Women’s rights supporters will gather at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel in historic downtown Philadelphia June 29 - July 1, 2001, to protect and defend against the anti-feminist Bush administration. The first National NOW Conference of the millennium will focus on leadership development, plans to meet the challenges of the new administration and the election of national officers.

“We have a tremendous amount of work to do in the next four years” stated NOW President Patricia Ireland.  “This conference will help NOW activists provide the leadership necessary to ensure that all of the rights women have fought so long and hard to secure are not erased by this new administration.”

The second national NOW PAC Political Institute will again offer electoral skills-building for new and seasoned organizers. This year the Institute will have a special emphasis on recruitment of feminist women to run for office.

The Cradle of Democracy is an ideal setting to acquire such knowledge and skills. “From the Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross’ House, you will be reminded of the rich history of our country’s struggle for independence and, just as significant,  the key role Philadelphia women, such as Lucretia Mott, played in women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery,” said Barbara DiTullio, Pennsylvania NOW President.

Labor and Civil Rights Allies to Speak

Linda Chavez-Thompson, Vice President, AFL-CIO, and Dr. Jane Smith, immediate-past president of the National Council of Negro Women, will speak to conference attendees about leadership and coalition-building as the feminist, labor, civil rights and other movements work toward returning Congress to the people in 2002.

As a keynote speaker, Chavez-Thompson moved the audience at NOW’s 1998 Women of Color and Allies Summit, telling stories from her life and her path to becoming the highest ranking woman in the AFL-CIO. Smith is well-known as one of the most dynamic and motivating speakers among women’s rights and civil rights leaders.

Olympic Weightlifter to Be Honored

NOW will honor Olympic bronze medalist Cheryl “Fun” Haworth as a Woman of  Courage.   Haworth started weightlifting at 13 and holds the U.S. women’s record in her class for the two-hand snatch (125.0kg), the two-hand clean and jerk (145.0kg) and total lifted (270.0kg).  She won the bronze medal at the 1999 Olympics. “Cheryl’s commitment and determination are inspirational,” declared NOW Vice President Action Loretta Kane.  “And she works to be a role model for young women to appreciate and develop their own unique skills.” Haworth’s family will be in Philadelphia to see her receive the award.

In addition to election of a new team of national officers to serve NOW for the next four years, the conference will feature two sets of workshops that will address NOW’s structure and how the levels of NOW work together to achieve the organization’s vision.

• National Conference 2001 Information