Connecting the Dots . . .

NOW is one of the few multi-issue progressive organizations in the United States. NOW stands against all oppression, recognizing that racism, sexism and homophobia are interrelated, that other forms of oppression such as classism and ableism work together with these three to keep power and privilege concentrated in the hands of a few.

Government, our judicial system, big business, mainstream media and other institutions treat many groups in our society like second-class citizens. Pitting us against each other is an essential mechanism for maintaining the status quo. Together, we can create the change we've been dreaming of—our unity is our strength.

NOW's Top Six Priority Issues

HELP NOW SET A FEMINIST AGENDA FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

 

NOW has just released our Feminist Action Agenda for 2009 and Beyond and this exciting, extensive women-centered document should be useful for activists in many ways and can be used in your writing, advocacy, coalition work, state and local policy discussions, just to list a few uses.

Right NOW, we are asking you to use the Agenda in several ways:

1. Review the agenda and fill out our web survey -- let us know how you think we should prioritize our time, energy and funds on behalf of these critical feminist goals. Starting Jan. 20, the U.S. will have a presidential administration that has vowed support for women and girls. That doesn't mean our work is done, though. Together we must urge the Obama-Biden team and Congress to do all they can to undo the damage from eight years of George W. Bush, and finally begin to advance women's rights. We have a long haul toward full equality.

 

So, tell us which of our nine "to do" list items are most critical to you, and help us make it an even 10 by suggesting an additional item or issue that is dear to your heart or on your mind. We're already hard at work, because there's not a moment to lose, and we want to hit the ground running when the new Congress begins in January. Be a part of this effort, and together we can make women's rights a top priority in the White House and Congress. Take action NOW!

 

2. Use the Feminist Action Agenda as a resource for engaging in community action. If you're feeling the effects of the current economic crisis and are angry that big corporations are being "bailed out" and women, children and families are being ignored, then join up with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and make your voices heard! Bring the Feminist Action Agenda to town hall meetings and community discussions being held all around the country and speak out for yourself and on behalf of all the women and their families, who will suffer from the greed and recklessness of giant corporations who have run amok with little supervision these past eight years.

 

How Does NOW Take Action?

Educating the public and media about the status of and threats to women's rights

Organizing rallies, protests, demonstrations and marches of all sizes

Protesting businesses that mistreat women and people of color

Lobbying for and writing laws that promote full equality for women

Registering new voters and inspiring them to get to the polls

Recruiting and electing feminist candidates at all levels of government

Initiating and supporting lawsuits against violators of women's rights

Demanding fair and unbiased courts and judicial nominees

Working in coalition with progressive allies

Get Active in a NOW Campaign and Help Change the World!

Get Active in a NOW Campaign and Help Change the World!

Save the Supreme Court
Protect the court from a right-wing takeover
by anti-woman, anti-civil rights judges

Women-Friendly Workplace Campaign
Demand discrimination-free workplaces
Protest "Merchants of Shame" like Wal-Mart

Campus Action Network/High School Clubs
Increase young feminist activism

Equal Marriage Rights NOW
Win full marriage rights for same-sex couples

Social Security Protection
Advocate for real improvements that help women

Love Your Body - NOW Foundation
Challenge dangerous beauty standards
Promote positive body images

Join NOW

Women's Rights Activists GET RESULTS . . .

Women win the right to vote in 1920.

The birth control pill is approved in 1960.

The Equal Pay Act is passed in 1963.

The Civil Rights Act passes in 1964, outlawing sex discrimination in employment.

In 1967 NOW leads a successful fight to extend Affirmative Action in federal contracts to women.

In 1972 Shirley Chisholm, first African-American woman to run for president, is endorsed by NOW.

Women win Title IX in 1972, prohibiting sex discrimination in education and school athletics.

In 1973 Roe v. Wade establishes a woman's legal right to abortion.

In 1978 feminists win a ban on employment discrimination against pregnant women.

Sexual harassment is ruled an illegal form of job discrimination in 1986.

NOW wins money damages and jury trials for sex discrimination in Civil Rights Act of 1991.

Family and Medical Leave passes in 1993.

The Violence Against Women Act is signed in 1994 and mass action by NOW ensures funding.

NOW organizes to bring 1.15 million marchers to DC in 2004 for women's health, reproductive rights.

Public support for same-sex marriage has grown due to education and activism by groups like NOW.

. . . But The Struggle Is NOT OVER YET.

Women are paid only three-quarters of men's pay, while women of color make even less.

Racism, sexism and homophobia are rampant, limiting the potential of more than half the country.

A woman has never been President of the U.S., nor been nominated by a major party.

Women make up less than one-fifth of the members of Congress and state governors.

Women hold the top positions at less than three percent of the Fortune 500 companies.

Women are vastly under-represented in science and technology professions, the military, judicial
seats and many prestigious fields.

Increased restrictions on reproductive rights leave women and girls with less control over their bodies, health and well-being.

Women and girls are more than 85 percent of all U.S. rape and domestic violence victims.

Congress and most states do not grant equal marriage rights to lesbian and gay couples.

More than 90 percent of those struggling with eating disorders are women or girls; women are 85 percent of cosmetic surgery patients.

Poor women, women of color and women with disabilities experience a disproportionate amount of discrimination, violence, interference in their private lives, and other barriers to equality.

Women's equality still is not guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution — but we don't intend to quit!