August 25, 2008

Cooley and the Lansing Area Community Trust Fund Team Up to Educate Area Residents on Voting Processes, Issues of Interest

Cooley and the Lansing Area Community Trust Fund Team Up to Educate Area Residents on Voting Processes, Issues of Interest

Cooley Law School has teamed up with the Lansing Area Community Trust Fund (LACT) to present The Community Voter Education Project – Your Child’s Future, Your Child’s Health. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, will register residents to vote and will answer questions on voting requirements. At the same time eligible persons will be able to sign up for free or low-cost community health programs, as well as obtain information on available health initiatives — especially those for low income children.

"I am thrilled we can bring this innovative program to the community. It's the first of its kind where health care and voting are brought together in one place for the convenience of residents,” said Cooley Law School Professor Dorean Marguerite Koenig who is leading the project. The project is non-partisan, targeting communities with low voter registration. "Although this is a program that will advance social welfare, it is not for the purpose of supporting any specific legislation, ballot proposal or candidate."

The programs are funded by a grant from Cooley and a grant from the LACT to the Red Cedar Friends Meeting. Other sponsors include the Lansing League of Women Voters, the Ingham County Health Department, and the Great Start Collaborative of Ingham County. Kathy Esselman, President of the League of Women Voters, said, "We want to reach out to the community to offer people access to the resources available to them. The League of Women Voters has always been about promoting voter education, advocacy, and involvement."

“The programs are intended to educate on Michigan's voting system and answer questions on voting prerequisites, voting locations, registration, photo identification and alternatives,” said Koenig, stating, “In addition the health community will enroll eligible persons in health programs, and provide information on safe sleep, lead-free homes, infant mortality, smoking cessation, and other health issues related to infants, children and adults.”

The project has scheduled presentations at four places. Food and beverages will be provided. Children are welcome. Presentations will be held in the Lansing community at these places and times:

Wednesday, Sept. 3, Food Mover Day, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. - The Faith United Methodist Church, 4301 S. Waverly Rd., Lansing, Mich.

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - The Downtown Lansing Area District Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, Mich.

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - The Voter Service Unit (former Armory), 2500 S. Washington, Lansing, Mich. (Parking and entry at the back – follow signs.)

Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - The Allen Community Center (1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, Mich.

For more information, or to volunteer your help, contact Dorean Koenig at (517) 290-5909 or at koenigd@cooley.edu.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the country. Founded in 1972, it operates J.D. programs across Michigan in downtown Lansing, in Auburn Hills, and in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, Cooley Law School has more than 12,000 graduates across the nation and worldwide and also offers joint degree and Master of Laws programs. Cooley offers enrollment three times a year; in January, May and September. Additional information about Cooley can be found at www.cooley.edu.