Hillary Rodham Clinton-Office of the First Lady Mission Statement

MEMORANDUM TO JOHN PODESTA AND MARIA ECHAVESTE FROM: MELANNE VERVEER RE: OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY MISSION STATEMENT DATE: DECEMBER 3, 1998 The mission of the Office of the First Lady is to assist the First Lady in advancing important issues at home and abroad and to uniquely convey American culture, history, and hospitality through White House social events. The objectives for the Office of the First Lady for the next two years are-- through speeches, events, travel, convenings, and engagement with other White House offices, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations to: Domestic issues -- Improve the lives of children and their families by advancing issues such as child care quality and affordability, early childhood development, foster care and adoption, after-school programs, national service, and community-wide efforts for children. -- Strengthen the quality of education available through Head Start and America's public schools, and to oppose efforts to undermine public education through vouchers. -- Promote economic security for women through a strong Social Security system, an increased minimum wage, and programs like microenterprise that help women move from welfare to work. -- Advocate for universal access to health care, promote initiatives affecting children's and women's health, and support funding for research and prevention of specific diseases. -- Be the Administration's voice on issues affecting the District of Columbia. -- Ensure the future vitality of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, and the Legal Services Corporation. International -- Call attention to and promote specific programs that address both human rights and the needs of people around the world, particularly vulnerable populations of women and children. -- Strengthen democratic participation, especially women's political participation, and promote -- Planned trips include the Middle East, an address in Berlin to NGO representatives from