Help The White House Project honor women state senators Monday

This is why I love The White House Project:

On Monday, Dec. 13, the non-partisan organization will honor Senators Patricia Birkholz, Senator Gilda Jacobs and their eight years of service in the Michigan State Senate. 

I know what you're thinking. Another night of awards and accolades - why is this noteworthy?

Birkholz is a Republican. Jacobs is a Democrat. Their careers are being celebrated not with political partisanship, but in solidarity under The White House Project's "Add Women, Change Everything" banner.

Sen. Patricia Birkholz

That's what this organization is all about. Its mission is simply to provide more women with the tools they need to lead more political lives. Whether you run for office, run a campaign or just run around your neighborhood encouraging people to vote, The White House Project has a training program that will strengthen your political skills.

And we need more women to step forward. We need that now, more than ever.

As two of the women leaving Lansing this year, Birkholz and Jacobs symbolize a strength of representation women will not see over the next few years. In the last election, the number of women serving in the state legislature fell, from nine women to four women in the State Senate (out of 38 total seats), and from from 28 women to 27 women in the State House (out of 110 total seats).

Sen. Gilda Jacobs

Birkholz was elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving as a member in the House of Representatives from 1996-2002. She is most known for her dedicated work and advocacy regarding conservation issues in the 24th District.

Jacobs entered the state legislature as a Representative in 1998 and served until 2002. She then moved on to become a member of the Michigan State Senate in the 14th District. She has been a tireless supporter of children and women’s issues.

Honor them, and support an organization that can help bring more women up the political ladder on Monday, Dec. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in The Governor’s Room, 121 W. Allegan Street, Lansing. Tickets are $100 Guests. Sponsorships are $1,000 Michigan Cabinet Membership; $2,500 for Corporate Ally; or $5,000 for Corporate Partner.

If you'd like to make a smaller contribution, I'm raising funds as a Michigan Cabinet Member again this year. Send a check made out to The White House Project to Michigan Women's Forum, P.O. Box 921, Farmington, MI 48332-0921. You can also to directly to The White House Project secure donation site to make a donation of any amount. Under "Please credit this gift to", enter "Joni Hubred-Golden".

For information about The White House Project, visit thewhitehouseproject.org

Let's do this.