Don't Gamble with Women's Rights! Come to the NOW Conference Las Vegas in July 2004

National NOW Times, Winter 2003/2004 by Rice, Bonnie

Groundbreaking Musician Cris Williamson to Appear

"If you care about who's in charge in Washington, D.C., you'll come to Las Vegas this july, " said Karen Johnson, NOW Executive Vice President. "Feminists will be recharging and gearing up for the November elections at the annual NOW conference-our last chance to gather together from across the country and strategize about how to send George W. Bush back to Texas."

Electing a woman's right supporter to the White House, and many more to Congress, has never been more important. The campaign season will be heating up this summer, which is why NOW is calling on all feminists and their allies to join us at the Riviera hotel in Las Vegas on July 16-18 for the 2004 National NOW Conference.

Panels and workshops will cover everything from NOWs core issues to getting out the feminist vote. Our popular annual Political Institute is on the slate for this crucial election year. Great speakers will take the stage throughout the weekend and NOW will also present our 2004 Woman of Courage and Woman of Vision awards to those who have led the way for all of us.

"We are especially excited to announce that legendary singer/songwriter Cris Williamson will be entertaining conference attendees," said Johnson. Williamson is one of a handful of artists credited with creating the women's music genre. She helped set the stage for women-and particularly for lesbians-to write, produce, record, and issue their own material, on their own terms.

Williamson has toured the world for the last 30 years. She has appeared on a multitude of benefit records; her lyrics appear on a regular basis in books and thesis papers; and her albums are part of the curriculum for women's studies courses.

Register online at www.now.org/conference or by calling 202-628-8669, ext. 117. Then book a flight and call the Riviera at 702-734-5110 to reserve a room at a fantastic conference rate of $79.00. Remember to make your hotel reservation no later than june 25 so that you will get the NOW conference rate, and so that NOW will get credit for your room toward the cost of our meeting space. The Riviera has great restaurants, buffets and coffee shop fare at reasonable prices. The Riviera also offers guest discounts on entertainment at the Bistro and Versailles theatres and on Mardi Gras shows. Plus, there is plenty of excitement on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Bring the family and make the NOW conference a part of your vacation plans this summer! Before or after the conference, visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Hoover Dam or Mount Charleston-all just minutes away. You can also tour the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which is approximately four hours away. Or consider heading to the west coast for some summer fun in the sun.

So mark your calendars, make your reservations, and join NOW members, entertainers and celebrities from across the country for three days of inspiration, energy and empowerment. see you in Las Vegas!

Check www.now.org/conference regularly for updates on speakers and workshops.

by Bannie Rice, Conference Manager