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October 12-14, 2007, Orange Beach, AL
Our annual state conference in
beautiful Orange Beach was a huge success! |
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Lori Buchanan |
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Lori Buchanan, from the
Alabama Birth Coalition, spoke about the history of midwifery
and the important legislation that will again be introduced this
coming session to allow certified practicing midwifes to assist in
homebirths in Alabama. AL NOW is pleased to partner with ABC in
lobbying for this important legislation. Alabama women deserve the
quality, affordable postnatal and prenatal care that licensed
midwives can provide.
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Louisa Pyle |
Our next speaker was Louisa Pyle, National President-Elect, Medical Students for Choice. AL NOW awarded two scholarships for students to attend their national conference this year. We are proud to support and encourage students in the medical field who will work to ensure women's access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. | |
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We then heard from two Alabama women's clinic owners. Both
of these women are heroes -- without them and other providers, there
would be no "choice". Despite the daily challenges, these women are
committed and have dedicated themselves to providing access to care. Life's Been a Blast. Signed copies of the book were available for sale. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER A BOOK, SEND $25, CHECK PAYABLE TO EMILY LYONS, C/O AL NOW, P.O. BOX 4184, MONTGOMERY, AL 36103-4184. Emily was unable to speak at the conference, because of ongoing medical problems suffered at the hands of Eric Rudolph in the 1998 bombing of the New Woman All Women clinic in Birmingham, but Emily continues to speak out for reproductive justice. She was not silenced and she continues to be on the front lines for justice. Let's "support our troops" -- buy her book!!
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Everybody do the stretch! |
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Our delicious catered boxed lunch was delivered from Amelia's Deli, and we drew for door prizes. Heather Hood, NOW member and owner of HL Hood's boutique in Orange Beach, donated a beautiful Brighton jewelry set -- necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Leslie Soignet, restaurant manager of LuLu's in Homeport, donated a $25 gift certificate, sun visor, and coozie. We had two happy winners!
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After lunch, Monica Ramirez of the SPLC, Project Director of Esperanza: The Immigrant Women's Legal Initiative, spoke. She began with her personal story as the daughter of migrant farm workers and she then gave us a short quiz to allow us to learn the reasons most immigrants come to this country, what type work they do, how much they earn, etc. She spoke of the hardships, abuse, and harassment so many immigrant women workers face. Monica challenged us to find ways to help promote immigrant justice in our communities.
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Monica Ramirez |
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Kim Gandy |
Kim Gandy, NOW President, was our keynote speaker. She was entertaining, inspiring, and informative. Kim spoke about her life's work as an activist, beginning at age 19! She has been in NOW leadership on the local, state, and national level. She is from LA, and is familiar with the particular problems of southern organizing. We are fortunate to have such an effective, outspoken leader. |
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Amy Applegate, Montgomery NOW President, gave us a crash course in self-defense. We learned some useful techniques to protect ourselves, and had fun in the process. Thanks to her daughter, Rory, for playing the "villain" in the "hands-on" demonstration.
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Amy and a Very Bad Guy |
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Alabama Senator Vivian Davis Figures |
Our program concluded with Alabama Senator Vivian Davis Figures. She is a dynamic speaker, and she received a warm reception from attendees. She spoke about her years of public service and some of the successes and challenges she has had in the Statehouse. Sen. Figures has announced that she is running for U.S. Senate against Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III.
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At Sunday's business meeting we reviewed the state President's and Treasurer's Reports; discussed actions that the membership would like to take in the coming year; voted to accept and amend our bylaws to include language regarding affirmative action and the office of Diversity Chair; and elected officers. Many thanks to Shirley Ann Rawls, our Nominating Chair, for presiding over the elections. A special recognition and thank-you was given to our Acting Treasurer, Olivia Carter, who devoted so much of her time and energy to fill this important role. (You will recall that Olivia was also Huntsville NOW President.) She will be leaving the state to attend graduate school.
Newly elected officers are:
Kim, Cheryl, NOW Board Member Cynthia Bennett |
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AL
NOW STATE CONFERENCE
