The ACLU has been the leader in the struggle to protect the reproductive rights of women. 
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011 Location: IVY Club, 1502 N. Galena Road, Peoria Heights
The executive director of the ACLU of Illinois will speak at the Peoria ACLU Chapter’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 12, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the chapter.
The event takes place at the IVY Club, 1502 N. Galena Road, Peoria Heights, and begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. with the program, presentation of awards and election of officers to follow.
Guest speaker Colleen K. Connell, executive director of the ACLU of Illinois, is the first female attorney to lead the organization. She has directed its litigation efforts involving the constitutional rights to privacy, reproductive rights and conditions in state facilities for institutionalized persons.
The David Citron Award, for an ACLU member, goes to Peoria ACLU president C. Paul Miller, for his strong leadership of the chapter.
The Sam Belfer Award goes to Illinois Sen. Dave Koehler for his advocacy of the new Illinois Civil Unions law, an important first step in ending discrimination against gays and lesbians in the state.
Reservations for the dinner must be made by May 5. Contact Elaine Hopkins, 309-231-5758 for more information. The dinner costs $35. The public is invited, and welcome to attend the program free of charge.
