Register Now for CWA National Women's Conference

CWA's fast-approaching National Women's Conference, Sept. 10-12 in St. Louis, kicks off a groundbreaking new effort to build union power for women in the workforce.

Invited speakers include presidential senior advisor Valerie Jarrett, head of the White House Council on Women and Girls, and Lily Ledbetter, whose fight against gender-based pay discrimination resulted in passage of legislation this year to protect her and millions of other women. CWA President Larry Cohen and Executive Vice President Annie Hill are also featured speakers.

Workshops offered during the conference – CWA Women Building for the Future – focus on creating effective women's committees, mentoring coworkers, and women's health. Because young workers are critical to CWA's and union growth (subject of a CWA convention "Next Generation" resolution), another conference workshop will provide tips on using the latest Internet-based tools (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and blogs) to reach out and build networks among co-workers and younger women.

In a unique presentation on the final day of the conference, members of CWA's National Women's Committee will bring to life, in personal portrayals, Mother Jones and other pioneers in the fight for women's equality.

To register for the conference, sign up at ga.cwa-union.org/cwawomen. A block of rooms at the host hotel, the Crown Plaza downtown, is being held only until Aug. 20.

By reaching out to women in our own communities, CWA members have a chance to talk about the labor movement in a way that will resonate with the new or returning workers, said Leslie Jackson, CWA's Civil Rights and Fair Practices Department. "We feel that our women have seen the gamut of what can happen in the workplace," said Jackson. "Who better to mentor and guide women entering the workforce than a CWA steward," she stated.

Dress for Success, a national organization that helps women in need dress for interviews and better prepare for job opportunities, is partnering with CWA in the mentoring program. Conference participants will be asked to bring donations for a business wear clothing drive, including handbags and shoes.