Wisconsin Women of Color and politics by Heidi M. Pascual

At the Radisson Milwaukee North Shore on March 25, there was one powerful and unifying theme in the Wisconsin Women of Color?s Spring gathering: political engagement.  "How can we participate actively? How can we send our own representative to the legislative bodies or to any policy-making position in government? How do we do this?"       To enlighten and inspire WWOCN members and guests, host U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Milwaukee Office's Maria Flores invited Secretary Celia Jackson (WI Dept. of Regulation & Licensing) to deliver her opening remarks and a trailblazers' panel of women of color who are already in politics: Peggy West (Latina-Milwaukee County Supervisor, 12 th District); Michelle M. Greendeer (HoChunk Nation Legislative Counsel); and Annette P. Williams (WI State Representative, 10th Assembly District).

Agnes Cammer

Annette Williams

West is the first Latina to win as Milwaukee County Supervisor, and she had a lot to tell. "My parents never told me that there's something I can't do," she said. "My campaign was family-oriented, grass-roots ... and you've got to do doors." She added that one who wants to enter politics needs a mentor to help her. "Don't let people discourage you."       Williams, at 69 years old, is the ?longest serving woman of color in public office in the state of Wisconsin,? having served a total of 26 years, 13 years of which was in an elective position. "When you're running for office, get known for something," she advised. "Stake out your issue and don't carry everything." She said her job as legislator is to stop bad legislation and to have guts and courage to fight for the people.       Greendeer completed law in 1998 from UW-Madison and found it hardest to go back to the Ho-Chunk Nation. "We are relying on elders' wisdom to guide me to work for my people," she said. "Telling people twice your age what to do ... I had to hold back and listen. The main issue Greendeer works on is Indian gaming, where her law degree, youth, and personality help a lot. " This is the first time a Ho-Chunk negotiated for them," she said. "I get along with everyone, can fit in, and can negotiate above another leverl."       Two concurrent workshops tackled nonpolitical leadership opportunities and political offices, presented by Angela Rester (Rester & Associates, Consulting and Training Services) and Jo Oyama Miller (consultant and WWOCN member); and a primer on how to run a successful political campaign, conducted by Agnes Cammer, Carmel Capati, and Heidi Pascual.       In these workshops, participants learned that while it is difficult to enter the political arena, it is not impossible to do so, and one can start by volunteering in small campaigns for others until she has learned the ropes. Some whose names are already out there need not start from the bottom, though.        Condensed from a manual for women in small campaigns by the National Women's Political Caucus (Wisconsin), Cammer's presentation started with a Quiz, basically saying that if one agrees with any from a list of statements, then politics may not be for her. A statement says, "Campaigns cost money but asking for money is demeaning."        Addrena Squires, president of WWOCN, and Maria Flores, host of the event, were satisfied that the participants went home with new ideas learned and stuff to do to implement them.

Peggy West

Michelle Greendeer

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