Ending Poverty and Promoting Economic Justice for Women and Children

Room: Great Lakes Center C-D-F

Where's the outrage? Ending the ravages of poverty that daily wreak havoc on women and children will take more than rebuilding levees and locking up terrorists. This panel of national anti-poverty/welfare rights experts will lead the audience in a speak out format where panelists will encourage participants to outline the challenges facing tens of millions of poor families and pull together some short and long term solutions that involve actions, activism and improvements in human needs programs and funding.

Marian Kramer, Jacquie Steingold, Maureen Taylor

Every Woman's Concern: Preparing for a Secure Retirement

Room: Regency B

Women, on average, will live for another 19 years past their official retirement age, and because of wage discrimination, divorce or illness, many older women spend their last years without adequate income or savings. It is important that women, at all stages of life, build their own economic security plan. This workshop will cover many aspects of older women's economic security, including a new standard that is being tested in five states – the Elder Economic Security Initiative – that indicates what is required for meeting seniors' health, housing, and financial needs. Additionally, the special concerns that older women of color face will be addressed. Finally, there will be a discussion of federal and state programs available to women as they prepare for retirement.

Ramsey Alwin, Jacqueline Morrison, Anita Salustro, State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith, Janet Witt

The Power of Women's Activism: Forging New Alliances of Women in Progressive Organizing

Room: Regency C

This workshop will explore the importance of collaboration between women's movement activists and other progressive social justice movements. Moreover, the workshop will discuss the strategies used to build these alliances, the goals of the collaboration, and the possible challenges and benefits that result from this collaboration.

Ponsella Hardaway, Charese Jordan, Terry O'Neill, Jane Ramsey, Erica Williams

Grassroots Lobbying for Women's Rights

Room: Regency D

There are many ways that you can make a difference in your legislature without being a professional lobbyist or senator! It all starts with caring about an issue and wanting to make a difference. Join us for a discussion about grassroots lobbying and the ways that you can make a difference as an individual. You will be surprised how easy it is!

State Senator Sue Errington, Lori Gardner, Marcia Pappas, Maretta Short

Defining Positive Sexuality: Broadening our Advocacy for Sex as a Human Right

Room: Regency E-F

There is a rich tapestry of history on sexuality, as defined by women in different cultures. Additionally, there is a body of knowledge that has developed as sex has become more acknowledged as a field of study. This panel will offer perspectives from historical sexperts and women who assist other women in understanding sexuality from a cultural and biological perspective. This is an opportunity to discuss sexuality on different terms. We call feminists together to contribute on a subject that promotes empowerment and healing. As we discuss the inclusion of feminist representations of female sexuality in the media it will broaden our advocacy for sex as a human right, which is by extension our fight to maintain abortion rights and the all encompassing reproductive justice.

Andrea Anderson, Dr. Juliana Mills, Lauren Mitchell

Cross-Cultural Movement Building: Arab & Arab- American Women on Issues that Affect Us All

Room: Regency G-H

Michigan is home to the largest population of Arab Americans in the United States. Hear from local Arab and Arab-American women's rights advocates on the issues of social, political, and economic justice facing their communities and women globally. Discuss going beyond cultural differences and how we will join hands in a united movement toward justice for all women.

Rana Abbas, Rima Meroueh, Monely Soltani

Women Victimized in Family Courts: How to Make the System Accountable

Room: Regency J-K

Many feminists believe that the family courts are in crisis, as the number of women losing custody of minor children to documented batterers and sexual abusers mounts. One woman whose family has suffered as a result of aggressive courtroom tactics by so-called fathers' rights activists and biased court personnel will tell her story. In addition, there will be a review of data from a national survey of court watches conducted by the chair of the NOW Family Law Ad Hoc Committee. This information is intended to hold the family courts accountable and to enable activists to effectively aid women and children victimized by an unfair system.

Renee Beeker, Vickie Masotti

Gender, Race, and Hip-Hop

Room: Regency B

We've all seen the hyper-masculine male surrounded by scantily-clad women and driving his shiny SUV in today's hip-hop music videos. The images in these videos often market violence, materialism, homophobia, and misogyny. Showing clips of Bryon Hurt's new documentary film “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhythms” and Sut Jhally's “Dreamworlds 3,” this workshop will explore the connections between race, gender, and class in the media and the larger Western culture, as shown through hip-hop videos and other musical genres. Participants will be encouraged to challenge these structures through interactive discussion and activist activities.

Rose Afriyie, Brittney Hoffman, Dr. E. Faye Williams

Our Mothers' Keepers: Caregiving for Our Aging Parents and Partners

Room: Regency C

As the baby boomers become seniors, more and more families will face the enormous economic and personal challenge of caring for elder parents and partners. How can we as a society – and as NOW activists – make sure that caregivers have the resources and respect that they deserve while balancing their work and family obligations.

Tameshia Bridges, Joanne Cruz, Latifa Lyles, Fay Radding

It's More Than Sex! Get the 411 on Gender Diversity

Room: Regency E-F

We will discuss the diverse needs and perspectives of the transgender community in the United States. Are we really just boys and girls? What does current science say about biology, identity, sexuality, and gender expression? Where is the U.S. in the movement to end gender oppression? How will we create a culture that accepts the diversity of gender? Discuss ways to be holistically inclusive of our transgender sisters in the feminist movement.

Dr. Julie Nemecek, Gabriel Javier, Knoll Larkin, Shannon Reaze

Ending Sex Discrimination in Your Community with CEDAW

Room: Regency G-H

Women have fought, and won, many battles for recognition of their rights and the exercise of those rights, but several challenges remain, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (CEDAW) – an international treaty that sets out standards for women's rights, provides a framework for accountability and an impetus for moving forward. The U.S. is only one of eight countries that has not ratified CEDAW. This workshop will examine ways that CEDAW can still be used in the U.S., focusing on San Francisco, where a local CEDAW has been adopted. Come learn how San Francisco activists developed gender analysis guidelines to prevent discrimination.

Susan Bazilli, Marsha Freeman, Billie Heller, Marilou McPhedran

Sex, Stereotypes and Beauty: The Commercial Exploitation of Girls and Young Women

Room: Regency J-K

Girls are constantly bombarded with media images telling them what toys to buy, which female icons to emulate and how to dress. Whether it's Disney princesses, make-up parties at the mall, or thong underwear for pre-teens, marketers are selling sex, gender stereotypes and unrealistic beauty standards to younger and younger girls. By the time girls enter their teens and early twenties, the pressure grows to conform to a commercial ideal of womanhood that includes breast implants and size zero clothes. Come discuss how we can stand up to these harmful trends and promote positive alternatives for girls and young women.

Lisa Bennett, Norma Eppinger, Chenese Lewis, Wendy Shepherd, Frannie Shepherd-Bates

Issue Hearing: Disability

Room: Regency D

Advocating for Women's Human Rights via International Treaties

Room: Great Lakes Center C-D-F

How can we strategically utilize international human rights treaties to promote women's rights in the U.S. and around the globe? Explore the various international mechanisms and human rights bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, the CEDAW Committee, the Inter-American Committee on Human Rights, among other organizations. Experts will share their experiences and facilitate a strategy discussion among participants for future action.

Stephanie Ortoleva, Marsha A. Freeman, Kerry McLean, Kary L. Moss

The Ratings Game: How Sexual Violence Gets a Pass in Movie, TV and Video Games

Room: Regency B

The ratings systems for movies, TV programs and video games were designed to inform people about sensitive content -- such as "adult" language or themes, violence, nudity or drug use. However, these ratings often overlook sexual violence. NOW- New York City documented the failure of film ratings to warn moviegoers about depictions of sexual assaults. Hear how the NYC and Hollywood NOW chapters successfully protested the ad campaign for the movie "Captivity" -- which featured images of a woman bound, tortured and killed. Includes excerpts from the documentary "This Film Is Not Yet Rated."

Ebony Edwards-Ellis, Lindsey Horvath, Renee Morgan-Saks, Sonia Ossorio, Jill Soloway

End the Attack on Girls' and Women's Reproductive Health Care and Family Planning Decisions

Room: Regency D

What is the current status of legal and political efforts to limit access and availability of birth control and abortion. Strategies will be designed to reclaim and guarantee women's health care options and family planning, especially to counter the attempts to undermine the reproductive autonomy of young women, women of color and women of diverse religious, economic and ability communities.

Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Kathleen Murphy, Pat Reuss, Edith Sargon

A Lifetime of Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, & Queer People

Room: Regency G-H

Explore the struggles of the LGBTQQI community, including bullying in school, gender expression in the job interview, struggling to advance in the workplace, facing discrimination in our quest to be parents, receiving appropriate medical care, and finally, living our lives in assisted living facilities -- together! Discuss actions that we can take to make each phase of our lives better.

Ann Fonfa, Charlotte Klasson, Gretchen Stewart, Monely Soltani, Adam Taylor

Issue Hearing: Structure and Process

Room: Regency E-F

Seeking Alternatives to Incarceration and Clemency for Battered Women

Room: Regency B

The number of women in prison has increased exponentially over the last 15 years -- most convicted for non-violent drug offenses. About five percent arrive in jail pregnant, and approximately 2,000 babies are born inside prison walls each year. Often these women are denied the most basic services to ensure that their children are born healthy and grow up safely. Rather than incarceration, long-term treatment programs that offer drug rehabilitation, parenting and other counseling services provide a sustainable solution. Also, there will be a short film, "Clemency," and discussion about the 11 women in the film who are serving long-term or life sentences in Michigan. These women -- like many others in prison -- acted in self-defense against an abuser, but did not receive due process or fair trials based on the facts.

Lynn D'Orio, Carol Jacobsen, Duchy Trachtenberg, Christina Vogt

Until It Stops

Room: Regency C

The panel will address new strategies to combat the age-old rampage of domestic and sexual violence. Although the historic Violence Against Women Act was passed in 1994, there's still work to be done, especially in the area of prevention, dealing with violence against women in the military, tracking offenders, keeping our shelters and hotlines funded and addressing sexual violence around the world -- just to name a few.

Angelita Velasco Gunn, Gabriel Javier, Diane Rosenfeld, Irene Weiser

Women Fighting Back: Countering Attacks on Affirmative Action

Room: Regency J-K

Michigan voters were fooled by a ballot initiative last fall when they passed the "Michigan Civil Rights Initiative," which actually prohibited the use of affirmative action programs that address race, gender and ethnic discrimination in education, public employment, and contracting. This vote undid 40 years of work by feminists and civil rights advocates to assure that we have a fair shake. The Michigan vote was part of a larger pattern of attack on equal opportunity that began in California in 1996, moved on to Washington State and then to Michigan. Similar anti-affirmative action ballot measures may be pushed in 2008 in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah. Come compare notes and plan to re-assert our rights.

Jean Doss, Mary Pollock, Trish Stein, Kim Trent, Gwen Winston

Issue Hearing: Global Feminism

Room: Regency E-F

Take Back the Media Part I: Women's Voices and Media Policy Reform

Room: Regency B

The media industry is NOT organic -- it is the result of policies created by Congress, the FCC and other decision- makers influenced by "Big Media" lobbyists. Right now, policies are being debated that will shape our media environment for years to come. Women's voices must be heard, before we are even further marginalized in and by the media. Learn how the media frame feminism, and how this impacts all the issues on which we work. Learn about current threats to the future of the Internet, new data on media ownership, and how you can become a media reform activist.

Suggested: Pair this workshop with "Take Back the Media Part II" in the 1:45-3:00pm time period.

Lisa Bennett, Dr. Rosemarie Conforti, Mary Alice Crim, Rima Meroueh

Reproductive Justice and Pregnant or Parenting Adolescents

Room: Regency C

Learn about the lives of young, low-income women and share your own experiences as we discuss education, sexual/reproductive health care needs, financial justice and the impact of child welfare systems on the lives of young mothers of color. This workshop will allow young mothers to forge alliances and create energy within the feminist movement in support of their particular interests and needs.

Rose Afriyie, Fahcina Lawson, Benita Miller, Jelysa Roberts

Women and War: Building a Feminist Peace Agenda

Room: Regency E-F

Militarism by the U.S. government continues to have a disastrous impact on the lives of women around the world as well as the here in the U.S. Violence against women in the military at home and abroad is just one of its devastations. However women in the U.S. -- organizing in solidarity with their sisters worldwide -- are resisting the military madness and working to create feminist peace agendas. UN Security Resolution 1325 is heralded as promoting international understanding of the heightened vulnerability of women in times of armed conflict while increasing awareness of gender issues at the international level. Come learn about the effects of militarism on women's lives and strategies for change that includes NOW and sister organizations building a feminist peace agenda.

Tiffany Goldwater, Jerilyn Stapleton, Jan Strout

Mothers Matter, Caregivers Count: Demand Economic Justice for All Families

Room: Regency G-H

It's time for our nation to recognize the economic contribution of our parents, partners, adult children and underpaid careworkers. Instead of getting caught up in the media-invented "Mommy Wars," which has morphed into the myth of women "opting-out" when they are actually pushed out of the workplace, we will address the specific policy initiatives needed at both the local and national level. Come for a lively discussion about paid sick and family leave, better and more public-supported childcare, parity in benefits for part-time workers and other women-friendly workplace policies. We will outline tools and ideas for advocacy and action.

Veronica Arreola, Laurie Pettine, Maretta Short, Judith Stadtman Tucker

Wal-Mart Still At It -- The Abuse Continues

Room: Regency J-K

Wal-Mart has continued to dominate the news, and increasingly, it is the only shopping choice in many communities. Wal-Mart has become the desired business model of the 21st century -- a model in which all risk and costs are externalized to the environment, communities and workers. NOW is in the fight for the long haul, demanding an end to pay inequity, discrimination and harassment of all forms. Address the business model and the corporate greed of big box retailers. Learn about the domestic and international gender component and plans for an International Day of Action.

Melody Drnach, Trina Tocco, Olga Vives

Issue Hearing: Emerging Issues/Other

Room: Regency D

Writing and Feminism

Room: Regency A

Writing is a powerful tool for feminists to educate people about women's rights issues, shape public opinion and inspire action. This workshop will explore how the outlets of creative, marketing and editorial writing impact the struggle for women's equality. The presenters will share their experience writing blogs, letters to the editor, op-eds, press releases, promotional materials, stories, novels and more. The panel's encouragement and practical advice will send participants back to their communities prepared to submit their work to mainstream media outlets as well as create their own channels for spreading the message of feminism.

Lisa Bennett, Angie Cruz, Erin Matson

Take Back the Media Part II: Feminist Action for Media Democracy and Justice

Room: Regency B

Join with the legions of women responding to the critical need to reclaim our media. Sexist, racist and homophobic images and hate speech abound in the mainstream media. Fewer independent media outlets are thriving, thanks to ownership consolidation. After identifying the problem, this workshop will concentrate on the grassroots solution. A panel of advocates with valuable media experience will focus on strategies and models that are working -- providing tools and tactics that activists can use in their communities, states and networks. Media literacy, creative organizing, utilizing new media technologies, and more will be covered in this session devoted to media justice for all.

Suggested: Pair this workshop with "Take Back the Media Part I" in the 9:00-10:15am time period

Cynthia Carrion, Carrie Cuthbert, Latifa Lyles, Andrea Quijada, Jan Strout

Feminist Activists Unite! Organize for Universal Health Care

Room: Regency C

With more than 47 million people in the U.S. without access to health insurance, the crisis in our broken health care system just keeps growing. But with progressive wins in Congress and many state legislatures last fall, the possibility of fundamental solutions seems more real. Groups are organizing around universal health care, expanded coverage and mandatory insurance in numerous states. Congress may not act in the near future on this issue, so activists have concluded that the states must take action. Come hear about what's going on in California, Massachusetts, Oregon and nationally with a single-payer initiative that would cover everyone.

Kristin Brouker, Sandi Johnson, Janice Rocco, Dr. Susan Steigerwalt

Ending the Business of Human Trafficking

Room: Regency J-K

You can make a difference in women's lives around the world. Learn how activists from across the country are taking action and winning in the fight to end human trafficking. Join in the discussion about how we can advocate on behalf of exploited victims by: lobbying for comprehensive and effective legislation; tracking traffickers; and educating local businesses about their role in this illegal industry. Learn about NOW-NYC's campaign Ending the Business of Human Trafficking in New York City aimed at ending newspapers and magazines' reliance on advertisement revenue from illegal massage parlors and brothels.

Ebony Edwards-Ellis, Sonia Ossorio

Sisterhood in the Indigenous Women's Rights Movement

Room: Regency G-H

Native American women are emerging as strong political leaders asserting their rights and working to eliminate discrimination and violence. Many are running for elective offices and recently joined forces to announce the formation of an Indigenous Women's Political Caucus. Native American women's groups are also working at the international level and recently participated at U.N. sessions on the status of women and an indigenous people's forum. Non-Indian women are joining their Native sisters to form a united front against anti-family and anti-woman legislation being pushed in many states. Come hear more about this burgeoning movement, a growing sisterhood and global efforts to end race and gender discrimination.

Loretta Afraid of Bear, Monica Aleman, Charon Asetoyer, Beatrice Long-Visitor Holy Dance, Anne White Hat

Issue Hearing: Economic Justice

Room: Regency D

Issue Hearing: Reproductive Justice

Room: Regency E-F

Hard Right: How Women Can Respond to Attacks on Our Legal Rights

Room: Great Lakes Center C-D-F

This Supreme Court has brought on unprecedented challenges to our rights. The recent Gonzalez v. Carhart and Ledbetter v. Goodyear decisions have pulled us back in time, and it's more important now than ever before that feminists take action both to repair the damage done, and to ensure this will not happen again. Don't miss this crucial conversation on how we can collectively move forward to preserve pay equity and secure reproductive justice for all women and girls.

Charon Asetoyer, Kim Gandy, Latifa Lyles, Ellie Smeal

Preserving and Sharing Feminist History

Room: Regency B

By connecting the past to both the present and the future, we can preserve the history and spirit of feminism for future generations to enjoy and learn from. This workshop will include a description of the Michigan Veteran Feminists project, its funding, production and distribution. We will hear sample interviews and view portions of Carol King's documentary, "Passing the Torch." The workshop will also include information about the NOW Foundation Oral History Project and how you and your chapter can participate, as well as how valuable chapter records can be preserved for history.

Johanna Ettin, Liz Homer, Joan Israel, Carol King

Moving from Militarism: Promoting Peace and Justice through a Feminist Peace Budget

Room: Regency C

Recent national budgets have been characterized by huge tax cuts, primarily benefiting the wealthy, and large cuts to social programs, including Medicaid, child support enforcement, student loans, foster care, and supplemental security income for people with disabilities. The current era of war, rising deficits, and increasing military and security budgets is a crucial time for women to take leadership. These policies are remaking our society into a world with more violence and inequality. Learn how the national budget impacts all women, ways to create a gender-sensitive budget, as well as the international movement for gender-sensitive and people-centered budgets. In addition, we will look at our own personal budgets and how they impact our lives.

Martha Dominguez, Jane Midgley, Jan Strout

Silent Majority: Adult Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse

Room: Regency G - H

Generally, people are not aware that the majority of victims of clergy sexual abuse are women, not young boys as the media has often portrayed. Many of these women hesitate to discuss their experiences because of shame and the paralyzing belief that they somehow "deserved it." Clergy predators are simply moved from congregation to congregation, many times leaving multiple victims in their wake. Only a few states have laws that address this problem. Examine the extent of the victimization and its the harmful lifetime impact and consider some solutions. Feminist activists can help break the legal and social silence regarding this hidden and devastating form of sexual abuse.

Terry O’Neill, Nancy Quirk, Renee Sparks, Peggy Warren, Jessie Washington

Cervical Cancer: Should Young Women Get the HPV Vaccination?

Room: Regency J-K

A firestorm of controversy has arisen around a new vaccine, Gardasil, which could prevent infection by two of the high risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that sometimes lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine's manufacturer launched a high profile ad campaign and multi-million dollar lobbying effort to convince state legislatures to require vaccination of all 11 and 12 year old girls. But making the HPV vaccine mandatory has resulted in opposition from the vaccine's developer, leading medical authorities, parents' groups and the religious right. Because the vaccine is very expensive and has not been adequately tested in pre-teens, many doctors and state legislatures are backing away. Come hear further discussion on who needs this vaccine, what kind of protection it will provide and how women can prevent cervical cancer.

Rose Afriyie, Jan Erickson, Andrea Layman, MPH, MSW

Issue Hearing: Social Justice/Civil Rights

Room: Regency D

Issue Hearing: Media Issues

Room: Regency E-F