National NOW Conference and Elections This Weekend

Indianapolis Hosts 2009 National NOW Conference and Elections
"Turning the Tide for Equality"

June 19, 2009

Indianapolis will host the 2009 National Organization for Women Conference and NOW Election, June 19-21, at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites. NOW's conference theme this year, Turning the Tide for Equality, reflects the changing political landscape and renewed sense of hope for advances in women's rights. It is also a fitting theme as NOW prepares to elect a new president and leadership team.

The three day event will feature distinguished key note speakers such as Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner; educator, economist and commentator Dr. Julianne Malveaux; renowned journalist, author and activist Barbara Ehrenreich; Lulu Flores, president of the National Women's Political Caucus, and more.

There will be discussions and workshops on hot topic issues, as well as strategy sessions and the passing of resolutions that will guide the organization over the coming year.

Outgoing President Kim Gandy will also be saying farewell after 22 years in national NOW leadership, the last eight as president.

What: 2009 National NOW Conference and Elections

When: Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21

Where: Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites

Who: Conference Speakers include

Kim Gandy, President of NOW
Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Secretary of State, replaced the infamous Ken Blackwell
Barbara Ehrenreich, journalist, activist, author of bestselling book, "Nickel and Dimed"
Lulu Flores, attorney and national president of the National Women's Political Caucus
Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College for Women in North Carolina 
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Congresswoman and advocate for women's rights
Rev. Dr. Katherine Ragsdale, president and dean, Episcopal Divinity School, Boston
Donna Smith, founder of American Patients United, featured in Michael Moore's SiCKO

"It is an honor to be part of this organization, which has allowed me to fulfill my passion to help women for more than three decades. I came to NOW as a teenager, ready to change everything that was wrong with the world -- and NOW gave me an opportunity to be part of some of the greatest societal changes in my lifetime. This weekend, I will be leaving the presidency of this great organization with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment -- a little older, a lot wiser, and ready to pass on the reins to the new leaders who will continue our important work," said Gandy.