is, they have to change their behavior,” Eileen said.

A wonderful synergy has developed through A Vision for Clean Water as well; once they’ve cleaned up the water in a village, another organization comes in to install outdoor toilets. “We have found that $1,000 is all we need to do one village. The filter is not what’s saving lives. It’s the hygiene training.”

Anyone with an interest can take the training, which will be offered in Michigan next fall. If you have an interest in helping A Vision for Clean Water or traveling to Nepal, contact Eileen Heasley via e-mail eheasley@avisionforcleanwater.org

Learn more at http://avisionforcleanwater.blogspot.com/