The Michigan Municipal League Foundation is gearing up for what they hope will be a highly successful Giving Tuesday event on November 27. Their focus: The 16/50 Project.

A recent post from the project Twitter account @1650Project encourages, “Give $16.50, $165, or $1650 to remove barriers for women to lead our communities so more residents can love where they live.”  

The project name comes from a specific data point: Women represent just 16 percent of Michigan's local chief administrative officers despite making up more than 50 percent of the population.

“Despite filling roles in many areas of appointed and elected government, women lag substantially behind men when it comes to their representation in executive local management positions,” the League explains.

They have developed a three-part approach to tackle the issue:

• Education and awareness among local officials.

• Content, tools and opportunities for women that can help serve their specific needs.

• Proactive outreach and recruitment to help bring interested candidates to the profession and encourage women just getting started.

The group has been hosting a series of lectures and panels connected to this work, including the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program for aspiring women “to advance their skills and hone their leadership abilities on the path to becoming strong local managers.” 

Recently, Deb Stuart, administrator for Mason City, discussed economic development in a series session. Stuart is one of seven women profiled on the 16/50 project website and a member of the volunteer work group supporting the project initiatives.

The fourth session in the leadership program will be hosted in Lansing later this month. In December, Grand Valley State University will welcome Women Leading Local Government, an interactive panel event aimed at introducing students to municipal management as a career.

Want more?

To get connected to a Project 16/50 Ambassador, complete the online form on the project website.

File: 

 Letter for Members to Send to New Legislators - Nov 2018 FOR SENDING.pdf

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