Home Saturday, 17 May 2008

Welcome to Progressive Women's Alliance (PWA) of West Michigan

The mission of the Progressive Women's Alliance is to influence public policy through the election of candidates and the advocacy of a progressive agenda.

 PWA meetings in Grand Rapids are held at: Women's City Club (616-459-3321), unless otherwise noted, lower level, 254 East Fulton St.   Elevator access is available at the rear of the building.
Parking is available on the west side of the building or at the WCC lot on Lafayette south of Fulton.
PWA General Meeting Dates: third Wednesday of the month 5:00-7:00pm.

PWA General Meeting, Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Professor Roger Durham, Chairperson of the Department of Political Science at Aquinas College, will deliver a presentation entitled "Just War Theory: An Analysis of Bush Foreign Policy." Since this will be a critical issue facing voters this fall, we invite you to join us for a provocative examination of the methods, philosophical assumptions and objectives underlying the foreign policy of the current administration as well as Professor Durham's insights into whether a McCain presidency would perpetuate the Bush legacy.

PWA ON YOUTUBE!

Our 2008 Strong Voices in Art, Music and Politics has been featured in a short video on YouTube, with action and performance clips from the event.  Highlights of the video include interviews with Fund Development Chair Kristin Salerno, who talks about the event and the importance of hearing strong women’s voices, and with Chairperson Melissa Anderson, who discusses the purpose of PWA, the work we do, and the money we’ve raised for political action in West Michigan.  Many thanks to videographer Andy Dragt of Rapid Growth Media for filming and posting the interviews. 

Watch the video at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M-aHbTiF10

GOVERNOR SEEKING GENERAL PUBLIC APPOINTEES TO STATE BOARDS

Governor Granholm’s office is seeking members of the general public to serve on a variety of boards related to healthcare in Michigan.

Boards and commissions are great way to ensure that the progressive voice is well represented in policy making—from school boards to state commissions. And serving on a board is a great first step for anyone considering a run for public office in the future.

Currently, the governor's appointment division needs to fill positions on the boards below. All positions are for members of the general public (not professionals, those licensed, or other experts in the commission’s field). 

Openings currently exist for the general public on these boards:

  • Michigan Historical Commission (2)

  • State Higher Education Facilities Commission (2)

  • Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority (1)

  • Michigan Appellate Defender Commission (1)

  • Michigan Aeronautics Commission (2)

  • Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science (1)

  • Board of Real Estate Appraisers (1)

  • Board of Law Examiners (1)

Openings also exist on the following Department of Community Health boards*:

  • Audiology (2)

  • Optometry (1)

  • Pharmacy (4)

  • Physical Therapy (2)

  • Counseling (2)

  • Podiatry (2)

  • Dentistry (1)

  • Psychology (2)

  • Nursing (2)

  • Physician’s Assistant (1)

  • Occupational Therapy (3)

  • Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (1)

* Applicants for these positions cannot have a professional license through the Department of Community Health (i.e. doctors, nurses, dieticians).

To find out more about these and other openings at the state level, contact Kari Beattie,

Governor's Appointments Division, (517) 335-6869. Or email her at beattiek@michigan.gov

 

 

PWA LAKESHORE

Lakeshore PWA welcomes all, both women and men, who have an interest in the topics presented.

Mark your Calendars for another Hot Topics for Cool Nights Forum

May 19, 2008  A Just Policy on Immigration

Susan Reed, Regional Attorney for Justice for Our Neighbors

Did you know: Michigan has 90,000 migrant laborers and family members who come each year to harvest produce.  Explore the facts and myths about immigrants and immigration.  Susan Reed will discuss the current state of immigration law in America, and summarize the various legislative proposals that would address current problems in the system.  Following the talk, the floor will be open for questions and dialog.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Christ Community Church Parlor, 225 Exchange St., Spring Lake

Along the lakeshore, we host community forums, panel discussions, book clubs, and other programs on a monthly basis, generally the last Monday of the month. To find out more about gatherings on the lakeshore email PWALakeshore@gmail.com

 

Paid for by the Progressive Women's Alliance of West Michigan

P.O. Box 1315, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49501-1315