Save the Date for Our Annual Fall Events!

Wednesday, October 3rd > Milwaukee Luncheon  Register now! 

Thursday, October 4th > Madison Dinner  Register now!

We are pleased to announce author, filmmaker and artist Ann Fessler as our special guest speaker at our annual fall events in Milwaukee and Madison. Fessler's 2006 book, The Girls Who Went Away, was groundbreaking work, giving voice to the women whose babies were surrendered for adoption without their consent in the mid 20th century. Fessler will release a new film this year, A Girl Like Her, which continues to explore these women's lives and the messages young women received in popular culture during that time.

Although both the film and book focus on adoption, the broader message in both is about the importance of women having control over their lives in order to thrive and build safe, healthy and strong futures. Fessler talks about positive change for women with landmark decisions like Roe v. Wade, the passing of Title X, the repeal of laws that made it illegal for unmarried women to get birth control, and ending discrimination in housing, work and education.

The women’s stories in The Girls Who Went Away are heartbreaking and should be remembered and honored. While the politics of others determining what is best for women are still at play, we must remember the past experiences of women and families to best measure our progress today.

For more information, contact Laura Emir in Milwaukee and Deborah Hobbins in Madison.