It's Been Twenty Years! Presidential Candidates Invited to Debate

"NOW conferences always feel celebratory—we get inspired, share ideas, plan strategies, swap stories and connect with new and veteran activists from across the country," said NOW President Kim Gandy.

You can hear dynamic speakers, cheer progressive politicians, participate in workshops, talk about the issues, bid on fabulous auction items, learn something new, attend the Political Institute, network with like-minded feminists from Maine to California, enjoy great entertainment ... phew! ... and enjoy the many attractions of the nation's capital, which will be the backdrop for the 2003 National NOW Conference July 11-13. Yup, it's been 20 years—this is the first national NOW conference in the Washington, D. C., area since 1983!

It's also been 20 years since we've invited the Presidential candidates—and there couldn't be a more important time to know where they stand on women's issues. There's also a gala dinner on Thursday evening, and of course many of our favorite feminist members of Congress will be at the conference to cheer us on.

For the third year, you can hear from the experts and build your organizing and campaign abilities at the NOW PAC Political Institute early enough to prepare for the critical 2004 elections. Free to conference registrants, you can choose the skills you want to learn, including analyzing the demographics of a voting district, forming an effective campaign team, grassroots fundraising, using technology in campaigns, and tried-and-true techniques for turning out your vote.

With over 40 workshop sessions, you can learn a new skill, polish your techniques, hear favorite authors, even enjoy a different take on an issue you care about. Topics range from Alternative Medicine for Women, to Zen and the Art of Political Campaigning—and we'll have top presenters like Ann Crittenden, author of The Price of Motherhood, and Joan Williams, author of Unbending Gender.

So mark your calendars, make your reservations, and join NOW members, entertainers and celebrities from across the country for three days of inspiration, energy and empowerment! We will convene at 9am on Friday, July 11, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia ($99 rooms and free shuttle service from Washington National Airport--DCA). Registration form and other details are available online.

Check out NOW.org for regular updates on conference speakers, workshops, agenda, and to register online. For other information, such as auction donations, exhibits and program book ads, contact Bonnie Rice at 202-628-8669, extension 117, or write to conference@now.org.

NOW's first annual Intrepid Awards dinner and gala will be held on Thursday evening, July 10, 2003, in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

The gala will launch the Drive for Equality, our exciting new organizing campaign to stop the reversal of key social, political and economic gains for women and to fight back and win by building a powerful, issue-based force for women's rights. We will also be honoring those who have boldly and courageously led the way in standing up for women, including some very special celebrity guests, with our first Intrepid Awards.

So come to the National Conference a day early and join us for this historic event! Please check our website regularly at www.now.org/gala for updated information about our honorees, sponsorship opportunities, or how to purchase tickets to the event.