CANDLELIGHT VIGIL TONIGHT
NOW President Patricia Ireland and Vice President Karen Johnson, who are both fasting, will lead a candlelight vigil tonight in Lafayette Park across from the White House. With their backs to the White House, activists holding candles will sing and chant as the sunset sets and night falls, from approximately 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
"HUNGRY FOR JUSTICE" FAST IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
Johnson, who spent part of her childhood on welfare and went on to win top honors in the U.S. military, began her fast last night. Eight top NOW officers and staff are fasting; so is the Rev. Jesse Jackson. NOW will try to have one fasting person on hand at all times at the Lafayette Park site. Organizers report activists all over the country seem moved by the idea and are participating.
ANOTHER INTENSE SPEAKOUT TOMORROW
The hundreds of activists from at least a dozen different groups who joined in today's demonstration in front of the White House are committed to stepping up the political heat on President Clinton. Members of Congress and welfare recipients will lead the speakout tomorrow. Among key concerns: the conference committee dropped a provision, adopted by both the House and Senate, that would have provided some minimal protection for women on welfare who are experiencing domestic violence.
NOW TO MEET WITH TOP CLINTON CAMPAIGN OFFICIAL TOMORROW
NOW officers will meet tomorrow (Friday, August 2) with Ann Lewis, deputy director of the Clinton campaign. Their message?
"Although our local activists may not vote for Bob Dole, we won't be eager to turn out for Bill Clinton if he signs this bill," Ireland said. "President Clinton must stand for something besides re-election."
EMERGENCY NOW PAC MEETING SET FOR SATURDAY
NOW Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) members will hold an emergency meeting in Washington Saturday at 1 p.m. "NOW political activists refuse to be taken for granted," said Ireland. "We will only work for candidates who voted against this bill."