National Organization for Women

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is an American feminist group founded on June 30, 1966 in Washington, D.C., by women attending the Third National Conference of the Commission on the Status of Women. Among the 28 founders were Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique (1963), who became NOW's first president, and Rev. Pauli Murray, the first African-American woman Episcopal priest. Molly Yard was president from 1987 to 1991. During the 1970s NOW promoted the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In 1966 they introduced the "Statement of Purpose". In this document they outline the basic demands and ideals of the American feminist movement of the time. The organization's membership is not merely limited to women, and has had famous "male feminists" as members.

Related Topics:
American - Feminist - June 30 - 1966 - Washington, D.C. - Betty Friedan - The Feminine Mystique - Pauli Murray - Molly Yard - 1987 - 1991 - 1970s - Equal Rights Amendment - U.S. Constitution

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In Cincinnati, Ohio, at its 1989 convention on July 23, NOW delegates questioned the merits of the two-party system and broached the idea of forming a third party. The convention issued a "Declaration of Women's Political Independence." An exploratory commission was formed for the possibilities of amending the United States Constitution to include freedom from sexual discrimination, the right to a decent standard of living, the right to clean air, clean water and environmental protections, and the right to be free from violence. The commission was chaired by former NOW president Eleanor Smeal. A month earlier, NOW launched a Commission for Responsive Democracy, which included Smeal, John Anderson, Toney Anaya, Barry Commoner and Dee Barry.

Related Topics:
Cincinnati, Ohio - 1989 - July 23 - Two-party system - Third party - Declaration of Women's Political Independence - United States Constitution - Sexual discrimination - Standard of living - Environment - Violence - Eleanor Smeal - Commission for Responsive Democracy - John Anderson - Toney Anaya - Barry Commoner - Dee Barry

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The group's original purpose (which Friedman scribbled on a napkin) remains "to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men". The organization remains active in lobbying legislatures and media outlets on women's issues.

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It claims 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

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At the present time, NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

Related Topics:
Harassment - Abortion - Birth control - Reproductive rights - Racism - Sexism - Homophobia

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Kim Gandy was elected President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) on its 35th Anniversary, June 30, 2001.

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