Exploring Women’s Issues

“It started as an opportunity to simply get a lift and be encouraged and think of new options,” said Kathryn Swanson, director of the Women’s Resource Center at Cal Lutheran University, reminiscing about past Creative Options events. “It’s super,” she said. “Every year, it grows in popularity.”

The 12th annual event for women will be held on the Cal Lutheran campus from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s a time for discussion of such important topics as health, self-help, financial security and much more,” Swanson said.

The highlight of the event, which features numerous workshops, will be the keynote address by Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colo.), founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. “We’re excited about Pat speaking,” Swanson said. “She provides tremendous leadership.”

Sixty-seven workshops will be offered on such subjects as “Women as Peacemakers,” “Imagine Yourself Free of Unmanageable Stress,” “Diversity as Strength,” “Strategies for Success in a Diverse Workforce,” and “Our Endangered Earth.”

Participants choose a package of three seminars to attend; each is 1 hour 20 minutes.

More than 700 women are expected to attend. “When that many women get together encouraging and supporting each other,” she said, “there’s a real electricity.”

The cost is $18 and includes admission to the keynote speaker engagement. Cost for senior citizens and full-time students is $9. Free care for children ages 2 to 6 is provided.

Registration deadline is Friday. Sign-ups are being taken in CLU’s Women’s Resource Center. For more information, call 493-3345.