1. What are NOW's official priorities?
NOW's official priorities are pressing for an
amendment to the U.S. Constitution that will guarantee equal rights for women;
achieving economic equality for women; championing abortion rights, reproductive
freedom and other women's health issues; supporting civil rights for all and
opposing racism; opposing bigotry against lesbians and gays; and ending violence
against women.
Some of the many other issues that fall into
the wide-ranging category of women’s rights that NOW advocates include:
2. Is NOW funded in any way by the federal
government?
No, NOW is a non-profit organization which
receives all its operating funds from private donations and membership dues.
3. Is NOW affiliated with any one
political party?
No, NOW is a non-partisan organization.
Candidates of all political parties are eligible for endorsement by NOW/PAC and
by state and local NOW Political Action Committee (see question 4).
4. What is NOW/PAC?
NOW's Political Action Committee, or NOW/PAC,
supports candidates in federal elections (for Congress and the Presidency). You
must be a member of NOW to contribute to NOW/PAC. NOW/PAC is the only part of
the national organization that can endorse federal political candidates.
NOW Equality PAC (NEP) supports candidates
for state, county and city offices, from governors to school board members.
Maryland NOW has a political action committee which can endorse candidates for
governor, the state legislature, and local offices.
5. How is NOW organized?
The membership, meeting yearly in Conference,
is the supreme governing body of NOW. NOW draws its broad grassroots strength
from a nationwide network of local chapters, which are chartered by national NOW
and which engage in a wide variety of action programs in their communities.
State organizations serve to develop
chapters, coordinate statewide activities and provide resources to the chapters.
There are nine regions which, in Conference, elect members to the National Board
of Directors, the body which governs the organization between national
conferences.
The national level of the organization is led
by four elected national officers, by the national Board of Directors, and by
national issues committees. These national leaders are responsible for
implementing policy as formulated by the annual National Conference, for
coordinating national actions, and for providing membership services.
6. How are the NOW membership fee and
donated monies used?
Your annual membership fee includes
membership at the national, state, and local chapter levels. This
means that your membership in Baltimore NOW comes with automatic, full
membership in both Maryland NOW and national NOW as well as the local Baltimore
chapter.
Your one annual fee goes to support NOW at
each of these three levels--provided you affiliate with a local chapter. If you
don’t affiliate with a local chapter, your membership supports only activism
at the state and national levels and not at your local community level.
National dues goes toward staffing the office
in Washington, which actively lobbies federal government officials and agencies
on women’s issues, publishes the National NOW Times, etc. State dues goes
toward coordinating the efforts of the local chapters, staffing the Maryland NOW
Lobbyist’s office, publishing The Maryland NOW Times, etc.
Local chapter dues goes toward organizing
local workshops, protests, social events, and other activities, publishing the
Equalizer, informing membership about community issues, etc.
Donations and special appeals go to the level
directed and to the purpose stated (if applicable).
7. Does NOW have a volunteer/internship
program?
Both National and Maryland NOW offer a formal
internship program (both full and part time) as well as informal volunteer
opportunities throughout the year. College credit can be arranged—contact
either the state or national office for details.
Baltimore NOW is always looking for
volunteers to help with local activities and issues. All levels of involvement
and all kinds of talents are needed, from sealing envelopes, to making phone
calls, to participating in an event or rally. Please contact the Baltimore
office and get involved today!
8. What kinds of services are provided by
NOW?
NOW is a grassroots, "action"
organization with a focus on making broad legal, political, social and economic
change in order to eliminate sexism in our society. Unfortunately, we do not
have the resources to provide individuals with specific legal advice or
counseling services, nor do we have a library or research department to assist
individuals with projects.
However, we are always happy to refer you to
other organizations that may be able to provide specific services. Furthermore,
Baltimore NOW has a local, legal referral list—contact Baltimore
NOW for details.
9. Where can I find a list of abortion
providers?
Local phone directories list providers, or we
can refer you to Planned Parenthood or the National Abortion Federation for
locations.
10. How can I order products from NOW?
You can order NOW products through the
national on-line store by visiting
http://www.now.org/catalogfiles/html/catalog.html.
Or request a free catalog by filling out the web site form or by calling
202-467-6980 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All catalog proceeds
benefit the action programs of national NOW.
Additionally, NOW products are sold locally
at community fairs, special events, and at meetings, Our chapter T-shirt, which
proudly proclaims, "I'm a Bawlmer feminist, Hon!" is a favorite. All
Baltimore NOW purchases support local actions and events and on this web site.
11. What is the Baltimore Clothesline
Project?
The Baltimore Clothesline Project
is a
collection of t-shirts decorated by women survivors of violence, their friends,
and families. The T-shirts are color-coded and displayed on a real clothesline
to help educate people about violence against women, to mourn those who have
died as a result of this violence, and to bear witness to a woman’s courage to
survive and heal.
The Baltimore clothesline was first displayed
at the Rally For Women’s Lives in April 1995 in Washington, DC as part of the
more than 6,000 T-shirts from around the nation. The clothesline is displayed
locally at a variety of community events and activities. We currently have more
than 80 T-shirts. Contact Baltimore NOW to find out when the next display is
scheduled or to schedule an appearance of the clothesline in your community.
12. How can I get involved in NOW?
First of all--be counted! Every dues-paying
member adds to our clout and supports the women’s movement. Next, do something
simple. Wear a hilarious button or T-shirt to show you support women's rights.
Or attend a meeting or special event to get information or take a stand on an
important issue. Baltimore NOW meetings and events are informal and fun, and a
great way to meet other feminists/activists in the community.
And most importantly—volunteer! All levels
of involvement and all kinds of talents are needed, from sealing envelopes, to
making phone calls, to chairing a committee meeting. Contact
Baltimore NOW today to make a difference!
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