The president of Georgia’s National Organization for Women will speak today on the importance of women becoming politically active.

Sandy Silvers’ speech, "From the Streets to the Capitol: Becoming a NOW Activist," is a call to action for women to become involved in this year’s election, said Nancy Millett, assistant to the director of the women’s studies program, which is sponsoring the speech.

"Students aren’t exposed to activist organizations," Millett said.

She said this would give students a chance to learn how to become politically active, especially in the Georgia General Assembly.

"(Silvers) is going to give a blueprint on how students can become activists," Millett said.

Silvers helped start the first University chapter of NOW as a committee of the Athens area NOW.

The women’s studies program hosts a guest speaker every Friday. The talks have covered a wide range of topics and speakers from writers to a lesbian minister.

"We have different speakers from different backgrounds," Millett said. "It is a great way for the students to get their feet wet in the women’s studies program."

Silvers will speak today at 12:10 p.m. in Tate Student Center Room 140.

-Alice Coggin