Young Feminists

National Organization for Women Pres Terry O'Neill back on The Ed Show tonight

2012-02-03T15:35:00.001-05:00

Terry will be on MSNBC again tonight discussing Planned Parenthood and the Susan G. Komen Foundation with Ed Schultz.

Her hit time should be around 8:35pm (EST), but 8:20 may be a good time to start watching, just in case she goes on a few minutes early.

NOW National President Terry O'Neill on MSNBC Tonight

2012-02-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

Terry O'Neill will be on MSNBC tonight discussing Planned Parenthood, Komen with Ed Schultz.

Her hit time should be around 8:50pm, but you may want to tune in starting at 8:30pm.

URGENT: Calls Needed for Violence Against Women Act

2012-02-01T10:28:00.001-05:00

URGENT: Calls Needed for VAWA

January 31, 2012

Dear NOW Activists:

We need your immediate assistance contacting key senators to urge them to co-sponsor and take leadership in passing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 (VAWA, S. 1925).

The chief sponsors, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are bringing the bill up for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Feb. 2, and they need LOTS OF SPONSORS. They are running into resistance from some (not all) conservative senators, even ones who formerly co-sponsored and led the effort to pass earlier versions of VAWA.

Please call your senator(s) and ask why they are not on the bill. A list of these key senators and their phone numbers appears below.

Here are several talking points for your call:

Senator,

* Millions of girls and boys, women and men will have a better chance to escape and heal from sexual, domestic, dating and stalking violence when the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, S. 1925.

* Anti-violence and women's health and safety advocates are truly puzzled and saddened that some senators who formerly co-sponsored VAWA, are not on the bill this time around.

* S. 1925 currently has the bipartisan support of almost one-third of the full Senate, and I hope it is an oversight and not deliberate that your name is missing from that list of sponsors.

* I understand that the bill takes into consideration many Republican concerns. During these harsh economic times, the money authorized has been lowered to the 2000 level, programs have been consolidated, budgets tightened and accountability emphasized.

* We all know that sexual and domestic violence still occurs not only in our state but all across the nation. It isn't just the shelters and crisis centers that are looking for your support, but the religious, health care and civil rights communities are behind VAWA as well. Most important, the law enforcement community joins our call to sponsor and pass VAWA, with 47 state attorneys general adding their voices, including our own state.

*We call on you to step up once again as our champion to fight for a nation free of sexual and domestic violence.

Feel free to tell your senator(s) about what is happening in your state with anti-violence programs and the increasing demand for their services.

Senators to call:

Hawaii
Daniel Akaka (D) Phone: 202-224-6361
Daniel Inouye (D) Phone: 202-224-3934

Iowa
Chuck Grassley (R) Phone: 202-224-3744

Maine
Susan Collins (R) Phone: 202-224-2523
Olympia Snowe (R) Phone: 202-224-5344

Mississippi
Thad Cochran (R) Phone: 202-224-5054

South Dakota
Tim Johnson (D) Phone: 202-224-5842

Utah
Orrin Hatch (R) Phone: 202-224-5251

If you have any trouble reaching your senator's office, please try to reach them through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

For more information, visit www.4vawa.org

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What we stood for outside the Supreme Court

2012-01-30T13:19:00.001-05:00

One week ago today, I joined pro-choice activists on the sidewalk outside the Supreme Court to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Also that day a so-called "March for Life" took place.

You know as well as I do that opponents of women's reproductive rights could give a hoot about women's lives -- and that's why I'm hoping you'll give generously to help us fight for reproductive justice.

The coming year is not going to be pretty:

• The same day as our demonstration, House Speaker John Boehner spoke to the so-called "March for Life" -- we can expect this man to push more anti-choice bills to the floor.

• Republican presidential candidates appear to be in a war with each other to define who is most against women's health (Rick Santorum's suggestion that rape victims should "make the best of a bad situation" is only one such example).

• We can expect to hear more about the "Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act," which would further stigmatize women of color who seek abortion care.

Elections have consequences for reproductive rights, and 2012 is a critical year for women's rights activists -- will you give today?

For women's lives,
Terry O'Neill, President
National Organization for Women

P.S. Please give whatever you can afford -- even $25 helps NOW mobilize grassroots women's rights supporters in this critical election year.

2012-01-29T19:39:00.003-05:00

Posted by: Anna Gedal

The Dominant Forced into Submission: Why Male Rape isWorse than Female Rape According to the New York Times

I was sipping mymorning coffee when my friend sent me thislink to a post on Radfem Hub. Itwas about a recent article in the New York Times in which an entire two pageswere devoted to the topic of male rape. That is not to say that the issues of male rape does not deserve ourattention, but the implications of the article were extremely disturbing on thepart of the New York Times, and more deeply, a sad reflection of ourpatriarchal society in general.

In the past, I’vebeen disappointed by the NYT’s attempts to cover women’s issues, often feelingoffended or upset after reading them. More alarmingly, but perhaps not unexpectedly, I’ve found that severalof their female journalists who cover women’s issues hold thinly veiledcontempt for women and feminism. Yet last week’s article, “As Victims, Men Struggle for Rape Awareness,”seemed miles beyond offensive studies that declared women who wear make-up willbe more successful or how sweatshops in the third world contribute to femaleempowerment. I clicked on the link at the Radfem Hub and was redirected to theNew York Times site.

First we see awell-dressed man standing fearlessly against a ferocious natural backdrop. He looks at us with slight suspicion;his dominance is unmistakable. Heis in no way portrayed as a victim; his “masculinity” has been restored.

Let’s start withthe article’s title, as I find it in and of itself problematic, “As Victims,Men Struggle For Rape Awareness.” Does this not imply that women do not struggle for awareness? Does this not ignore thevictim-blaming, rape culture within which we live? The article explains the brutal assault that Keith Smithendured as a child. After beingraped, he promptly returned home and told his father and brother who did notquestion his accusation. He wasnot blamed for the crime perpetrated against him. The article does not mentioned what Smith was wearing nordoes it discuss his sexual history. He was the victim. Period. Smith was raped by a stranger who ultimately was caught. Before he could stand trial, he wasshot and killed for his crime. Retribution was served. Thepictures and the title speak for themselves. They beg the question: how could a strong man, a masculinefigure be raped?

The article goeson to spew statistics about male rape and how it remains under-reported and howthe resources for victims are limited because we expect women, not men to beraped. Most frighteningly thearticle implies that Smith’s experience as a man was more damaging to him andhis “masculinity” than it would have been for a woman. In fact, the author, Roni Rabin,declares that rape for men transcends your run-of-the-mill effects. Men suffer as female victims suffer, “But men also face a challenge to theirsense of masculinity. Many feel they should have done more to fight off theirattackers. Since they may believe that men are never raped, they may feelisolated and reluctant to confide in anyone. Male rape victims may becomeconfused about their sexual orientation or, if gay and raped by a man, blametheir sexual orientation for the rape.” As opposed to female victims, whosefemininity is enforced by sexual assault? Being naturally submissive, being socialized to be submissive, women arethus the natural victims of rape? In our patriarchal world when the dominant are forced into submission,when the “masculine” are forced to take on a “feminine” role, does thisconstitute a more profound crime?

It is disturbing to me that an extremelycredible, self-declared liberal news outlet can report stories in this mannerand do so frequently without facing criticism. This article suggests that as natural perpetrators, men,when victimized lose their sense of self. What does this say about our culture,about the way we understand gender and sexuality? Women endure sexual assaultmore readily than men. The sexualcrimes perpetrated against them more often than not go unreported and unpunished. The society in which we live has plentyof mechanisms in place to blame them, and to excuse the perpetrators of theircrimes. This article is foundedupon the premise that women are naturally victims and men are naturallyvictimizers. When this balance is thrown off, men, not women suffer.

Violence Against Women Act Needs Your Immediate Action

2012-01-27T10:18:00.001-05:00

Violence Against Women Act Needs Your Immediate Action

Tell your senators...

After taking action,
please support our work!

January 26, 2012

TAKE ACTION: Your messages are urgently needed to push back against conservatives in the Senate who are attempting to drastically reduce funding under the Violence Against Women Act. Please call AND email your senators urging them to oppose amendments that would effectively shut down many smaller anti-violence programs and seriously impact services in larger programs.

NOW believes that requiring VAW programs to match federal funds by cash contributions is the first step toward eventually eliminating federal support. The Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1925) today, so your calls and messages should be sent ASAP.

BACKGROUND:

New Information Reveals Game Plan to Gut VAWA - As the Senate Judiciary Committee began its consideration of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1925), it became clear that conservatives in the Senate are pushing hard to eventually eliminate federal funding for anti-violence programs that protect women (as well as men and children) from domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence. They are holding out for a proposed amendment that would require all programs to come up with a cash-only match in order to get federal funds -- a mandate that many local programs would not be able to meet.

Appropriation levels in VAWA 2011 were already seriously reduced, with amounts slashed back to 2000 levels. More than three-quarters of VAW programs, including hundreds of shelters, have indicated that they have experienced a decrease in funding overall (state, local and private sources) at the same time demand for services has increased for most of them! States in financial trouble have reduced support, while private donations have fallen off.

Huge Unmet Need - We know that demand for services are great. Statistics about violence in the U.S. come from the annual one-day census of shelters and services, conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Their 2010 annual survey of 1,746 participating programs found that 70,648 domestic violence survivors were served in that one day. However, 9,541 requests had to be turned away for lack of funds and staff to assist survivors in need of services, such as emergency shelter, housing, transportation, child care and legal representation. Of these requests, 60 percent were from survivors seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing.

Multiplying the more than 9,500 unmet requests out across a full year, it is estimated that roughly 3.5 million violence survivors could not obtain assistance from VAW programs because of inadequate funding and program staffing! Fully 92 percent of programs reported a rise in demand for services, while 77 percent reported a decrease in funding, according to the analysis.

These shocking statistics lend even more urgency to your message to the Senate to fully fund VAWA and oppose any efforts to require state and local programs to come up with matching cash and any other amendments that would reduce services.

Violence is Prevalent - A recently released study, The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, finds that in the U.S., on average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. Since VAWA was enacted in 1994, reporting of domestic violence has increased by as much as 51 percent, and the rate of non-fatal intimate partner violence has decreased by 63 percent. We now know much more about the prevalence of violence against women, allowing state and local programs to better address remedies. VAWA provides essential resources to state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these crimes as well as to the non-profit organizations that provide support to survivors.

VAWA Focuses on Prevention - The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act as introduced in the Senate on Nov. 30 by Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) and joined as co-sponsors by Sens. Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho) and Paul Kirk (R-Ill.), would maintain VAWA's crucial support and services for survivors of violence.

VAWA 2011 also includes prevention programs that focus on children and youth, as well as ways to engage men as leaders and role models in ending violence against women. The bill provides tools to prevent domestic violence homicides by training law enforcement, victim service providers, and court personnel on identifying and managing high-risk offenders and connecting high-risk survivors to crisis intervention services.

Rural, Tribal Assistance Provided - VAWA 2011 improves responses to the high rate of violence against women in tribal communities by strengthening concurrent tribal criminal jurisdiction over perpetrators who assault Indian spouses and dating partners in Indian country.

VAWA programs have provided survivors with critical services such as transitional housing, legal assistance, and supervised visitation services. It has addressed the unique barriers faced by victims in rural communities, elderly victims, and those with disabilities. The bill strengthens housing protections for victims by applying existing housing protections to nine additional federal housing programs.

Senate to Move VAWA Soon - The Senate Judiciary Committee has begun finalizing S. 1925, readying it for a floor vote soon. The time is NOW to reach out to the Senate to urge the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act by sending messages to your senators and to urge them to oppose any amendments that would weaken programs' abilities to meet heightened demand. If your senator supports VAWA, please ask her/him to become a co-sponsor and to take leadership in getting a strong bill passed.

More Information:

National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Facebook page with action and information items, plus toolkit.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, links to legislation, and section-by-section analysis

National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010

2010 Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-Hours Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services

Testimony by Terry O'Neill, Esq., President, National Organization for Women, A Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, July 13, 2011 (PDF)

and then

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Urgent Election News

2012-01-26T09:14:00.001-05:00

The race for Oregon's 2nd District congressional seat is heating up, and the votes will be counted on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Don't delay -- mail in your vote for NOW/PAC-endorsed candidate Suzanne Bonamici today! After casting your ballot (or if you don't live in her district), please contact the campaign to volunteer to get out the vote.

Bonamici's Republican opponent, Tea Party candidate Rob Cornilles, opposes a woman's right to choose and has been endorsed by Oregon Right to Life. Recent alerts tell us:

Cornilles just took thousands of dollars from "KOCHPAC" -- the Koch Brothers' business PAC. As you may know, the Koch brothers are oil billionaires who are helping bankroll the Tea Party and other radical right-wing efforts.

Just as voters in Oregon's vote-by-mail-only election started to receive their ballots, GOP leaders swooped in with a television ad buy distorting Bonamici's record with half-truths, distortions and outright lies.

Bonamici previously had a healthy lead in the race, but Cornilles just released a poll suggesting he's closing the gap. The poll shows Bonamici just four points (within the margin of error) ahead of Cornilles.

We need feminists like Bonamici fighting for our rights on Capitol Hill. Mail in your ballot today and volunteer with the campaign to help reach out to other voters. The clock is ticking: Show Bonamici you've got her back!

For equality,
Terry O'Neill, President
National Organization for Women

Support NOW's Wor

National Organization for Women News: Trust Women, Roe, SOTU, Birth Control

2012-01-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

JANUARY 24, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March (Jan. 20-27)
Open Letter to President Obama: NOW Urges 2012 Wake-Up Call for Nation
Roe v. Wade Turns 39, Abortion Rights Still Under Attack
Join a Roe Commemoration Event Near You
Catholic Bishops Fail to Take Birth Control from More Women
2012 National Conference *Save the Date*

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March (Jan. 20-27)

On this 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, NOW is proud to partner with the Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign, MoveOn and advocates around the country to begin 2012 with a powerful event that builds solidarity and momentum for reproductive health, rights and justice. Take Action!

Open Letter to President Obama: NOW Urges 2012 Wake-Up Call for Nation (PDF)

NOW is deeply invested in the message the president will send in his State of the Union Address on Jan. 24. The nation is at a crucial juncture that demands strong, principled leadership to restore a broadly representative democracy and reduce income inequality. Achieving these goals is essential for fairness and justice in our society. Read more.

Roe v. Wade Turns 39, Abortion Rights Still Under Attack

**Join a Roe Commemoration Event Near You**

Celebrate Roe v. Wade's 39th Anniversary with your local NOW chapter! Check here to see our list of actions and events hosted by our grassroots chapter network. *FYI: These events are still occurring through the end of this week.

Catholic Bishops Fail to Take Birth Control from More Women

In an important decision that ensures access to affordable birth control for millions of women, the Obama administration announced that it would not expand an unconstitutional refusal clause that will already deny contraceptive coverage to some women under the Affordable Care Act. Read more.

2012 National NOW Conference
Save the Date

"A Feminist Wake-Up Call"

Friday, June 29 - Sunday, July 1

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 20190

Visit the 2012 Conference website for more info »

Stay tuned for more 2012 conference updates soon.

2012 is a regional conference year. Learn more »

Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary

To honor the decision that recognized women's legal right to abortion, the National Action Center hosted a peaceful and poignant vigil in front of the Supreme Court. View photos on Flickr »

Watch our video on YouTube »

Your support is absolutely vital to NOW's ability to take on the right wing and push ahead on all of our important issues. Please consider contributing and if you're not a member joining NOW.

Support NOW's campaign to save women's reproductive freedom.

FRESH FROM NOW'S BLOGS...

Say It, Sister!: Advertising Strikes Again
Media Hall of Shame: "Work It" Works Overtime Promoting Sex Stereotypes

Find more on NOW's Media Hall of Shame and Say It, Sister! NOW's Blog for Equality

CONNECT WITH NOW ONLINE

NOW READ THIS...

Trent Franks Of Arizona Introduces Ban On Late-Term Abortions In DC WUSA9
Pro-choicers demonstrate: 'Abortion on demand and without apology!' The Daily Caller
Obama Administration Announces New Decision On Birth Control, To Chagrin Of Religious Groups Huff Post Politics
Anti-Abortion Group Sends Children With Teddy Bears To Lobby Lawmakers Huff Post Politics
The Onerous Toll of the Helms Amendment and What Obama Can Do To Change It RH Reality Check

Read more on NOW Read This

GET INVOLVED: Take Action | Join NOW | Find Your Nearest Chapter

SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work | Monthly Giving | Shop Amazon

STAY CONNECTED: Say It, Sister! | The Media Hall of Shame | RSS | Twitter | Facebook

NOW to Celebrate Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary with Vigil at U.S. Supreme Court

2012-01-23T13:26:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

NOW to Celebrate Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary
with Vigil at U.S. Supreme Court

January 20, 2012

On Monday, Jan. 23, the National Organization for Women (NOW) will hold its annual vigil in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, commemorating the 39th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision affirming women's constitutional right to abortion.

"For nearly four decades, NOW and women's rights activists around the country have been fighting to ensure that women have access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion, birth control and prenatal care," said NOW President Terry O'Neill. "But the struggle continues, and far-right extremists are now ramping up their attacks, passing a record number of state anti-abortion laws just last year, and pressing for complete defunding of family planning clinics."

"Clearly, abortion is still front and center on right-wing political agendas, putting women's lives at risk," O'Neill stated. "Our grassroots activists and allies across the country will continue to stand strong to protect our rights. We will never give up, and we will never go back."

Who: NOW President Terry O'Neill and pro-choice activists

What: Vigil to commemorate the 39th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

When: Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Where: In front of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1 First Street NE, Washington, D.C.

Local NOW chapters across the country will also host actions and events. A complete list is available online.

###

Read this email online | Press Room | NOW.org | Support NOW's Work |

Roe v. Wade Turns 39, Abortion Rights Still Under Attack

2012-01-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

Roe v. Wade Turns 39, Abortion Rights Still Under Attack
Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill

January 22, 2012

As we celebrate the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that recognized a woman's constitutional right to legal abortion, we can't forget how many times women's lives have been put at risk in the past year. Legislators in 24 states passed 92 anti-abortion provisions in 2011, shattering the previous record of 34 adopted in 2005, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

These new restrictions included waiting-period requirements, onerous and unnecessary clinic regulations and cuts to family planning services and providers because of their connection with abortion. Thanks to a newly energized grassroots coalition, voters defeated the Mississippi Personhood Amendment, a measure that would have legally defined personhood as beginning at fertilization in the state's constitution. But that fight is far from over.

Anti-choice extremists have also continued their push to restrict insurance coverage of abortion. Eight states severely limit insurance coverage of abortion in all private insurance plans written in the state, including those that will be offered through the health insurance exchanges that will be established under the federal health care reform law.

A majority of Americans agree with the Roe v. Wade decision and support a woman's right to safe and legal abortion care. One in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime. Yet the current GOP presidential candidates are so out of touch that Mitt Romney supports overturning Roe, Newt Gingrich wants to defund family planning, and Rick Santorum favors a constitutional ban on abortion.

Reproductive health care is not for some women; it is a fundamental right of all women. We will not let anti-choice groups destroy what we worked so hard for. On this anniversary, and with 289 days left until Election Day 2012, NOW pledges to work tirelessly to elect officials who will support women's access to the full range of reproductive health care services, and defeat those who don't.

###

Read this email online | Press Room | NOW.org | Support NOW's Work |

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March (Jan. 20-27)

2012-01-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March (Jan. 20-27)

January 23, 2012

TAKE ACTION:

On this 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, NOW is proud to partner with the Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign, MoveOn and women's health and rights advocates around the country in supporting the Trust Women Week National Online March.

Together with our allies we will begin 2012 with a powerful event that builds solidarity and momentum for reproductive health, rights and justice. Click on the link below to send your views to Congress, state governors and state legislators. You'll see your actions on an online map where you can also see who else is marching virtually, both nearby and nationwide. Join us! Our goal is to send a strong pro-choice message online.

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March

BACKGROUND:

The majority in this country believes that decisions about reproductive health care, including family planning and abortion, should be left to each person. Yet extremist politicians chose to divert the public's attention from the current economic crisis with dangerous policy proposals about these private decisions. Their actions have been called a "war on women" for good reason.

The U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures have particularly focused on eliminating access to basic health care services and contraception as well as abortion care, with severe consequences for women. We must get the word to policymakers -- and each other -- that we are many, powerful and committed.

NOW, in partnership with the Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign, MoveOn and more than 50 organizations nationwide, are expressing our views through an exciting National Online March. We'll select messages to policymakers, and our choices will appear on a common online map. We'll see our numbers grow in real time. Our goal is to send the strongest pro-choice message we can during Trust Women Week (Jan. 20-27).

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March

Thanks for all you do for women's rights!

and then

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Roe v. Wade: We will never go back

2012-01-23T10:44:00.001-05:00

Thirty-nine years ago on Jan. 22, the Supreme Court issued the Roe v. Wade decision, affirming women's fundamental right to self-determination. But today our rights are under attack as never before, and we are fighting back. Please help us ensure women's access to safe, legal abortion for generations to come.

Last year's ferocious attacks on women's reproductive rights, when states passed a record number of anti-abortion laws, were only a preview of what extremists are planning to roll out this year. They're aiming to build obstacles to accessing abortion care that are as dangerous as they are insulting:

• Sweeping refusal policies at the federal and state levels give medical providers the "right" to dictate women's access to reproductive health care -- akin to last year's U.S. House-passed bill that would have let hospitals refuse to perform even a life-saving abortion.

• Purposefully unrealistic Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws to drive women's health clinics out of business -- when 87 percent of counties already lack an abortion provider.

• Compassionless and often racist funding restrictions that force women and their families to go without groceries and other essentials in order to pay for birth control, abortion care and other needed reproductive health care.

NOW is determined to get the word out about what is at stake for women in this year's election, and you can help right now. Our chapters and grassroots leaders are activating their networks -- in person as well as through social media -- calling, emailing and visiting their elected representatives, recruiting feminists to run for office and working to elect those who will work for our issues.

With your help, women will never go back -- we will fight back and win.

For women's lives,
Terry O'Neill, President
National Organization for Women

P.S. Please give as generously as you can -- women's lives depend on it.

Thu, Jan 26, 7pm-9pm: Demystifying Abortion

2012-01-19T10:51:00.001-05:00

The Planned Parenthood of New York City Activist Council & The New School's Global Health Student Organization Invite You to

Demystifying Abortion

A Panel Discussion and Q&A to learn more about the abortion experience

How can I get access to care? What is the process really like? How much does it cost? What happens afterwards?

Hear from The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF), The Doula Project, Planned Parenthood of New York City, a patient, a health center escort, and more as we explore the abortion experience and the various aspects involved, including funding, medical care, and support during and after the procedure.

Ask questions and share stories in a safe space.

RSVP Today

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Theresa Lang Center @ The New School (55 West 13th Street, NYC)

7-9 pm

RSVP is required for this event

If you have questions regarding the event, please email activists@ppnyc.org

THURS. 1/19: PUSH BACK Against Anti-Choice Assaults Educational/Organizing Meeting

2012-01-19T10:48:00.001-05:00

Stand with Women's Rights Activists for Roe Anniversary

2012-01-16T13:39:00.001-05:00

Stand with Women's Rights Activists for 39th Anniversary of Roe

Sunday, Jan. 22, will mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that recognized women's fundamental right to self-determination. NOW affirms that abortion rights go far beyond mere matters of choice: The ability to access safe, legal and affordable abortion care is integral to women's ability to exercise their full human rights.

Throughout the month, NOW chapters around the country are hosting rallies, speak-outs and panel discussions in support of Roe v. Wade. A list of actions from California to Michigan to North Carolina and beyond is available on the NOW website.

We hope those of you in the Washington, D.C., area will join the National NOW Action Center for our annual vigil outside the Supreme Court on Monday, Jan. 23.

Supreme Court Vigil
Monday, Jan. 23
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
U.S. Supreme Court
1 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20543

Be sure to RVSP via our facebook event and remember to invite all your pro-choice friends.

Bring your Keep Abortion Legal NOW rounds and battery-operated candles (note: traditional candles are not allowed outside the Court) to join this peaceful and poignant vigil. We will also have some signs and battery-operated votive candles on hand.

and then

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National Organization for Women News: Roe, 2012 Conference, Green Energy

2012-01-11T13:11:00.001-05:00

National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

JANUARY 10, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

Roe v. Wade Anniversary
2012 National Conference *Save the Date*
Obama Administration Failing Women on Birth Control
NOW Foundation Invites You to Sign Up for Viridian Green Energy

Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Join a Roe commemoration event near you this January and celebrate with your local NOW chapter! Check here to see our list of actions and events hosted by our grassroots chapter network. *FYI: This page will be updated frequently, so check back often.

2012 National NOW Conference
Save the Date

"A Feminist Wake-Up Call"

Fri, June 29 - Sun, July 1

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
1739 West Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 20190
Visit the hotel website »

Stay tuned for more 2012 conference updates soon.

Obama Administration Failing Women on Birth Control

NOW President Terry O'Neill writes on The Huffington Post: "As the president of NOW, I hear from a lot of women (and men). Many of them are outraged right now, and they're asking the same question: Can this be real -- is the White House actually caving in to the radical right on birth control?" Read more.

NOW Foundation Invites You to Sign Up for Viridian Green Energy

We are proud to announce that NOW Foundation has joined with Viridian Energy, a socially responsible retail energy company that supplies competitively priced green energy, to offer you an alternative to your current power supplier. When you sign up as a Viridian Customer, you can save money on your energy bill over time, do something better for the environment and help out our organization without having to do anything extra. Think of the difference you can make simply by choosing Viridian!

Viridian currently offers service in select markets in CT, IL, MD, NJ, NY and PA. Learn more.

Switching to a competitive third-party supplier is not mandatory, and you, the customer, have the option of remaining with your utility for basic generation service. Viridian Energy is licensed in Connecticut (Docket # 09-04-15), Illinois (Case # 11-0348), Maryland (License Reference # IR-1840), New Jersey (License # ESL-0084), New York (ESCO Code VRID), and Pennsylvania (Docket # A-2099-2145794) to serve residential and commercial energy customers. Viridian offers two rate plans: variable rates, which are subject to change based on market conditions, and fixed rates, which are fixed for an agreed upon number of billing cycles. Current rates should not be construed as a guarantee of future rates or savings.

National NOW Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Vigil

Join National NOW and allies to commemorate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Bring your Keep Abortion Legal NOW rounds and battery-operated candles (note: traditional candles are not allowed outside the Supreme Court) to join this peaceful and poignant vigil. Read more »

Your support is absolutely vital to NOW's ability to take on the right wing and push ahead on all of our important issues. Please consider contributing and if you're not a member joining NOW.

FRESH FROM NOW'S BLOGS...

Media Hall of Shame: "Work It" Works Overtime Promoting Sex Stereotypes

Find more on NOW's Media Hall of Shame and Say It, Sister! NOW's Blog for Equality

CONNECT WITH NOW ONLINE

NOW READ THIS...

Republicans Versus Reproductive Rights NY Times
FBI Director Approves of New Rape Definition Ms.
Santorum Fights Against Freedom He's Used Slate
Ron Paul's Strange Bedfellows The Nation
Biology isn't telling anyone to deprive women of access to reproductive control Pandagon
Black Women Enlisting at Higher Rates in U.S. Military NY Times
Why women have second trimester abortions Salon
Top Women of 2011 HuffPost Women
The 2012 Attack on Reproductive Rights Will Trade on Women of Color ColorLines

Read more on NOW Read This

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SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work | Monthly Giving | Shop Amazon

STAY CONNECTED: Say It, Sister! | The Media Hall of Shame | RSS | Twitter | Facebook

Down to the Wire: Women's Reproductive Health at Stake

2011-12-31T16:02:00.001-05:00

We're so close! If we can raise $5,000 in the next few hours, NOW Foundation will meet our year-end campaign goal. Can you give $100, $50, even $25 to help?

We can do it!
Terry

Let's not sugarcoat this: The upcoming year will be a difficult one for women's rights, and we need your help!

As you have seen, the struggle for reproductive justice is now so brutal as to include attacks on contraception. Our opponents will stop at nothing in their crusade against women's fundamental right to self-determination.

We're planning an all-out effort to mobilize women in 2012, and we are counting on you to help make it a resounding success! From educating voters about the women's rights records of candidates in key races, to comprehensive voter mobilization trainings, to partnering with allied organizations to register more women to vote and ensure they go to the polls on Election Day, every dollar counts.

Please give as generously as you can; your donations to NOW Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible.

Time is running short. I know you share my concerns about the persistence of brazen attacks on women's health in the coming year. The clock is ticking! Give today.

Thanks for all you do for women and girls,
Terry O'Neill, President
NOW Foundation

P.S. Without control of our bodies, women will never have full equality. Please give today.

Jan 6 - Jan 8: Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference

2011-12-30T09:30:00.001-05:00

The Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference (BMCC IX): Is What We're Doing Working?

Friday, Jan. 6th 2012 starting at 6 p.m until 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 7th starting at 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 8th starting at 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

CONFERENCE HOTEL

Holiday Inn Turf

205 Wolf Road, Albany, NY

1-800-HOLIDAY ~ 518-458-7250

Ask for Battered Mothers Custody Conference block - special rate of $99/night

Reserve as early as possible!

Come see the special BMCC Premier of Professor Garland Waller's New Documentary

No Way Out But One, featuring Holly, Jennifer, and Zachary Collins

Come hear plenary presentations and workshops by
the best-of-the-best attorneys, authors, advocates and activists working on behalf
of protective mothers and their children:

Dr. Phyllis Chesler, Author of the newly released edition of Mothers on Trial

Lundy Bancroft, Author of The Batterer as Parent, Why Does He Do That?, and other books

Barry Goldstein, Author and Co-Editor of Domestic Violence, Child Custody, and Abuse

Angela Shelton, Actress, Author, and Producer of Looking for Angela Shelton

Wendy Murphy, J.D., Victims' Advocate, Author of And Justice for Some

Karen Huffer, Author, Legal Abuse Syndrome

Rita Smith, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Learn from the most experienced women's custody attorneys in the country, including

Toby Kleinman, J.D.
Joan Zorza, J.D.
Nancy Erickson, J.D.

Attend workshops given by
Advocates for protective mothers from across the country

Please register NOW for the Ninth Battered Mothers Custody Conference! Online registration and hotel information are available at www.batteredmotherscustodyconference.org

Saturday and Sunday lunch are included in the registration fee.

Low-cost registration available to battered mothers and unpaid/low-paid advocates.

No-cost child care will be available by arrangement throughout the weekend!
Contact Dr. Mo Hannah at mhannah413@aol.com

For additional information, go to www.batteredmotherscustodyconference.org

Egyptian court rules against the use of "virginity tests" on female detainees

2011-12-28T09:08:00.003-05:00

Posted by:
Micah Bochart

Yesterday, an Egyptian court issued a ban on the military's performance of so-called "virginity tests" on female detainees, a stirring articulation not only of civil society's resistance to martial oppression, but also of the refusal of Egypt's women to be silenced by assault and intimidation.
The ruling comes in the case of 25-year-old Samira Ibrahim, a marketing manager, who took Egypt's military junta to court in August with the allegation that she'd been subjected to "tests" of this nature during a violent crackdown on protests on March 9th.
Rights groups contend that the military has implemented such practices to shield themselves against accusations of rape. Leaving aside the profound fallacy of using sexual assault to guard against sexual assault charges, the practice is perhaps most nauseating when one considers the junta's unshakeable confidence that the survivors of such atrocities would remain silent.
Ibrahim refused to allow them that privilege, and the courts have reinforced her stance. The three-judge panel attested that the virginity tests were "a violation of women's rights and an aggression against their dignity." Confirming aforementioned suspicions, the ruling also claimed that a member of the junta had admitted to Amnesty International in June that the practice was indeed indented to safeguard against rape charges, and indicated that it was in fact an administrative order and not an individual decision.

This ruling offers an encouraging companion narrative to a December 20 issue brief from the Center for American Progress, which looked at rape as a weapon of oppression in the context of the Arab Spring. Amidst a roster of injuries already grimly familiar to anyone who has worked in the field of women's rights - the devastating impact that sexual assault exacts in conservative religious communities, wherein assaulted women are seen to have lost their honor and are ostracized on that basis, or the inability of forcibly impregnated women to obtain abortions - the issue brief also comments on the degree to which women in much of the Arab world, Egypt included, are systematically denied access to the legal sphere. "Rape," it argues, "is not a matter of public justice . . . Public places where rape victims look for legal remedy, such as courts and police stations, are 'no place for respectable women.'"
Amidst a regime that makes a hobby out of squashing most forms of democratic expression, it remains to be seen how much yesterday's ruling will do to reverse that trend. But in lending solidarity to Ibrahim's statement - "I will not give up my rights as a woman and as a human being -" the courts have at least given the green light to women across the country who might otherwise have despaired of their grievances ever being heard.

Cross-posted on Companions of the Garden:
http://companionsofthegarden.blogspot.com/2011/12/egyptian-court-rules-against-use-of.html

TODAY: 2pm-7pm: Join the demonstration against the beating, sexual assault and torture of peaceful Egyptian protesters

2011-12-21T12:05:00.002-05:00

https://www.facebook.com/events/260847190641653/

News: Birth Control, VAWA, Occupy Flash Mob

2011-12-20T16:19:00.001-05:00

National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

DECEMBER 19, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!
NOW to Obama: Women Who Elected You Need You To Support Birth Control
Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"
Letter Urges Congress to Reauthorize VAWA (PDF)
Emergency Contraception Betrayal: Does President Obama Really Oppose Family Planning?
NOW Foundation Asks Supreme Court to Protect Stalking Victims Against Employment Discrimination

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!

President Obama is on the brink of a decision that could deny access to basic birth control. Under intense lobbying from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the president is poised to potentially expand an already sweeping refusal clause that allows employers to deny birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Take Action NOW!

NOW to Obama: Women Who Elected You Need You To Support Birth Control

NOW calls on President Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to retract the department's decision to overrule the FDA's recommendation on Plan B One-Step, and to keep all religious exemption clauses out of the Affordable Care Act regulations on insurance coverage of birth control. Read more.

Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"

Take action NOW to reverse this outrageous and purely political decision to overrule the FDA's determination that a form of emergency contraception is safe, effective and should be available over the counter with NO age restriction. Take Action »

Letter Urges Congress to Reauthorize VAWA (PDF)

The National Task Force Against Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women (of which NOW is a member organization) sent a letter to Congress asking for support in reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. VAWA's programs support state, tribal and local efforts to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Read more.

Emergency Contraception Betrayal: Does President Obama Really Oppose Family Planning?

In a stunning betrayal of women, the Obama administration has sided with radical right politics in rejecting the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to remove an age restriction on emergency contraception. Read more.

NOW Foundation Asks Supreme Court to Protect Stalking Victims Against Employment Discrimination

NOW Foundation recently filed a friend of the court brief supporting civil rights attorney and former law professor Dawn V. Martin, who is calling on the Supreme Court to hold that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects a woman from being stalked in her workplace and from being terminated for reporting it. This case is particularly timely in light of recent attention to sexual attacks on college campuses. Read more.

California NOW: One People Flash Mob — Occupy

On Nov. 19, California NOW, along with CodePink and OccupyTogether, converged at Occupy SF & Oakland to dance the world awake. Watch the video on YouTube »

FRESH FROM NOW'S BLOGS...

Say It, Sister!: Holiday Shopping Season Brings Sexist Stereotypes To The Toy Aisle
Say It, Sister!: Why President Obama's Statements on Emergency Contraception Make Things Worse
Say It, Sister!: No Time for Games: Extend Unemployment Insurance
Say It, Sister!: Activists Go Directly To Wal-Mart Board Members Today

Find more on NOW's Media Hall of Shame and Say It, Sister! NOW's Blog for Equality

CONNECT WITH NOW ONLINE

NOW READ THIS...

Selective Abortion-Ban Won't Stop Son Preference Women's eNews
They Call It the Reverse Gender Gap NY Times
Men's Magazines Sound Like Convicted Rapists, Study Claims Huff Post Women
Clinton's Geneva accord: 'Gay rights are human rights' Washington Post

Read more on NOW Read This

GET INVOLVED: Take Action | Join NOW | Find Your Nearest Chapter

SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work | Monthly Giving | Shop Amazon

STAY CONNECTED: Say It, Sister! | The Media Hall of Shame | RSS | Twitter | Facebook

Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"

2011-12-19T14:22:00.001-05:00

Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"

December 16, 2011

Take Action: Tell President Obama and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius to reverse their outrageous and purely political decision to overrule the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) determination that a form of emergency contraception is safe, effective and should be available over the counter with NO age restriction. Please take action right away.

Background: As most everyone has heard by now, HHS Secretary Sebelius overruled FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg's decision to make Plan B One-Step, a form of emergency contraception, available without a prescription and with no age restriction. The FDA's decision came after a federal court ordered the agency to reconsider an age restriction imposed during the Bush administration. The court characterized the age restriction as purely political and not grounded in science or evidence.

In fact, independent medical experts on an FDA advisory committee reviewing Plan B emergency contraception (levonorgestrelan) unanimously concluded in 2003 that Plan B is safe for non-prescription use and the same panel voted 23 to 4 to make it available without prescription, with no age restriction. The drug was found by the FDA as early as 1997 to be safe and effective; its approval has been repeatedly delayed at the behest of right-wing politicians and contraception opponents such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops - the same folks who are lobbying hard to reduce contraceptive access under the new health care law.

When President Obama took office he vowed to support only evidence-based science in decision-making in contrast to his predecessor, George W. Bush, and conservative politicians who often ignored or distorted scientific fact. Plan B is one of the most well-studied contraceptives in U.S. history; it has been used for years in dozens of other countries.

Distressingly, the Obama administration is now repeating the Bush administration's politicization of girls' and women's access to a safe and effective form of emergency contraception. This must not stand. The U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the developed world and young women need to have quick access to emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Adding insult to injury, Secretary Sebelius and President Obama justified countermanding the FDA's decision by questioning the intellectual capacity of younger teenage girls. Said Sibelius: "It is common knowledge that there are significant cognitive and behavioral differences between older adolescent girls and the youngest girls of reproductive age." President Obama made it worse by agreeing and suggesting that "most parents would agree."

To the contrary, we suggest that most parents want lawmakers to protect their daughters' health, not play politics with it. And we have to wonder, where is the concern about the capacity of younger teenage boys to understand the instructions and warnings on a condom package?

The reaction in the women's reproductive rights community and by some of our allies in Congress has been strong. Fourteen U.S. senators, led by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are callling on Secretary Sebelius to provide the scientific basis behind her decision. A number of House members, led by Reps. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), also wrote the secretary expressing their disappointment at her decision. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which previously sued the Bush-era FDA for dragging its feet in approving Plan B, now plans to add Secretary Sebelius to its lawsuit.

In the face of this outcry, Sebelius publicly stated she wanted more research done -- which is just another example of stalling in the face of extremist political pressure. The government -- under two different administrations -- appears unwilling to listen to medical experts.

The real commonsense position, NOW believes, is to immediately approve Plan B One-Step for over the counter sale, without prescription and no age restriction. Millions of women need access to this safe and effective product and the U.S. must take "commonsense" action to reduce unwanted pregnancy, particularly among adolescents. Fifteen years of delay, obfuscation, heavy-handed politics and paternalistic preaching is enough!!

Take Action:

Call the White House at 202-465-1414 and ask him to direct Secretary Sebelius to reverse her ill-considered decision on Plan B One-Step and make this safe and effective drug available to all women -- regardless of age -- over the counter now. Then call HHS Secretary Sebelius' office at 877-696-6775 and tell her that women need unrestricted access to Plan B One-Step now and that no further studies are needed.

More Actions |

Obama Abandons Young Women's Reproductive Health Care: Women Take Another Hit

2011-12-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

News from NOW-NYS

For more information contact: Marcia Pappas, 518-452-3944

Obama Abandons Young Women's Reproductive Health Care

Women Take Another Hit

ALBANY, NY (12/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Women have just experienced the ultimate betrayal. President Obama has inserted himself into and reversed a wonderful, educated decision made by the Food and Drug Administration. He has allowed the Health and Human Services Secretary to overrule the FDA's recommendation to make the "morning after pill" (Plan B One-Step) available over the counter to women of all ages. Plan B taken within seventy-two hours of intercourse can cut the chances of unwanted pregnancy by eighty-nine percent, and works best if taken within twenty-four hours.

NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas commented: "Seldom in many years has the FDA done the right thing by women's reproductive rights. They finally did something responsible and Obama has negated it."

Pappas explained that FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg made clear Obama's decision was "highly unusual." Hamburg said her agency's drug-safety experts had carefully considered the question of young girls and agreed that Plan B's age limit should be lifted.

Pappas said that Obama's decision greatly pleased conservative critics. She added "Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association have long pushed for over-the-counter Plan B access as an excellent way to reduce unwanted pregnancies and are shocked at Obama's interference with the FDA's decision."

Obama's brief remarks on the subject were that he thinks "most parents would agree with his decision." Pappas said "Obama is obviously unaware of the many teenagers like Becky Bell of Indiana who are dying of back street abortions because they are unable to obtain birth control, morning-after or otherwise."

Former NOW-NYS President Marilyn Fitterman remarked: "These past three years, women and young college students who elected Obama have tried to stand by him. Many have hushed the fact that his promised support was sorely lacking. And now, with this greatest betrayal, we've been repaid for our loyalty by his abandoning us on this very important issue."

Pappas concluded: "If Obama thinks this will win over the vote of the progressives in this country, he is sadly mistaken." Pappas said she is being asked if she were surprised that Obama has betrayed women. She said women should not be surprised because as a state senator in Illinois, he had voted "present" seven times when he could and should have taken a stand in favor of women's reproductive health. I am just happy I never voted for him. Unless he reverses this position, NOW-NYS will urge women and men not to go to the polls on election day."

-end-

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/Obama-Abandons-Young-Womens-Reproductive-Health-Care/3150806

Emergency Contraception: What Happened?

2011-12-09T17:00:00.001-05:00

"A stunning blow." "Outrageous." "Leaves me speechless."

These are just some of the ways women's rights supporters are describing the unprecedented action of Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, in overruling the FDA's determination that a form of emergency contraception is safe and effective, and should be available on store shelves to all women without age restrictions.

NOW is fighting back. We are determined to get President Obama to overrule Secretary Sebelius's purely political move, and you can help us win.

But there's more. Even as we are fighting for over-the-counter emergency contraception, another huge threat to women's access to contraception is looming: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is trying to force President Obama to allow religiously affiliated employers -- not just churches, but universities, hospitals and nonprofits as well -- to withhold birth control coverage in their health plans. This loophole would clearly undermine the Affordable Care Act's mandate of contraceptive coverage without co-pays.

That's right -- the radical right is coming after birth control. And the president is actually considering waving the white flag. But as NOW has been warning for years, every inch the president gives up only emboldens them to reach further.

With your help, we will remind the president exactly who voted him into office (hint: women!). We will also remind him that the people of this country want birth control to be more broadly available, not less. NOW activists across the country are phoning, emailing, tweeting and blogging, and we won't stop until the president stands up to the bishops by standing up for women and girls.

I ask you to stand with us, make noise with us, and support us in this crucial fight. We don't have a moment to lose.

For equality and justice,
Terry O'Neill, President
National Organization for Women

P.S. With all of us working together, we will win this fight. Please give as generously as you can.

Thu, Dec 15: Happy HOLLAdays! hosted by Hollaback!

2011-12-09T08:52:00.001-05:00

'Happy HOLLAdays!' hosted by Hollaback!

Thursday, December 15th
6:00 - 6:30 VIP reception
6:30pm to 9:30pm General Admission

Stonewall Inn
(Christopher St. at 7th Ave)

Hollaback! A movement dedicated to ending street harassment against women and LGBTQ individuals invites you to celebrate the HOLLAdays at the Stonewall Inn.

Join us for an evening of drink specials, performances by Caldwell and Frosty Flakes and Poppi Kramer (Comedian and Biggest Loser Contestant) and and Shiragirl!

Bid on exclusive auction items including gift cards to some of the hottest restaurants in town, one-of-a-kind art, health and beauty packages, and much more.

Bring your yuletide spirit and gay apparel and come on out to celebrate Hollaback!

RSVP here:
$20 advance with exclusive gift bag
$25 at door with exclusive gift bag
$100 VIP ticket includes 1 hour hosted champagne
*All proceeds go to support Hollaback!, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

http://happyholladays-autohome.eventbrite.com/

Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/events/304155039614024/

Fri & Sat: Rally for Jobs and Justice & Protect Our Right to Vote march and rally

2011-12-08T16:31:00.001-05:00

NOW President Terry O'Neill to Speak in New York City This Weekend

Join NOW President Terry O'Neill to rally for justice this weekend in New York City. We're counting on a strong turnout of NOW activists at these important events.

On Friday, Terry will speak about the economic status of women in the U.S. and how we need jobs, not cuts. The National Action Network is organizing rallies for jobs and justice in 25 cities simultaneously across the nation.

What:	Rally for Jobs and Justice
Who:	National Action Network, National Organization for Women and allies
When:	Friday, Dec. 9, at 6:00 pm
Where:	Harlem State Office Building, 163 W. 125th St., New York City

That's not all!

Terry will also speak at the Stand for Freedom march and rally this Saturday. The NAACP is organizing this stand against right-wing attacks on voting rights. The effort to impose voting restrictions in the U.S. disproportionately affects women, students, seniors, people of color, immigrants and individuals who live in low-income communities.

What:	Stand for Freedom - Protect Our Right to Vote march and rally
Who:	NAACP, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Organization for Women and allies
When:	Saturday, Dec.10; march begins at 11:30 am; rally 12:30 - 4:00 pm
Where:	March steps off at Koch Brothers office at 61st St. and Madison Ave., New York City; Rally takes place at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 224 East 47th St., between 1st and 2nd Avenue (across from the United Nations), New York City

See you there, and don't forget to bring your NOW rounds!

Support NOW's Work

Does President Obama Really Oppose Family Planning?

2011-12-07T15:53:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

Emergency Contraception Betrayal:
Does President Obama Really Oppose Family Planning?
Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill

December 7, 2011

The experts on the FDA advisory committee resoundingly supported all available scientific and medical evidence, declaring Plan B One-Step to be safe and effective for all women over the counter, regardless of age.

Today, Plan B One-Step is available without prescription to women ages 17 and above. However, because of the age restriction, it is held behind the counter in pharmacies, and women are required to produce either proof of age or a doctor's prescription to access the drug.

Two years ago, a district court found that the FDA's earlier decision to limit access on the basis of age was motivated exclusively by politics. The court ordered the FDA to reconsider, and the FDA ultimately complied, recently deciding to make Plan B One-Step available over the counter to all women regardless of age.

It is an unusual and infuriating move for the Obama administration to overrule that decision, especially at a time when rumors are flying that the president is on the brink of caving in to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops by expanding religiously affiliated employers' ability to deny contraceptive coverage to women under the Affordable Care Act.

NOW calls on the president to stop playing politics with the lives of women and girls. During the Bush years, women's reproductive health was under constant attack. We don't need more of the same from the Obama administration.

###

NOW.org | Press Room | Support NOW's Work

Major victory in Rape is Rape

2011-12-07T15:11:00.001-05:00

Tell FBI Director Mueller: give final approval now!

We did it! Late yesterday afternoon, the FBI Criminal Justice Advisory Board voted unanimously to update the archaic definition of rape in the FBI Uniform Crime Report in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now, FBI Director Robert Mueller must give final approval to update the measure. This is the last step!

We've gotten this far thanks to you and the tens of thousands of emails we sent requesting a change in the way the FBI defines rape. Rally with us and ask Director Mueller to update the definition of rape today!

If approved by Mueller, this will represent a major policy change, and one that will dramatically impact the way rape is reported and tracked in the U.S. This new definition will mean that, at long last, we will begin to see the full scope of this horrific violence, and that understanding will carry through to increased attention and resources for prevention and action.

Ask Mueller to act now!

The current definition from the 1920s, which has been criticized for underreporting rape and omitting a significant number of rape cases, defined "forcible rape" only as "the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will." The proposed UCR definition of what constitutes rape will be more consistent with public understanding and state criminal statutes and will include previously excluded rape cases.

Yesterday's unanimous vote recommends a new, more inclusive definition of rape in the UCR: "Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina, or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

We need to make sure this change is officially adopted. Please email FBI Director Mueller now, and share this with your networks urging them to do the same. Together we are helping to make sure that all rapes will be counted.

For women's lives,


Eleanor Smeal President Feminist Majority Foundation

1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 801, Arlington, VA, 22209 | 703.522.2214 | webmaster@feminist.org

NOW News: Birth Control Access, 2012 Elections, Love Your Body Poster

2011-12-06T16:02:00.001-05:00

National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

DECEMBER 6, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!
NOW Urges Obama Administration Not to Cave in to Catholic Bishops
Letter Urges President to Reject Refusal Clauses
NOW/PAC Endorsed Candidate Profiles
Love Your Body Poster: Back By Popular Demand!

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!

President Obama is on the brink of a decision that could deny women access to basic birth control. Under intense lobbying from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the president is poised to potentially expand an already sweeping refusal clause that allows employers to deny birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Take Action NOW!

NOW Urges Obama Administration Not to Cave in to Catholic Bishops

NOW calls on the Obama administration to stand up for women and not give in to demands from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that would deny birth control coverage for millions of women. Read more.

Letter Urges President to Reject Refusal Clauses (PDF)

NOW President Terry O'Neill sent a letter to President Obama opposing all refusal clauses in regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act that would allow organizations to deny contraceptive coverage to employees. Catholic bishops are pushing for broader exemptions, even though a sweeping refusal clause is already proposed. Read more.

NOW/PAC Endorsed Candidate Profiles:

Shelley Berkley D-Nev., U.S. Senate

Mazie Hirono D-Hawaii, U.S. Senate

Lois Frankel D-Fla., 22nd Congressional District

Ann McLane Kuster D-N.H., 2nd Congressional District

Dina Titus D-Nev., 1st Congressional District

Love Your Body Poster: Back By Popular Demand!

After selling out quickly, the 2011 Love Your Body poster is back in stock. And now you can order postcards in four other designs, too. Place your order now!

CT NOW Love Your Body Day

The 3rd annual Love Your Body 5K was a huge success, with over 270 participants! Read more»

FRESH FROM NOW'S BLOGS...

Say It, Sister!: President Obama: Don't Cave in to Bishops

Find more on NOW's Media Hall of Shame and Say It, Sister! NOW's Blog for Equality

CONNECT WITH NOW ONLINE

NOW READ THIS...

How Big Telecom Used Smartphones to Create a New Digital Divide ColorLines
Anti-Abortion Groups Are Split on Legal Tactics NY Times
Saudi Arabia: Women Driving Will Have Sex, Report Says Huff Post World
What Siri's Blind Spot on Women's Health Really Means Huff Post Women
Military Rape Victims In Need of Abortions Should Just Suck it Up, Says Senate Jezebel
For Afghan Woman, Justice Runs Into Unforgiving Wall of Custom NY Times
Holiday Films: Does This Year's Crop Misrepresent Women? Huff Post Women
Let's Talk Turkey About Manhood After Penn State Women's eNews

Read more on NOW Read This

GET INVOLVED: Take Action | Join NOW | Find Your Nearest Chapter

SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work | Monthly Giving | Shop Amazon

STAY CONNECTED: Say It, Sister! | The Media Hall of Shame | RSS | Twitter | Facebook

NOW Urges Obama Administration Not to Cave in to Catholic Bishops

2011-12-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

NOW Urges Obama Administration Not to Cave in to Catholic Bishops
Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill

December 6, 2011

The National Organization for Women calls on the Obama administration to stand up for women and not give in to demands from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that would deny birth control coverage for millions of women. The bishops have been lobbying the administration to expand a religious exemption that would allow a broad range of religiously affiliated organizations, such as colleges and hospitals, to take contraception coverage away from women who rely on them for health insurance. NOW calls on the president to remove the exemption altogether.

In early August, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accepted recommendations from the Institute of Medicine to require that health insurance plans cover contraception, with no co-payments or deductibles. NOW was dismayed that HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius included a so-called 'conscience' clause -- as if an institution could have a conscience -- permitting certain religious employers like churches to exclude birth control from their employees' health insurance. This proposed provision violates individual women's rights to privacy and religious freedom, and denies women the equal protection of the laws. Far from being expanded, as the bishops demand, the clause should be removed entirely from the HHS regulation.

A recent poll by Thomson Reuters-NPR Health found that 77 percent of Americans believe private medical insurance should provide birth control without co-pays. Ninety-nine percent of sexually active women have used contraception, including 98 percent of sexually active Catholic women, as reported by the Guttmacher Institute. Yet this important health benefit could be lost for more than a million women and their families, and the decision will soon be made by the Obama administration.

The ill-considered proposed refusal clause in the women's birth control benefit undermines women's access to basic health care. NOW urges President Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to say 'yes' to contraceptive coverage for all women and 'no' to the bishops' relentless attempts to deny women their rights.

###

NOW.org | Press Room | Support NOW's Work

Tonight: Join me and others to discuss gender violence on New York’s subways and public spaces

2011-12-05T16:39:00.001-05:00

Tonight, please join me and others to discuss and advise on how to combat gender violence on New York's subways and public spaces. I am excited to return to my alma mater, Hunter College. In addition, Hunter Women's Rights Coalition, a club I was the president of for two years, is co-sponsoring the event.

Date: Monday, December 5, 2011
Time: 7pm
Location: Hunter College, Lexington Avenue at 68th.Street
Subway: Take the 6 train to 68th Street or the F train to 63rd Street

Speakers:

Emily May, Hollaback! Executive Director
N. Jerin Arifa, National Organization for Women National Board member and chair of National and New York State Young Feminist Task Forces
Susan Moesker, Coordinator of Community Violence Prevention at the Center for Anti-Violence Education
John Jay College sociology professor Gail Garfield will moderate the discussion.

Talking Back is sponsored by Hunter Women's Rights Coalition; Manhattan Young Democrats Transportation and Women's Issues Committee; New Yorkers for Safe Transit; Hollaback!; and the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Sincerely,
N. Jerin Arifa
National NOW Board of Directors
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force, Chair
NOW – NYS Young Feminist Task Force, Chair
National Organization for Women (NOW)
Blog: YoungFeministTaskForce.blogspot.com
Twitter: JerinNOW

Board Member
Bella Abzug Leadership Institute
www.abzuginstitute.org

Action Alert: Will Obama throw birth control under the bus?

2011-12-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

Will Obama throw birth control under the bus?

Tell President Obama...

After taking action,
please support our work!

December 5, 2011

Take Action: President Obama is on the brink of a decision that could throw access to basic birth control under the bus. Under intense lobbying from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the president is poised to potentially expand an already sweeping refusal clause that allows employers to deny birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!

Background: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is twisting President Obama's arm with the following decree: Amend the interim final rule from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that requires most health insurance plans to cover contraception.

In a major victory for women's rights, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) affirmed contraception as basic health care earlier this year, and HHS agreed, issuing an interim final rule that would have health insurance plans cover contraception with no co-pay.

And the bishops already got what they wanted then: HHS crafted a loophole just for the bishops, allowing many religious institutions to take decisions away from women who depend on them for health insurance coverage.

Now the bishops have moved on to the next step in their war against the pill: They want to take it away from women who attend primarily secular colleges and universities with a religious affiliation; and those who depend on other primarily secular institutions with a religious affiliation, such as hospitals, for health insurance.

As recognized by nearly everyone but the bishops, contraception is basic medical care:

» The EEOC recognizes denial of contraceptive coverage as sex discrimination in health insurance plans.

» Access to birth control decreases maternal and infant mortality.

» 99 percent of sexually active people have used contraception.

» In fact, 98 percent of sexually active Catholic women have used contraception.

» Moreover, many Catholic institutions currently cover contraception.

President Obama needs to hear from those who do not represent the narrow view of the bishops (who publicly refer to offering contraceptive coverage to individual women in the United States as an attempt to "neuter religion") -- he needs to hear from you now.

Tell President Obama: Free The Pill From the Bishops!

and then

Tell a Friend | More Actions |

Mon, 12/5: Join me and others to discuss how to combat gender violence on New York’s subways and public spaces

2011-12-02T12:00:00.004-05:00

On Monday, December 5th, please join me and others to discuss and advise on how to combat gender violence on New York’s subways and public spaces. I am excited to return to my alma mater, Hunter College. In addition, Hunter Women's Rights Coalition, a club I was the president of for two years, is co-sponsoring the event.

Date: Monday, December 5, 2011
Time: 7pm
Location: Hunter College, Lexington Avenue at 68th.Street, West lobby (Building on southwest corner of 68th Street and Lexington Avenue with a sculpture up front)
Subway: Take the 6 train to 68th Street or the F train to 63rd Street

Speakers:

Emily May, Hollaback! Executive Director
N. Jerin Arifa, National Organization for Women National Board member and chair of National and New York State Young Feminist Task Forces
Susan Moesker, Coordinator of Community Violence Prevention at the Center for Anti-Violence Education
Moderator: Jessica Lappin, New York City Council member Manhattan District 5, to

Talking Back is sponsored by Hunter Women’s Rights Coalition; Manhattan Young Democrats Transportation and Women’s Issues Committee; New Yorkers for Safe Transit; Hollaback!; and the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
N. Jerin Arifa
National NOW Board of Directors
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force, Chair
NOW – NYS Young Feminist Task Force, Chair
National Organization for Women (NOW)

Board Member
Bella Abzug Leadership Institute
www.abzuginstitute.org

Thu, Dec 1, 12-1:30pm: Rally to Save Birth Control!

2011-11-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

Rally to Save Birth Control!

Health care reform will let many women access birth control without copay.

But the White House might be caving to pressure from ultraconservative forces. Women whose bosses oppose birth control are at risk of having that coverage taken away.

Join NARAL Pro-Choice New York, Planned Parenthood of NYC, the New York Civil Liberties Union, NOW-NYC, Sistersong NYC, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and others on Thursday for an emergency rally at the federal building in Manhattan, which houses the Health and Human Services regional office, to send a message to the White House that all women should have access to affordable birth control regardless of where they work!

Rally to Save Birth Control

This Thursday, December 1

12-1:30 pm

Outside the Federal Building

Broadway between Worth and Thomas Streets, Manhattan

Please RSVP here.

The Obama administration is being flooded with calls and letters from people who oppose birth control. We must send a message that caving to this extreme position is not an option.

Can't make it to the rally? Follow the rally on Twitter under #NY4BC and tweet your message to HHS - we'll write your message on a sign for all to see.

Coming In 2012: Anti-choice personhood Initiatives in the States

2011-11-29T14:10:00.001-05:00

What's going to happen:	Right-wing extremists intend to put so-called "personhood" amendments on as many state ballots as they can.
Why it matters:	While exact language varies by initiative, if passed, state constitutional amendments would outlaw abortion in all circumstances, and often emergency contraception, fertility treatments and/or hormonal birth control.
How we'll win:	NOW and its allies stepped up and defeated the Mississippi personhood initiative. If we can win there, we know we'll prevail everywhere! But we can't do it without your help.
How you can help:	Donate now to help feminists on the ground. Every dollar counts! Producing materials. Educating voters. Supporting grassroots organizing. Give now to support NOW's Year-End Campaign.

NOW News: Terry on TV, Penn State, Herman Cain, Mississippi

2011-11-23T12:13:00.001-05:00

National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

NOVEMBER 22, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation
Cain, Sexual Harassment and the Campaign Against Women in Public Life
NOW Calls on Penn State's Board of Trustees to Expand Review Committee; Address All Forms of Campus Violence
Birth Control Remains Legal: Mississippi Voters Reject Draconian "Personhood" Initiative

NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation

Cain, Sexual Harassment and the Campaign Against Women in Public Life

Does Herman Cain respect women? He has suggested that sexual harassment originates in the eye of the beholder, and his campaign has handled allegations against him by issuing a full-on assault on women in public life. Read more.

NOW Calls on Penn State's Board of Trustees to Expand Review Committee; Address All Forms of Campus Violence

For nearly two decades, state and local NOW chapters in Pennsylvania have challenged Penn State's dismissive attitude toward violence against women. Recently, national NOW joined Pennsylvania NOW in urging the investigative committee to broaden its scope to include all forms of campus violence -- including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Read more.

Birth Control Remains Legal: Mississippi Voters Reject Draconian "Personhood" Initiative

NOW joins women's rights supporters around the country in applauding Mississippi voters for rejecting Initiative 26, a measure that would have defined personhood as beginning at fertilization in that state's constitution. Read more.

NOW President Terry O'Neill on The Rachel Maddow Show - Wed 11/09/11

Watch the video »

NOW President Terry O'Neill on Politics Nation - Thu 11/10/11

Watch the video »

Your support is absolutely vital to NOW's ability to take on the right wing and push ahead on all of our important issues. Please consider contributing and if you're not a member joining NOW.

FRESH FROM NOW'S BLOGS...

Say It, Sister!: Native American Heritage Month

Find more on NOW's Media Hall of Shame and Say It, Sister! NOW's Blog for Equality

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NOW READ THIS...

Protests of Va. parish's move away from altar girls reflects wider Catholic debate Washington Post
The World's Abortion Laws 2011 Map Center for Reproductive Rights
US Wealth Gap Between Young and Old Is Widest Ever NY Times

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We would not celebrate Thanksgiving if not for the persistence of one woman, Sarah Josepha Hale

2011-11-23T12:11:00.001-05:00

From Dr. Lynette Long, Founder and President of EVE | Equal Visibility Everywhere

A Thanksgiving Message

I love Thanksgiving because it is a uniquely American holiday where families and friends come together to show appreciation for all that is bountiful in life. Even in these tough economic times most Americans acknowledge that they are more fortunate than the majority of others in the world.

I also love Thanksgiving for what it is not. It is not the celebration of a single individual nor does it have ties to any religious group. It is the one holiday that unites our entire country and welcomes all to celebrate.

The modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition traces its origins to a celebration by the Pilgrims in 1621 prompted by a good harvest. Few people know that if it was not for the persistence of one woman, Sarah Josepha Hale, we would not recognize Thanksgiving as a National Holiday. Sarah wrote letters to politicians and five US Presidents over a 40 year span championing her cause. Ultimately it was President Abraham Lincoln, in an effort to foster a sense of American unity between the Northern and Southern states, who made Thanksgiving a National Holiday in 1863. Sarah Josepha Hale did not even have the right to vote, yet with a clearly defined goal and unwavering commitment to her dream, she succeeded.

This Thanksgiving take the time to make a list of all the things for which you have to be thankful. We all experience times of challenge in our lives, and there are many things most of us wish were different. But gratitude creates a sense of well-being, peace, and many believe abundance. This Thanksgiving I want to wish you and yours all the best and hope you persist in pursuing your own dreams. Remember with persistence you have the power to change your own life and the entire world.

Lynette Long

www.drlynettelong.com

--
Lynette Long, Ph.D.
President, Equal Visibility Everywhere

NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation

2011-11-22T13:47:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal, 202-628-8669, ext. 116

NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director
to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation
Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill
and PA NOW President Joanne Tosti-Vasey

November 22, 2011

Last week, in the wake of the recent appalling Penn State University child sexual assault allegations, the leaders of the National Organization for Women and Pennsylvania NOW called on Penn State to expand the composition and goals of the committee tasked with investigating these allegations. We specifically called for an independent committee to investigate these allegations, to review policies and reporting methods across the board at Penn State and to include all forms of campus violence within its scope.

Yesterday, Ron Frazier, a member of the PSU Board of Trustees and chair of the PSU Special Investigative Committee, announced that the committee hired Louis J. Freeh, former FBI director, to lead the independent investigation. Mr. Freeh stated that he has been assured that his investigation will be "fully independent" and that it will focus on any incident that interacts with the university dealing with "these types" of incidents, including cases of adult sexual assault. Mr. Freeh also stated that he would be looking into the "governance, controls, procedures and leadership" at the university to improve the climate of safety at the university and that his team of investigators includes former FBI agents, assistant U.S. attorneys, pedophile investigators and compliance investigators.

NOW believes that this is a good start to our call for a broader, independent investigation if -- and only if -- Mr. Freeh is "fully independent" as he stated. However, questions have been raised about his independence, and these questions must be completely answered.

We call on Mr. Freeh to include in his investigation all forms of campus violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Unless PSU's systematic climate of indifference, particularly within Athletics, is comprehensively reviewed and changed, we believe that these types of appalling acts will continue to be hidden and will not end. We also believe that, in addition to attorneys and law enforcement experts, the investigative team needs to include experts and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence against both children and adults. Mr. Freeh and his committee must take their experiences and suggestions seriously.

Mr. Freeh has set up a hotline to his risk management firm at 855-290-3382 and psuhelp@freehgroup.com for individuals with any knowledge about any incident or policy, or the PSU climate, to contact him.

NOW activists will be closely monitoring the investigation in the hope that it will be truly independent, comprehensive in scope and aimed squarely at achieving -- at long last -- full enforcement of the school's 2006 zero-tolerance policy.

###

To schedule an interview with national NOW, please contact Latoya Veal at 202-628-8229, ext. 116 or press@now.org.

To speak with Pennsylvania NOW, please contact Joanne Tosti-Vasey at 814-280-8571 or panow@panow.org.

NOW.org | Press Room | Support NOW's Work

Young Feminists

National Organization for Women Pres Terry O'Neill back on The Ed Show tonight

NOW National President Terry O'Neill on MSNBC Tonight

URGENT: Calls Needed for Violence Against Women Act

What we stood for outside the Supreme Court

Violence Against Women Act Needs Your Immediate Action

Urgent Election News

National Organization for Women News: Trust Women, Roe, SOTU, Birth Control

NOW to Celebrate Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary with Vigil at U.S. Supreme Court

Roe v. Wade Turns 39, Abortion Rights Still Under Attack

Join the Trust Women Week National Online March (Jan. 20-27)

Roe v. Wade: We will never go back

Thu, Jan 26, 7pm-9pm: Demystifying Abortion

THURS. 1/19: PUSH BACK Against Anti-Choice Assaults Educational/Organizing Meeting

Stand with Women's Rights Activists for Roe Anniversary

National Organization for Women News: Roe, 2012 Conference, Green Energy

2012 National NOW Conference *Save the Date*

Down to the Wire: Women's Reproductive Health at Stake

Jan 6 - Jan 8: Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference

Egyptian court rules against the use of "virginity tests" on female detainees

TODAY: 2pm-7pm: Join the demonstration against the beating, sexual assault and torture of peaceful Egyptian protesters

News: Birth Control, VAWA, Occupy Flash Mob

Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"

Obama Abandons Young Women's Reproductive Health Care: Women Take Another Hit

Emergency Contraception: What Happened?

Thu, Dec 15: Happy HOLLAdays! hosted by Hollaback!

Fri & Sat: Rally for Jobs and Justice & Protect Our Right to Vote march and rally

Does President Obama Really Oppose Family Planning?

Major victory in Rape is Rape

NOW News: Birth Control Access, 2012 Elections, Love Your Body Poster

NOW Urges Obama Administration Not to Cave in to Catholic Bishops

Tonight: Join me and others to discuss gender violence on New York’s subways and public spaces

Action Alert: Will Obama throw birth control under the bus?

Mon, 12/5: Join me and others to discuss how to combat gender violence on New York’s subways and public spaces

Thu, Dec 1, 12-1:30pm: Rally to Save Birth Control!

Coming In 2012: Anti-choice personhood Initiatives in the States

NOW News: Terry on TV, Penn State, Herman Cain, Mississippi

We would not celebrate Thanksgiving if not for the persistence of one woman, Sarah Josepha Hale

NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation

2012 National NOW Conference
Save the Date