Women's issues consortium brings political psychologist to GR

Area women's issues consortium brings political psychologist to Grand Rapids
With roots in the past but eyes on the future, political psychologist Martha Burk will discuss November's election and issues that impact women during a lecture in Grand Rapids sponsored by the West Michigan Women's Studies Council in its annual Nokomis Lecture Series.

"The High Stakes in 2008: Issues, the Women's Vote and You" is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, in Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St., beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; a sign language interpreter will be provided. A book signing and reception will follow Burk's lecture.

Now a syndicated columnist and money editor for Ms. magazine, Burk gained national notoriety in 2003 when she took on Augusta National Golf Club and tried to force the private club to open its membership to women. Burk is a former chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations. She has advised members of Congress on issues of importance to women and led training for women's groups worldwide.

Her latest book, "Your Money and Your Life," has been called a manifesto for women voters — and for male voters who care about the women in their lives. The book is not about individual candidates but offers a nonpartisan look that takes readers beyond one election. One reviewer called it "a blueprint for change for the better — for women and the country."

The West Michigan Women's Studies Council was established in 2000 as a way to bring together people with an interest in women’s issues in the West Michigan community. The group includes representatives from Aquinas College, Calvin College, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Hope College, as well as the Delta Strategy, Community Media Center, and Grand Rapids Public Library. Since 2001, the council has brought to West Michigan such thought-provoking speakers as Molly Ivins, Mira Nair, Wangari Maathai and Eve Ensler.

For more information, call 616-331-2748 or visit www.wmwsc.org . The Nokomis Foundation provided funding for this lecture. A photo of Burk is available by sending an e-mail to [email protected].