Women Unite for New Conference After Ohio University Cancellation
Just a few days after Ohio University announced it would cancel its annual women’s conference, a group of determined women quickly stepped up to create an alternate event. The new conference, called "We Rally & We Rise Women’s Conference," will take place on March 21 at a different location, the Crossroads Event Center in Lancaster. It operates independently of the university.
The university cited concerns about compliance with new federal guidelines regarding discrimination and the importance of promoting diversity as reasons for canceling the "Celebrate Women" event. This decision surprised many in the community, including Angela Krile, who was both a speaker and sponsor for the original event.
Feeling let down but motivated, Krile and her fellow organizer Kim Barlag from the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce quickly brainstormed an alternative. “I shed a few tears, but then thought, action helps more than anything,” Barlag shared. They reached out to women from local businesses and nonprofits, forming a plan over a weekend conference call.
Despite needing to make adjustments due to space limitations, the new event will retain several of the original speakers and sessions. Community support poured in, with numerous sponsors stepping up to fund the conference. Even more exciting, any extra funds raised will contribute to local nonprofits, including the possibility of aiding a domestic violence shelter.
This decision reflects a growing trend in grassroots organizing, especially among women. As recent statistics show, there has been a significant rise in women-led initiatives, particularly in response to policies perceived as harmful to women’s rights. A 2023 survey revealed that 66% of women feel empowered to take action in their communities.
Krile emphasizes the community’s response highlights the event’s significance. “It’s clear how important this conference is to so many,” she said. “Instead of giving up, we figured out a way to make it happen.”
This spirit of resilience showcases how communities can rally together to support their values and needs, proving that even when faced with setbacks, there is strength in unity.
For more details about the "We Rally & We Rise" conference, you can visit the Pickerington Chamber’s website.
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Source linkCelebrate Women conference,Lancaster,Ohio University
