Weekly Women's Update

Friday, June 3, 2011

Weekly Women's Update Welcome to the Council on Women and Girls Weekly Highlights! In the wake of the recent tragedies across the Midwest, the President traveled to Joplin, Missouri to meet with families in the community who lost a great deal in the tornadoes last week. Back home, the President and First Lady celebratedMemorial Day with military members, Gold Star families, and veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. This week wrapped up President Obama’s “100 Youth Roundtables” initiative. In addition, on June 1st, the President issued a proclamation for LGBT Pride Month and the White House launched a new webpage, Winning the Future: President Obama and LBGT Americans. Read a great blog by the Council on Women and Girls outgoing Deputy Director, Jennifer Kaplan, and other events throughout the Administration below. And remember, if you have friends or family who would like to join our Council on Women and Girls efforts, please have them click here. Highlights The President Visits Families in Joplin On Sunday, President Obama traveled to Joplin, Missouri to meet with families in the community who lost so much in the tornados last week. Additionally, President Obama participated in a Memorial Service at Missouri Southern University. President Barack Obama greets Hugh Hills, 85, in front of his home in Joplin, Mo., May 29, 2011. Hills hid in a closet during the tornado, which destroyed the second floor and half the first floor of his house. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) The First Lady Launches “MyPlate” Initiative First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamintoday unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. Deputy Director Jenny Kaplan Speaks on Women’s Advancement Jenny Kaplan writes about her experiences creating change for women and girls through her role as the outgoing Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls. White House Launches Winning the Future for LGBT Americans In honor of LGBT Pride Month, the White House Office of Public Engagement has launched the new, “Winning the Future: President Obama & LGBT Americans” webpage. This webpage is designed to keep you updated on the steps the President and his Administration have taken to benefit the LGBT community. The President Visits France for G-8 Summit President Obama wrapped up the G-8 Summit in Deauville, France, and held a bilateral meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy of France.  In a statement following his meeting with President Sarkozy, President Obama commented on the “enormous convergence of approaches and views on the challenges that we face around the world” including changes in the Middle East and North Africa. First Lady Michelle Obama Pays a Visit to Sesame Street First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden stopped by Sesame Street to film public service announcements for Joining Forces, their national initiative to support and honor our troops and their families. Dr. Jill Biden Echoes the Message of the Integrity of Military Service In the wake of the Memorial Day holiday, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, sent an email to the White House email list encouraging all Americans to honor our brave men and women in uniform by supporting our military families and veterans. Be a Champion of Change: Nominate a Leader in Your Community Know someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community? Nominate them to be a Champion of Change. We’ll consider your nominations as we invite people who are bringing about change in their communities to the White House to share their ideas on how to win the future. A National Conversation on Immigration Reform May 31, 2011 - Over the past three weeks, we’ve had hundreds of Americans in all parts of the country and all walks of life participate in conversations about realistic solutions to fixing our broken immigration system.  Equal Access to Transportation For All Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood describes the administration's efforts to make transportation more accessible for everyone. Vice President Joe Biden Delivers Weekly Address On Saturday, Vice President Joe Biden delivered the Weekly Address, celebrating the success of the American auto industry in the wake of Chrysler paying back their loans. America’s Auto Industry Begins Revitalization This White House report highlights the resurgence of the American auto industry. The report discusses the jobs created in the sector, the turnaround of the companies that are now turning a profit, and how entire communities have been revitalized by a strengthened auto industry. West Wing Week: “One Step at a Time” This week, President Obama traveled to Joplin, Missouri in the wake of historic and deadly tornadoes to see the devastation first hand. The President finished his week-long trip to Europe inPoland and visited Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. Get Updates Sign up for the Weekly Women's Update