Open Mic for Reproductive Rights

Take the mic for 5 minutes and tell us why Roe v. Wade is important to you, your family, your community. Commit to keeping abortion legal.

for more information: kondej@cox.net

Take Action on Prison Reform!

At our last chapter meeting on Wednesday, January 12 we discussed prison reform and supporting the work of Representative Cecil Ash.

We have attached a letter (PDF) about prison reform for the State of Arizona that we would like you to take action on. You are welcome to check off the areas of prison reform that you most support or you can support all of them! Several items are very important: Ending shackling of pregnant women giving birth and Stopping the arrest of juveniles for prostitution - they are victims. There is space for you to add other prison reform issues that are important to you.

Instructions are on the second page of the attachment. You can print and mail or print, scan and e-mail. If you have any questions, contact Karen Kondej or Olga Tsoudis.

Let's make some important changes in 2012!!

Teen Talk by Carissa Cunningham

The chess club was the only club/sport/activity that my school was actually winning. Ironically however, there were no girls on the team. At first I hadn’t given it much thought. I figured that the other girls just weren’t interested in chess. While I was certainly interested in chess, I had absolutely no desire to have to try to fit in with a bunch of guys myself without any other girls!

Read more…

We will draw names for a prize!

Next P/S NOW Chapter Meeting:

Phoenix/Scottsdale Chapter Elections: January 11, 2012

and we'll celebrate the birthday of Alice Paul!

Alice Paul, suffragist leader, founder of National Women's Party (1916); her strategies helped pass the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote (1920); initiated the Equal Rights Amendment (1923).

Join us for the election of chapter officers and a celebration of Alice Paul's life. 

Fillmore Commons

2330 E. Fillmore, Phoenix, AZ

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 PM

In Her Shoes - October 30, 2011

Raising Domestic Violence Awareness

"After attending the role-playing event, In Her Shoes, I will never again think or ask the question, Why doesn't she just leave? The character I was assigned was fortunate. She escaped from her nightmare with a few band-aids and a new job. She did not end up dead. But it was not necessarily because she made better choices. Sometimes the difference between escaping whole and death involves luck and timing. I will never again be arrogant enough to believe that I'd have all the answers to a battered woman's problems or feel qualified to make choices for her." Denise DeSio

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Escaping from a domestic violence situation is complicated and frequently fatal. "In Her Shoes" is an interactive program that allows participants to simulate the real-life experiences of battered women navigating their flight to safety. Will they stay with a relative? Talk with the clergy? Temporarily reside in a shelter if beds are available?  Those victims that relented and returned to their batterer received a band-aid (or several) during the program.  Alternatively, some participants opted for a petition for an order of protection!

All of our guests attending “In Her Shoes” were offered a Petition for an Order of Protection from the deleterious conditions that define the status of women in contemporary society. These petitions are replicas of authentic Orders of Protection and should be completed and mailed to respective AZ legislators.  To get your copy, click here: Order Of Protection (PDF).

In Her Shoes was co-sponsored by Phoenix/Scottsdale NOW and UMOM New Day Centers, the largest homeless shelters for families in Arizona.  Doreen Nicholas, winner of the Saguaro Lifetime Achievement Award from ACADV for her twenty-five years of helping domestic violence victims, directed the afternoon program and facilitated the discussion that followed.

"I was surprised that this event introduced us to real situations in an engaging way that really did put us in someone else's predicament. I'm really glad I didn't pass up the opportunity, and hope it will be offered to more people in the future. Thanks, you all. Great job!" Judy Whitehouse

Pictured: Doreen Nicholas

More photos from October 30, 2011 will be posted shortly. Press Release: The Arizona Republic (PDF)

Equality Day 2011!

Friday, August 26th, 2011

Sun Up Brewing Company & Brewhouse - The Brewer's Den Annex

322 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ - 6:30 to 9:00 PM

Phoenix/Scottsdale "NOW-Style" Social Networking!

Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

More photos to come...

Watch the video: What is Olga Tsoudis Afraid Of?

Thanks to all for a wonderful evening!