The 1998 Women's Rights Convention & Vision Summit is being held at the Four Points Hotel Rochester Riverside. All Convention events will be on-site at the Four Points. Most events are located on the Mezzanine Level. Should you have any questions or requests, visit our Convention Office directly behind the registration desk on the Mezzanine Level. The Press Room is in the Lilac Room, also on the Mezzanine.
On-site childcare is provided during this Convention free of charge. The childcare room number is available at the registration desk and Convention Office. We contract with experienced, licensed providers. Childcare is offered during all scheduled Convention events, including entertainment -- see the Agenda for exact times. NOW has a practice of providing cost-free childcare at our annual conferences, special summits and board meetings.
In order to adequately prepare for childcare, we must receive pre-notification of childcare needs. Meals are not provided; parents/guardians must provide lunch and/or dinner for their children. If you have any further questions regarding childcare check at the information table or at the Convention Office.
We are committed to making this Convention as accessible as possible. ASL interpreters will be provided at general sessions and participants who need sign interpretation can be seated in the front rows of the plenary. ASL interpreters will also be available at a limited number of workshops. Please reserve sign interpretation for specific workshops in advance by signing up at the registration tables.
Please check with the Convention Office if you, or someone you know, is in need of a large print program book. Convention materials can also be reviewed on our talking computer.
The exhibit areas are located in the Pre-function Mezzanine area and in the Skyway Lobby, both on the Mezzanine Level. We encourage all registrants to visit these areas, support feminist merchants and shop at the NOW store.
Chapters, states, regions or special interest groups may schedule caucus space on a first come first served basis. If you wish to call a caucus on an issue not already listed in the program book, please sign-up at the registration tables.
Be sure to attend the Women's Rights Rally in Seneca Falls on Tuesday July 14 at noon. Participants on the Women's History Tour following the Convention will have the opportunity to attend the rally. For more information about the tour, ask volunteers in the Convention Office.
The following guidelines are intended to create an atmosphere most conducive to achieving the goals of the Convention & Summit:
1. Every person participating in this Convention is of equal worth and value.
2. All opinions are valued and needed.
3. Each person is to speak in "I" terms, e.g. "I think...," "I feel...," "I believe..."
4. Listen to one another with respect. It is important to understand that people are talking about what is true for them. Points may arise upon which we may not all agree, but we should disagree respectfully.
5. NO ZAPS! Zaps are personal and personalized digs.
6. If there are things which you do not understand or know, please ask questions and seek clarification.
7. Stay focused and on track!
8. Individuals are to report back only once until all others have had an opportunity to do so.
9. HAVE FUN!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Plan on attending these upcoming NOW Conferences . . .
Summer 1999 National Conference Los Angeles, CA
1999 Lesbian Rights Summit Location TBA
Summer 2000 National Conference Miami, FL