PHILADELPHIA - October 31 - Fifty-seven year White House senior correspondent, Helen Thomas addresses the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Annual Public Gathering on the media's role as watchdogs of democracy.

The AFSC Annual Public Gathering is noted for concentrating attention on social justice issues within a spiritual framework and will be held Nov. 4, at the historic Friends Meetinghouse at Fourth and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. (See http://www.afsc.org for details).

"I can think of no better person than Helen Thomas for this event," said Mary Ellen McNish, general secretary (chief executive) for AFSC, an international social justice organization and a co-recipient of the 1947 Nobel Peace Prize. "Thomas is an outspoken advocate for Middle East peace and the Service Committee has been working for reconciliation in the region since 1949, when, at the United Nations' request, AFSC provided relief to thousands of Palestinian refugees after the Arab-Israel War."

Thomas is expected to speak on her new book entitled, “Watchdogs of Democracy?: The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Has Failed the Public,” which laments a press core monopolized by big business.

Widely recognized as a pioneer in women's journalism, Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy. As UPI White House senior correspondent, she was accorded the customary closing, "Thank you, Mr. President." She is now a syndicated columnist for Hearst News Service.

Best known for launching massive programs to feed millions of starving children in post-war Germany, the American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization respecting the dignity and worth of every person. The search for regional peace has been a major focus of the AFSCs highly regarded international affairs work.

"Philadelphia has been a center of activity for Quakers internationally and this event focuses our global quest for peace and social justice," McNish explains.

The Annual Public Gathering begins at 1:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For information, call 215-241-7000, or visit http://www.afsc.org.

Note to Editors: Thomas, McNish are available for interview. Head shots, photos of arch street meeting are available. Coverage invited.

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