The ABCs of STDs

Presenters: Michelle Lopez, Johanne E. Morne, Megan Newhouse-Bailey, TJ Smith

Room: Ballroom

Come and get the lowdown on your down-below by learning the ABCs of STDs. We will discuss a range of issues: STD/STI prevention and detection, sex education, the recently approved HPV vaccine and healthcare options that are available and affordable in the aftermath of transmission. There will be useful information and an opportunity to network with our accomplished panelists.

I'm Not a Feminist But…

Presenters: Carmen Berkley, Greta Edwards, Austin Lin, Heather Tom

Room: Pearl St Room 1

Who has never heard the dreaded phrase "I'm not a feminist, but..."? Why are young people with feminist ideals hesitant or resistant to identify as "feminist"? Panelists will address concerns that the "feminist" label lacks cultural, historical, and community relevance, look at the differences between "Womanist" and "Feminist" agendas, and examine concepts regarded as outside "mainstream" feminist practice (e.g., religious women in traditional Western faiths, Muslim women, and Orthodox Jewish women).

Energize and Mobilize: NOW on Campus

Presenters: Emily Halle, Emily Reynolds, Tracy Sabbah, Auretnisse Santos, Adrienne Stuart

Room: Pearl St Room 1

Join an interactive discussion about the successes and struggles of organizing on campus. Come share your experiences and ideas, and learn from others who have succeeded!

Let's Get Pro-Active: State Legislative Victories

Presenters: Melody Drnach, Lisalyn Jacobs, Marcia Pappas, Duchy Trachtenberg

Room: Beverwyck

NOW activists have a long history of making good things happen in state legislatures. Join this interactive workshop to learn how NOW activists played key roles in winning legislative victories in 2006 and making a positive difference for women. Bring your legislative plan for victory, share your stories, and ask questions. Tired of reacting? Take the lead and be pro-active. Come and learn how to make the change you desire.

The Global Feminist Movement

Presenters: Monely Soltani, Jan Strout, Olga Vives

Room: Van Rensselaer

Women across the globe are organizing for social change. This workshop will deal with the participation of women in building social justice models that address poverty, health care and violence in their countries, specifically in Latin America where political and social changes are transforming their societies.

Killing Me Softly: The Dangers of Breast Implants, Eating Disorders, and Cosmetics

Presenters: Carol Ciancutti-Leyva, Amanda Cott, Felicia Eaves, Jan Erickson, Latifa Lyles, Judy Sheel

Room: Capitol Room

Hundreds of thousands of women are getting breast implants every year; many are doing so without full knowledge of injuries and illnesses that often result. Film-maker Carol Ciancutti-Leyva will show excerpts of her new film, Absolutely Safe, to illustrate what can happen. Eating disorders continue to be a serious health problem for many young women, but effective therapies are making positive inroads on what can be a chronic, debilitating condition. Finally, do we really know what's in those expensive cosmetics? Come hear more about these hot topics.

It's My Cleavage so Sue Me! Fashion and Feminism

Presenters: Nicole Casey, Liz Funk, Erin Matson, Rebecca Malatke-Meslin, Bree Williamson

Room: Pearl St Room 1

Should others care what you wear? Does it impact your status as a feminist if you like to wear tank tops and tight jeans or baggy jeans and oversized shirts, lipstick or no makeup, skirts or pants? In this workshop, we'll discuss current fashion trends for young women and their impact on our advancement toward equality and the relationship between personal appearance and politics.

It Stops with South Dakota: How to Protect Abortion in Conservative States

Presenters: Eileen McDonagh, Shauna Shames, Jennifer Wright

Room: Pearl St Room 2

Learn from others' successful campaigns and share your own experiences as we discuss both practical, grassroots action and political/legal arguments that can help preserve abortion rights and access in conservative states. Pro-Kan-Do Chair Julie Burkhart will address the practical side, speaking about their pro-choice political action committee's experience in Kansas. Professor Eileen McDonagh will offer a new legal approach for maintaining (and even expanding) abortion rights and access, in the face of conservative opposition. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Cecilia Fire Thunder will address the on-the-ground work in South Dakota.

Invisible Women: Stolen and Sold

Presenters: Carole Angel, Taina Bien-Aime, Kim Leung

Room: Beverwyck

Slavery exists today at home and across the seas, from brothels and farms to factories and suburban mansions. Exploited for sex and labor, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year; millions more are enslaved in their own countries. Growing public awareness and official recognition of the problem has resulted in laws and programs to prosecute traffickers and to rescue and aid victims. Join the panel in discussing trafficking, plans for prevention and how to help victims.

Don't Take a Chance on Your Rights: NOW's Early History

Presenters: Muriel Fox, Judy Kaplan, Sheila Tobias and members of the Veteran Feminists of America

Room: Ten Broeck

This "hands-on" workshop will cover the many different issues facing women today and look at these same issues in 1966, before NOW began. Sheila Tobias, Author of "Faces of Feminism: An Activist's Reflections on the Women's Movement" will examine how the changes took place and what NOW's role was in each of them. A lively discussion will follow, covering the progress we have made and what feminists everywhere can focus on for the future.

What's on YOUR iPod? Music and Feminism

Presenters: Rose Afriyie, Michaela angela Davis, Rocio Mendez, Jessie Huse Murillo, Molly Neuman

Room: Van Rensselaer

This workshop will explore feminist activism in music. How do music and the music industry impact the lives of young women? Come listen, learn, and participate!

Where's the Love? Teen Dating Violence

Presenters: Julie Fulcher, Allendra Letsome, Celeste Raysor, Auretnisse Santos, Kelly Wolfe

Room: Capitol Room

Does it mean your partner loves you? This discussion will dive right into the causes and effects of teen dating violence; including how to break the cycle, what kinds of outreach programs are available and effective, and how organizations are working to stop it. Find out what you can do to help.

Political Institute

Blog NOW,Vote Later: Political Blogging and Feminism

Presenters: Meaghan Lamarre, Amanda Marcotte, Liza Sabater, Jessica Valenti

Room: Ballroom

Had enough of those know-it-all 30-something men who dominate the political chatter on the web? Learn how to gather and use political information to bring a gender and class lens to the day's news.

Working Together for a Feminist Future: Intergenerational Perspectives

Presenters: Inez Casiano, Latifa Lyles, Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Pat Reuss, Sue Rumph, Deborah Williams-Muhammad

Room: Ballroom

Join us in a dialogue among veteran feminists, young feminists and everyone in between. We'll focus on working together for a feminist future that includes economic justice for all. Audience participation will be encouraged in order to share experience, knowledge and strategies for our feminist economic survival.

Womanopoly: Imagine a Feminist Budget

Presenters: Medea Benjamin, Jane Midgley

Room: Pearl St Room 1

The current congressional leadership is cutting programs that are a vital safety net for women and children while using our tax dollars to support the war. We cannot stay silent while huge tax cuts benefit the wealthy and social programs helping women and children are reduced or eliminated. We'll discuss what a feminist budget should look like, how can we move from a war system to a peace system, re-formulate national and international priorities and develop a plan of action.

Sex At Your Own Risk

Presenters: Angela Hooton,Caitlin Horrigan, Niambi Powell, Erica Robinson

Room: Pearl St Room 2

What are the modern day consequences of having sex? Join a discussion on the many issues women and society face—from dealing with pregnancy, family planning, access to abortion, and emergency contraception, to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.

Against the Odds: Struggling Mothers and Families

Presenters: Antonae Diggs, Miriam Martinez, Benita Miller Johnston, Jelysa Roberts, Duchy Trachtenberg

Room: Beverwyck

What happens when children have children? Child welfare and social welfare policies combine with poor education to create crises in the lives of adolescent mothers. Join us to forge alliances and create energy as we discuss how we can integrate their struggle for opportunities into the larger feminist framework.

It's (Not) Just a Lesbian Thing

Presenters: Patricia Anders, Veronica Arreola, Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz

Room: Capitol Room

The feminist principles of choice, civil rights and equality connect seamlessly with the right for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to marry. The fight for Equal Marriage Rights encompasses many of the ideals NOW is founded on and this panel will provide different ways to frame the message so more feminists, and others, will be able to understand and support this issue. Partly education and partly action-oriented, this workshop's goal is to make Equal Marriage a top priority for feminists in our organization

Global Health: Promoting Reproductive Justice Around the World

Gina Arias, Lonna Hays, Laura Katzive, Sonia Ossorio, Emily Turner

Room: Ten Broeck

In recent years, U.S. policies have attempted to limit access of women around the world to both abortion and contraception. This has meant an increase in maternal and infant mortality in many developing countries. But activists here and abroad are fighting back. Panelists will examine the international successes and hardships in advancing reproductive health services. Then everyone will be invited to propose concrete action items to support women’s access to reproductive health services at home and abroad.

Political Institute

So, You Want To Be President?

Presenters: Melba de Pena, Kirsten Gillibrand, Sharon Grosfeld, Zenaida Mendez

Room: Van Rensselaer

If you think you’d like a career in politics, this workshop is for you. We will be talking about what you should be doing now and in the future to build a great political resume and perfectly position yourself to run for office.

Fathers' Rights and Wrongs: The Abuse of Women and Children

Presenters: Anzala Alozie, Patti Jo Newell, Marcia Pappas, Mary Richmond

Room: Ballroom

Women are losing physical custody of their children to abusive fathers, in part because of a network of well-funded men's custody advocates. Explore with us the backlash that women face from the so-called fathers' rights groups and their allies in the courts, legislatures and the media. Their goals are to control their ex-wives from afar, break them emotionally and financially and — for many — get out of paying child support. How can we combat this new and dangerous trend?

Winning the Battle One State at a Time: Reproductive Rights and the States

Presenters: Veronica Arreola, Erin Matson, Shelly West

Room: Pearl St Room 2

Join local activists and leaders for a discussion of tactics that have worked successfully in their states, from red to blue. How can we protect access to emergency contraception (EC), prevent pharmacists from refusing to fill valid prescriptions, preserve state funding for reproductive health care, protect abortion rights, and more? Come discuss trends in conservative states, as they continue to restrict access to abortion and EC

The Human Cost of Low Prices

Presenters: Olga Vives, Sally Kim, Melody Drnach

Room: Capitol Room

Wal-Mart, the largest corporation and employer in the U.S, creates a corporate model for other companies to follow: exploiting workers in the U.S. and abroad. This workshop will detail the human cost of these practices, the use of sweatshops by U.S. companies, and the exploitation of women workers. Learn about what communities are doing to successfully stop Wal-Mart, and how you can help.

Educational Equity under Attack! Learn How to Protect Your Rights

Presenters: Katherine Arnoldi, Angelica Barry, Renee Beeker, Joanne Smith, Vanessa Valenti, Mandy Van Deven

Room: Beverwyck

At age 34, the ground-breaking Title IX equal education law has helped girls and women make tremendous strides, but it is frequently under attack. Michigan and other states are trying to establish sex-segregated classes and schools. How can Title IX be used to reduce the barriers faced by teen mothers trying to get a college education? Come learn more about this most important federal initiative that benefits all girls and women in academic as well as athletic programs.

Political Institute

Son Los Puestos Políticos Para Nosotros?
Is Public Office For Us?
(En Español/In Spanish)

Presenters/Presentadores: Melba de Pena, Zenaida Mendez, Sonia Ossorio

Room/Sitio: Van Rensselaer

Poder postularnos para puestos públicos en un clima donde es casi imposible para mujeres de color y pobres aspirar a representar a su comunidad. El costo de una campaña política es casi prohibido. ¿Qué podemos hacer para representar a nuestras comunidades en puestos públicos?

This panel will discuss the odds for women of color and poor women running for office in the current political climate. Political seats are becoming a prohibited commodity for average activists and community organizers. Come join a discussion of the financial and cultural challenges.

Issue Hearings

Social Justice/Civil Rights

Room: Pearl St. Room 1

Structure and Process

Room: Ten Broeck

Disability Rights

Room: Ballroom