Leadership Institute Mobilizes Young Feminists

By Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Young Feminist Task Force member

The 2007 National NOW Conference included a wildly successful Young Feminist Leadership Institute. Feminists from all over the country enjoyed workshops, roundtables, speakers, networking, entertainment and dancing!

Kicking things off was Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm giving an inspirational address, including the significance of young feminists to the future of the movement. When she asked how many conference participants were under the age of 30, a sea of hands rose-up to proclaim their place in NOW!

Those taking part in the institute ranged from brand new members to long-time leaders, all of whom got the chance to hear from fabulous speakers, learn more about NOW's six priority issues, gain grassroots organizing skills, meet and talk with feminist politicians, and get tips on becoming a successful NOW leader.

Participants learned how to become more involved on their college campuses and in their communities, and how to initiate conversations about feminist issues with a new generation of women and men.

Workshop sessions like "It's Your Time NOW!" were uniquely tailored to young women, teaching these future leaders how to advocate among their peers for economic and reproductive justice, organize at the grassroots level, build alliances, find mentors, build great resumes and run for NOW office or public office.

The institute also held Young Feminist roundtables, bag lunches and hot topics during meal times, for more networking and strategizing, including conversations on educational and professional goals, personal experiences, and the hottest topics in feminism.

After attending these workshop sessions and discussions, certificates were awarded to all who complete the requirements, commending their participation in the YFLI program.

Entertainment ended each day, and there was fabulous attendance from young feminists at Robin Tyler's one-woman show, the Silent Violet performance and the late-night dance floor revelry provided by DJ Sara G. We hope the excitement and enthusiasm stayed with conference goers as they traveled back to their homes to create change in their communities!

Mark your calendars to join us next summer in Washington, D.C.!