What do women’s leadership roles have in common with economic independence, health and wellness issues, domestic violence and mental health?
All are topics slated for discussion May 7 at the first public forum of the newly-created Women’s Commission for Oakland County.
The 27-member commission’comprised of two county commissioners and an appointee from each commissioner on the county’s 25-member board’will hear from a number of speakers representing legal, medical, social, educational, and other areas of specialization.
‘I’m really excited about the response we’ve had,? said Women’s Commission for Oakland County chair Wanda Lohmeier. ‘The more people who come to speak, the more information we get and the better off we are.?
Lohmeier, a Clarkston resident, was appointed to the commission in January by County Commissioner Tom Middleton, who said the group could potentially bring fresh ideas to the board.
‘Men kind of forget that half of society is woman,? Middleton said in January. ‘And women think a little differently than men do.?
Lohmeier said she plans to devote the entire meeting to hearing from speakers. So far, she said, 17 professionals are lined up to speak, while a number of other individuals were deciding whether or not to go public with difficult personal stories.
Lohmeier also plans to present to commission with a story about Beverly Weddle, who recently held her second annual Community Baby Shower for single young mothers.
‘People have this idea that everyone from the Clarkston area has a lot of money, she said. ‘It’s just not true. Beverly got a thank you note from mother who was pregnant for the third time and never had a crib before.?
The commission, she said, wants to hear about just such issues.
‘Being a part of this group gives me the opportunity to make something happen,? said Lohmeier, who was elected chair shortly after the group was formed. ‘There are so many talented women on this commission, it’s unbelievable. They’re all just remarkable.?
The group is only the second of its kind in Michigan. Ingham County was first to boast such an assembly.
The Woman’s Commission is charged with surveying the status of women in Oakland County, assessing special needs, and suggesting ways and methods to meet those needs.
The group was spearheaded by Marsha Gershonson, an Oakland County commissioner who represents District 17’the villages of Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms, and sections of West Bloomfield, Bloomfield and the Township of Southfield.
Members of the Woman’s Commission represent the same district of the appointing county commissioner’in District 4, Lohmeier, like Middleton, represents the City of the Village of Clarkston, and parts of Independence and Waterford townships.
Members of the community are welcome to address any issues affecting women in Oakland County. Individuals and organizations wishing to speak at the forum should contact Commissioner Joni Hubred-Golden at 248-568-0581 or email joni_hubred_golden@yahoo.com.
The Woman’s Commission Public Forum takes place Wednesday, May 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Oakland County Board of Commissioners? Auditorium, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac.