National Organization for Women (NOW) Buffalo Chapter to Host NOW President Terry O'Neill

ALBANY, NY (09/21/2009)(readMedia)-- On, Thursday, October 1, 2009, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14202, NOW President, Terry O'Neill, and Vice President of Membership, Allendra Letsome will present a forum focusing on recent legislative measures in Washington, D.C. and how they will impact the lives of women. Domestic Violence, Breast Cancer, and Single Payer Health Care are just a few topics to be discussed.

NOW President Terry O'Neill, a feminist attorney, professor and activist for social justice, was elected president of NOW in June 2009. Because of recent dramatic rise in incidents involving domestic violence, family murder-suicides and child abuse, O'Neill called for activists to take action to protect funding for domestic violence, sexual assault, child welfare and mental health program services. O'Neill urged activists, "Check your state's budget to see if any domestic violence/sexual assault programs are facing severely reduced budgets. If so, tell your governor and state legislators that this is not acceptable. Too many women and children are at risk with the added stresses of a poor economy, job losses and housing foreclosures."

Regarding health care Terry O'Neill stated, "President Barack Obama's address to Congress and the people of the United States resonates at a time when people are fed up with the health care status quo because it is not working. The National Organization for Women is pleased President Obama mentioned the need for a public option to provide health care to those not currently served by the profit-driven private insurance industry.

As activists, we also acknowledge that the steps he outlined fall short of a guarantee of comprehensive health care for all, including the full range of reproductive health services required to ensure equality for women. We must assert our human rights as the debates continue."

Membership VP, Allendra Letsome has devoted her entire professional career to feminist advocacy. At the 2009 National NOW Conference, she was elected membership vice president, joining a select group of women who became national officers before their 30th birthday.