The ANSWER Coalition actively supports the work of Women Organized to Resist and Defend (WORD)
A spirited rally and march in Defense of Women’s Rights took place in New Paltz, N.Y., Sept. 7, organized by Mid-Hudson WORD in recognition of Women’s Equality Day.
A total of 135 people attended at some point during the rally in Peace Park before marching with signs and chanting “fight-back” slogans through the village’s business district, returning to the park for informal discussions among attendees and speakers.
Five of the eight speakers were in their upper teens or twenties, to the delight of local WORD organizer Donna Goodman, who viewed youth participation at that level as a positive sign for the future of the women’s movement. Goodman, who is also an a editor of the Activist Newsletter and a delegate of UUP/SUNY (AFL-CIO), spoke about “the political system’s failure do more for women’s rights.”
Other speakers included: Andrea Callan, NY Civil Liberties Union, Statewide Advocacy Coordinator. Julia Vogt, student member of NP High School Pride organization. Cait O’Connor, SUNY New Paltz Feminist Collective. Karina Garcia, New York State WORD organizer, and staff of National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. Joanne Myers, Marist professor, head of Women's Studies dept., VP H.V. LGBTQ Center, member Ulster Democratic Women. Suzanne Kelly, former SUNY NP Adjunct Professor of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. Pat Lamanna, Dutchess peace and justice activist, who sang.
Organized by WORD and Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter, the rally was endorsed by New York Civil Liberties Union, Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Central Labor Council, Ulster County Democratic Women, Orange County Democratic Women, Orange County Democratic Alliance, Orange County Peace and Justice, New Paltz Feminist Collective, N.P. Women in Black, N.P. Statewide United University Professions (AFL-CIO), Occupy New Paltz, Dutchess Greens, Dutchess Peace, Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley, H.V. LGBTQ Center, H.V. Progressives, IFCO/Pastors for Peace, Mid-Hudson ANSWER, Middle East Crisis Response, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Real Majority Project, Ulster MoveOn Council, WESPAC, Women Against War, Hudson River Playback Theatre.