Minnesota NOW
Minnesota NOW
NOW stands for National Organization for Women. This is a national organization, but there is a specific Minnesota Chapter. The mission of the organization is to bring women into the mainstream of American society NOW, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof, in truly equal partnership with men.
The main issues in Minnesota NOW at this time that the organization is fighting for are:
1. ratification of an unamended Equal Rights Amendment
2. repeal of all laws restricting safe, legal abortion
3. protection of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender civil rights
4. eliminating racism
5. freedom from violence
6. opposition to punitive welfare reform
As with many of our readings, and more specifically bell hooks, many of the issues touched upon within feminism are still being fought for today by organizations such as MN NOW.
One thing that makes MN NOW unique is that they focus on many women’s issues, rather than specific ones. This allows them to shift focus when need is recognized in a different area.
How does MN NOW accomplish their goals?
They get their word out by:
Testifying at public hearings
Sending out mailings and brochures related to women’s issues
Lobbying politicians
Proposing and monitoring legislation
Providing speakers
Producing educational materials
Advocating for politicians and leaders that will support their causes
Serving as a source of information for various groups
History:
Minnesota NOW was created in 1971, and today has over 2,400 members. The organization is supported financially primarily by internal sources and membership dues.
There are various volunteer opportunities within MN NOW. They include everything from committee involvement for their newsletter to fundraising to legislation and more. For more information on volunteer opportunities, the website is linked at the top of the page.