June 30, 2000
 

Dear NOW Activists,

Welcome to the 2000 National NOW Conference!  This will be a special conference for NOW and for me.

For me, this is a homecoming to the place where I became a feminist activist and the people who were indispensable in that process: role models and mentors, partners-in-crime in Dade County NOW, allies, friends and family.

For our organization, we'll prepare ourselves, and inspire and energize each other, for work that will set the direction of our country and our world for years to come.

All three branches of government—and the rights of women—are up for grabs in the elections. On October 15, feminists will march on Washington, D.C. as part of the World March of Women 2000 to demand eradication of poverty and violence against women, and equality between women and men. We must take the issues and energy from this action into the final push to turn out our vote in November.

And so, NOW PACs' Political Institute will train skilled organizers for elections and place graduates in key feminist races. We will also increase NOW's strength and clout through workshops focused on getting more members — and getting them to stay. An inter-generational dialogue will enhance our work with feminists at all stages of life.

This conference boasts fabulous speakers. Laura Liswood will address women's power as government leaders worldwide. Minna Schrag brings her knowledge of war crimes in Bosnia and her determination to establish a permanent international criminal tribunal. Working for equal treatment of Haitain immigrants, Marleine Bastien knows the stark impact of U.S. policy on women and families around the world.

Gore campaign manager Donna Brazile has gone from movement activism to power and influence in national politics. Donna will speak and then join attorney Thomasina Williams and Judy Ratzan, the incoming president of the Dade County Medical Association, for a discussion on working for change from the inside.

Three women we are honoring reflect South Florida's culture. Julia Gabriel's courage and community educator Laura Germino's commitment ended indentured servitude for Julia and other farm workers. Former Dade County NOW activist Elaine Gordon carried her feminist beliefs into the Florida legislature. She championed ERA, fought for reproductive rights, and passed bills to enhance freedom from violence and rights of women in marriage and divorce. Her daughters and granddaughters will accept the award for this savvy politician and well-loved woman.

We also honor Christy Brzonkala, who sued the men she accused of raping her and took her fight all the way to the Supreme Court; the Court wiped out the civil rights remedy of the Violence Against Women Act in a heartbreakingly close 5 to 4 vote. And we welcome first-time film maker Lily Mariye, whose Shangri-la Cafe shows the growing determination of a Japanese immigrant not to let herself be pitted against African Americans.

I hope this weekend fills our heads, feeds our hearts and fuels our dreams.

            Yours for a feminist future,
 

            Patricia Ireland
            President

• National Conference 2000 Information