Women's Voices Illinois

(Press release from Women's Voices Illinois)

Representatives to embark on three-day, seven-county Northern Illinois tour

CHICAGO – Twelve female State Representatives on Friday announced an unprecedented outreach effort aimed at engaging in an open dialogue with women throughout the state, and ultimately adding to the number of “voices” participating in the democratic process.

Women’s Voices Illinois will kick-off next week when the elected leaders travel together throughout Northern Illinois to talk to women wherever they are – from the financial exchanges of downtown Chicago to the classrooms of suburban high schools and colleges. While the Representatives behind the effort are Republican, the outreach is intended to be anything but partisan.

“Through talking amongst ourselves, we grew a greater appreciation for the life experiences and challenges that have shaped each of our views and brought us to this place,” said State Rep. Ruth Munson, of Elgin. “We recognized that we each have a valuable story to tell and perspective to share – and committed to having similar conversations with women across our state.”

Through those discussions, the Representatives aim to increase female involvement in all levels of government and leadership. The effort is based in the principle that the challenges facing our communities and state can most effectively be addressed by adding to the number of “voices” discussing solutions.

The three-day tour will kick-off in downtown Chicago Monday morning and conclude Wednesday in Springfield. Each stop will include an open dialogue where women in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions and concerns. The tour is the start of what will become an on-going conversation with women in the coming weeks, months and years.

Ultimately, Women’s Voices Illinois aims to strengthen our communities – one woman at a time. More information about the initiative is available at www.womensvoicesillinois.com.

“Illinois women and communities face real challenges, and the status quo is not working,” said State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, of Des Plaines. “As women elected leaders, we believe it is essential to spend less time talking, and more time listening – and we need to broaden that conversation beyond the usual players.”

Women’s Voices Illinois is a collaborative effort of State Representatives: Suzie Bassi, Patti Bellock, Sandy Cole, Elizabeth Coulson, Renee Kosel, Carolyn Krause, Patricia Lindner, Rosemary Mulligan, Ruth Munson, JoAnn Osmond, Sandra Pihos and Jil Tracy.

UPDATE: Here's the schedule.