Series trains Republican women for service

"Women need to learn to want to support women"

For most of her adult life, Joan Jackson has mentored other women.

Now, the veteran Republican has focused her considerable passion and energy on training women in her party to run for office. Working with a core group of volunteers, she co-founded the Michigan Excellence in Public Service Series, inspired by Indiana's Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. MEPSS has a simple mission: "to increase the number and influence of Michigan Republican women in government, politics and community leadership."

Jackson said the Indiana program, which is offered every year, was started primarily by business women who wanted to have an impact on elections. "In Michigan, we realized most of us involved were also very active in the party, so we hold our program in the off year."

Of the seven-member inaugural class of 2007, two were elected to the State House of Representatives: Eileen Kowall in District 44 and Sharon Tyler in District 78 in 2008. Three members of the class of 2009 are running this year, two for state legislature and one for a county position. Jackson said the program has had small class sizes and will likely keep them small - no more than 10 or 12.

"We don't pride ourselves on numbers," Jackson said of the series' class sizes. "We like the interaction with our speakers, and we like to have the women interact with each other. Women need to learn to want to support other women."

Speakers during the five weekends sessions cover a range of topics that include the history of the Michigan Constitution, delivered by Richard McLellan of Dykema law firm; a session on what constitutes good public policy; an on-camera media training with Jim Thienel, host of The Oakland Right; and a look at the 2012 political landscape. Scheduled April through August, the weekends are packed with valuable information designed to give women the tools they need, Jackson said.

"I have mentored women for 50 years, and I have come to the conclusion that we need more women. But women won't get in to the arena unless they're asked, and women won't get in unless they feel comfortable and know they will be successful."

Jackson, herself, has a long history of political involvement, starting as a "lowly block worker" in 1960. She ran for precinct captain in 1964, winning the position in a field that included three men. "I spent $75 on my campaign," she recalled, noting that women need to make a real investment when they run. "You better be willing to put your money where your mouth is. You need a campaign manager. You have to have a professional attitude, which is what we try to develop. Our graduates do run professional campaigns.

The application process includes a detailed form and written recommendations. Admission is competitive; a $500 registration fee is required upon acceptance. All expenses for the three weekend workshops are paid, including lodging and meals. Graduates pay their own travel and lodging for the reunion weekend in Washington, D.C., where they network with participants from similar programs around the country.

For more information or to apply, visit the Michigan Excellence in Public Service Series web site, or contact Jackson, who is MEPSS President, joan@catheadbay.com or Vice President Dawn Crandall, d.crandall@comcast.net