The organizers of the first biennial Seneca Falls Dialogues wish to thank all the participants and sponsors who made this weekend an extraordinary event!  We are especially grateful to our presenters and our keynote speakers, Author and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney and Dr. Carolyn Hannan, Director of the Division for the Advancement of Women at the United Nations. Our panelists from State University College at Brockport, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, St. John Fisher College, and the Uncrowned Queens Institute of State University College at Buffalo provided thought-provoking and dialogue-inducing presentations.  Finally, facilitators Marilyn Tedeschi joined with speakers Eleanor LeCain of Evolutionary Women, and Dr. Peter Mott, Author of Cancer in the Body Politic, leading the World Cafe where many contemporary issues were introduced and discussed in a round table format.

  Several of the college students who attended were so moved by the stories shared, they pledged to carry forth their own initiatives to address women's issues in all arenas.  Dr. Hannan was inspired by the presentation of the film Heroic Girlz by Cindy Parish and Meg Agnew, and said she planned to present it at the United Nations!  Congresswoman Maloney said she will propose to the US Postal Service creation of a new 2011 stamp honoring the 160th anniversary of the occasion when Elizabeth Cady Stanton was introduced by Amelia Bloomer to Susan B. Anthony in Seneca Falls.  Later, she joined in the ceremonial signing and rededication of the Declaration of Sentiments, stating, "Let me take this resolution back to Washington, and we'll get it passed in Congress."

It was a tremendously inspirational weekend, and while the committee is recouping in exhaustion, we're already talking about planning the next Seneca Falls Dialogues.  Watch for more information about the Women's Institute for Leadership and Learning, a year-round, educational extension of the Dialogues currently being formulated,  and bookmark this web site as we plan to share the many pictures and videos taken as well as the stories shared on October 11 and 12.  Most importantly, you'll want to mark your calendar for the next biennial event in the Fall of 2010.  We hope to continue to "dialogue" with you in the meantime, as we can be reached through this web site's contact page at any time.

Until we meet again, we hope you remain inspired to share your story and continue open dialogue on women's issues.  When faced with discouragement, you can call upon the tremendous support network you helped to begin here at the Seneca Falls Dialogues.  This support network has the potential to be a powerful personal resource - and social force on women's rights.  Just remember Helen Keller's meaningful words:  "together we can do so much."

Best and warmest regards,
Mayor Diana Smith
for the entire Seneca Falls Dialogues Committee