Feminist Leader Gloria Steinem to Speak at CWU

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Gloria Steinem, one of the most influential women's right advocates of the 1960s and 70s, will appear at Central Washington University Thursday, April 27, to make a presentation titled "The Longest Revolution."

It will include a review of her experiences during the feminist movement, while also addressing issues involving feminism in modern society. The free, public event is slated for 8 p.m. in the new Student Union ballroom on the Ellensburg campus.

Guaranteed seats are now available now at the Samuelson Union Building information booth. For ticket reservations and "Will Call" information, call Joanne Perez at (509) 963-2187.

The doors will open for the presentation at 7:15 p.m., with seat guarantees applicable until 7:45 p.m. Open seating will then begin. Persons of disability may arrange for reasonable accommodation by calling (509) 963-2122 or (for hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.

Katrina Whitney, director for the Center for Student Empowerment, says Steinem's ideas remain relevant today and that students need to know how Steinem's courage to speak out along with her advocacy for women has made a difference in the lives of today's generation.

"We have a choice," Whitney says, "a choice to have a voice and advocate for equality for both women and men."

Mal Stewman, program support supervisor for the Center for Student Empowerment, adds, "She was a forerunner, a founding mother of modern feminism."

During the 1970s, the media labeled Steinem as a leading activist for feminism. She used that platform to bring attention to other emerging feminist leaders. Steinem also founded a number of feminist organizations, including the National Women's Political Caucus, Women's Action Alliance and the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

Steinem, one of the 25 Most Influential Women in America according to the World Almanac, co-founded "Ms. Magazine" in 1971, and now is an editorial consultant and writer for the publication. She has also written several books including "Moving Beyond Words" and the bestseller "Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem."

In 1993, she narrated a documentary for HBO titled "Multiple Personalities: The Search for Deadly Memories" and co-produced an original movie for Lifetime, "Better Off Dead."

Her CWU presentation is sponsored by the Center for Student Empowerment, Campus Life, Diversity Education Center, Center for Excellence in Leadership, University Housing and New Student Programs, and Equity and Services Council.

Contact: Katrina Whitney (509-963-2127/fax 509-963-2121/e-mail: ecenter@cwu.edu)

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