One of the most prominent women’s rights activists in the nation will be sharing her views on how women can make positive changes in legislation Wednesday.

Sheila Wellstone will be speaking about “Women Making Change” at 8 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union, followed by a reception.

The speech is being held in conjunction with Women’s Week. All the events, including Wellstone’s speech, are free and open to the public.

Alissa Stoehr, coordinator of Women’s Week and senior in liberal studies, said Wellstone is a National Women’s Rights Activist and has been instrumental in passing laws in legislation dealing with domestic violence and women’s rights.

“The basis of her speech is women making a change at the local, state and national levels,” Stoehr said. “She will be talking about how public policies affect women.”

Stoehr said one of Wellstone’s objectives is to rally people together.

“One of the ways women can make a change is to write or e-mail senators, asking for their support on women’s issues,” Stoehr said.

Pamela Thomas, director of the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, said she thinks Wellstone is an appropriate speaker for feminist issues.

“Sheila brings to ISU the history of her activism and partnership to a senator [her husband],” Thomas said.

She said Wellstone has not let the office of her husband, Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., stifle her work on issues that are important to her.

“I think Women’s Week provides the community with the opportunity to get information on women’s issues.” Thomas said. “It’s also a celebration of awareness and achievement of women.”

Brochures on Women’s Week and its speakers are available at the Sloss House, located on central campus.

For more information about Wellstone’s speech, call (515) 294-9934.