June 24, 2009 Contact: Lara Cassell
For Immediate Release 212-261-4497 / lcassell@thewhitehouseproject.org
CALLING MICHIGAN WOMEN TO GO RUN! THIS JULY
Applications Now Open for Innovative Political Leadership Training Program
Grand Rapids, MI–The White House Project is seeking applications for its award-winning Go Run political training program for women. This year’s participants will join a robust group of over 6,000 alumnae throughout Michigan and the U.S. who have utilized the training as a launching pad to run for office, manage campaigns, and become vocal and visible leaders in the political arena. Women are encouraged to apply online at http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org.
The goal of 2009 Michigan Go Run—a multi-day workshop led by state and national experts—is to create a permanent, nonpartisan pipeline to women’s political leadership throughout the state of Michigan. Across the U.S., the innovative Go Run program has been instrumental in propelling a diverse group of women into positions of political leadership, having trained over 6,000 women since its creation in 2004.
“Though I had an idea that I wanted to run for office, Michigan Go Run solidified my nerve, and reminded me why I was embarking on this exciting but challenging journey,” said Laura Davis, a 2008 Michigan Go Run alum who won her race for the Ingham County Commission later that year. “In total, the training was a completely life-changing experience.”
Go Run utilizes the expertise of local and national leaders to provide the basic constructs of running for office – from campaign strategy to fundraising to communications. Through its regional offices across the country, The White House Project trains some of the most underrepresented women in our political system: 41% of its alumnae are women of color; 46% earn less than $30,000 a year; and 50% are under the age of 35.
Scheduled to take place July 10th through 12th at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, 2009 Michigan Go Run will train participants in the fundamentals of campaign strategy, fundraising and communications. Organized by the group’s Great Lakes Regional Office, located in Grand Rapids, the 2009 program will feature Founder and President of The White House Project Marie C. Wilson, along with a number of elected officials and other leaders from across the state.
Applications are now open and available on The White House Project’s website, http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org. Travel and childcare stipends, as well as tuition scholarships, are available based on financial need. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
