Last week, more than 50 JLC members poured into headquarters for a "power lunch" with a distinguished panel of female leaders representing the Midlands for JLC's first-ever Lunch with Leaders event presented by the Public Affairs Team with support of the Education and Development Committee. The theme for the discussion focused on the League's new healthy children focus as well as how the League can advocate for these issues.
The panel was comprised of female elected officials from different levels of government, including SC House Representative Joan Brady (District 78); SC House Representative Laurie Funderburk (District 52); Richland County Councilwoman Val Hutchinson (District 9); Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine (At Large); Cindy Smith, Chair of Lexington County District 1 School Board; and Dr. Stephanie Burgess, Chair of Richland County District II School Board.
The women shared how they first got involved with politics as well as their professional and personal backgrounds and then delved into discussion about the issues they see facing children in South Carolina.
Rep. Brady talked about the Joint Legislative and Citizens Commission on Children for which she serves as Vice Chair and how it has held public forums across the state to get in put as it develops its 2012 legislative agenda. Some of the startling statistics the Commission has uncovered include the need for immunizations for under insured children, combating the rising epidemic of youth depression, and of course tackling the ever present problem of poverty.
Rep. Funderburk focused on nutrition and mentioned the farm to school bill and initiative to improve vending machine offerings in public schools. Councilwoman Hutchinson strongly asserted that the success of our state depends on empowering middle school aged girls so that they do not fall into the cycle of teenage pregnancy. Councilwoman Devine echoed the nutrition concerns and also spoke to the status of children with mental health issues in the state and how more funding and facilities are greatly needed. Cindy Smith addressed the childhood obesity epidemic mentioning programs in place in Lexington to get kids eating healthy and moving. And Dr. Burgess brought up the issue of interpersonal violence and how parents need to have a stronger role to help guide the next generation.
All of the panelists agreed that women bring something extra to the table in terms of political leadership. Women are more attuned to issues affecting children and families and more focused on the next generation. They encouraged the League to engage with the Commission on Children as well as with local, city, county and state officials representing the Midlands to let them know about the important work we do in the community.
In their final remarks, they offered advice explaining how we shouldn't be afraid to get involved or offer our opinions because in the words of Rep. Brady, "the rooster might crow, but the hen delivers!"
Due to the positive response and interest in this event there are plans underway to offer similar Lunch with Leaders events later this year. Stay tuned for details.
Post submitted by: Emily Brady
