In mid-August, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will speak at a special Commonwealth Club event, where she will talk about the "mental health crisis." A long-time advocate of reforming treatment and policy on mental illness in this country, Carter recently took her message to The Daily Show, where she was lauded by host Jon Stewart for her good work.

Mental health treatment has gotten considerable coverage in the news lately, as people have examined the recently passed health-care reform bill and found enhanced coverage of mental health issues.

You'll be able to see Carter for yourself August 13 in San Francisco. Until then, here's a taste of her story:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Rosalynn Carter
www.thedailyshow.com
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Rosalynn Carter's program is a part of The Commonwealth Club's month-long special series, The Ascent of Woman.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and legendary singer Aretha Franklin performed on stage together in Philadelphia. Rice, a classically trained pianist, accompanied Franklin on two of her songs. The event was in support of a charity for helping urban children and raising awareness of the arts.

The two unlikely musicians met at a White House party, according to the BBC. Despite their different political allegiances, Franklin, who had heard of Rice's skills on the piano, suggested they play together some time.

Dr. Rice is a member of The Commonwealth Club's Board of Governors. The prospect of a Rice-Franklin team-up was reported in the July/August 2009 issue of The Commonwealth magazine.

Shai Agassi (left in video) talks with Greg Dalton, Climate One director and vice president of The Commonwealth Club, about making electric cars a reality.

Dr. Carol Fleming, a member of The Commonwealth Club's Board of Governors and chair of its Member-Led Forums of volunteer-run programming, will be visible in many media outlets in the next few weeks as she discusses The Ascent of Woman. This series of nearly 30 MLF programs will run throughout the month of August at The Commonwealth Club, and will focus on the evolving status of women in the world today.

• Sunday, July 25, 8 am – channel 12, Bay Area Focus
• Sunday, August 1, radio between 6 and 7 am:
• Sunday Magazine with Liz Saint John on Alice@97.3
• Community Connection with Liz Saint John on Live 105
• Street Talk with Liz Saint John on Movin’ 99.7
• Street Talk with Liz Saint John on KFRC-AM 1550.

Find out more about the programs in Ascent of Woman on The Club's web site.