We are the local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) located in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. NOW is a grass roots organization of volunteers working to support women's rights.
Newly Elected Officers for 2009
Thanks to those officers who previously did such wonderful work and to those who continue to work for women.
Obama-Biden: A New Administration, A New Direction
Stay tuned to this page for updated information about NOW's ongoing work with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the new administration.
Feminist Action Agenda
NOW's Feminist Action Agenda for 2009 and Beyond
We have an opportunity to reverse some of the backward movement of the past eight years, and begin to again move forward in addressing equality and opportunity for women and girls.
Tell Obama Your Vision!
President Obama wants you to share with him YOUR vision for where he should lead this nation. NOW is pleased that the Obama-Biden team is seeking input from everyone who stands to win or lose from the actions of this administration. So, Speak Up NOW. Send your message to the Obama-Biden team.
Creating an Office on Women
NOW Cheers White House Council on Women and Girls
NOW cheers the formation of the White House Council on Women and Girls. NOW President Kim Gandy said, "It was a heartening moment for those of us who have worked so hard for this day."
Letter to President Obama: Create an Office on Women
In a historical move, nearly 50 women's organizations representing over 14 million women sent a letter to the Obama-Biden transition team, advocating for the foundation of an Office on Women. (PDF)
Urge Obama to Establish Women's Office at Cabinet-Level
Imagine an Office on Women in the Obama-Biden administration -- not just any old office, but one at the Cabinet level, putting women "at the table" in a very tangible way. We can make it happen!
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
NOW President Kim Gandy writes: "Now is not the time to sit back and be complacent, just because we think we have an ally on our issues in the White House. If anything, now is the time to speak out loud and clearly about what we expect from the new president."
And so much more!
Economic Recovery: What's NOW Got to Do With It?
"When I told this happily-ever-after 'stimulus story' in my president's report at NOW's board meeting last weekend, several members said they wished more people knew what NOW really does in Washington. So in that spirit, I offer this glimpse into NOW's efforts 'behind-the-scenes' to ensure that women are positively impacted by the economic recovery package," writes NOW President Kim Gandy in her bi-weekly Below the Belt column.
Obama Administration Moves to Rescind Health Care Refusal Rule, Defends Women's Reproductive Rights
The Obama administration announced that it is moving to rescind the controversial Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refusal or "conscience" rule. NOW commended this "positive move by the Obama administration, and a demonstration of the president's commitment to women and reproductive health care."
Senate Confirms Hilda Solis for U.S. Secretary of Labor
"Today's vote by the U.S. Senate to confirm Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor is a victory for all working women and families," said NOW President Kim Gandy.
Promote Economic Recovery, Support Family Planning
As you may have heard, an important family planning provision was unceremoniously dumped from the economic recovery package this week, after Republican leaders and conservative pundits complained about it all weekend. Tell Congress and the President that the Economic Recovery package may be "shovel ready," but poor women got the axe.
Victory! Obama Signs Fair Pay Act
NOW President Kim Gandy writes, "I had the honor of witnessing President Barack Obama sign his very first piece of legislation -- the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This victory for economic justice wouldn't have been possible without your support."
NOW Cheers Repeal of Global Gag Rule As First Step toward Worldwide Reproductive Justice
"President Obama took the side of justice today," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "For eight years the Global Gag Rule has forced international family planning organizations to make an impossible choice between providing comprehensive reproductive health care, and receiving funds that enable them to help women in need. Women around the world have died as a result of this heartless policy."
Celebrating 36 Years of Roe v. Wade : A New Era for Reproductive Rights
From a Jan. 22 NOW statement: We have witnessed a historic week as President Barack Obama became the first African-American U.S. president, and today the celebration continues as we mark 36 years of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that recognized a woman's constitutional right to abortion.
Senate Confirms Champion of Women, Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State
Feminists across the United States and around the globe are applauding President Barack Obama for his nomination of Clinton as U.S. Secretary of State and the Senate for its swift, bipartisan confirmation. The lopsided 94-2 vote demonstrates that Clinton's experience and intelligence inspire respect and confidence among her colleagues.
Executive Action Proposals for Women
Prepared by NOW and the Feminist Majority, a list of recommended actions that President Obama can take towards equal rights for women.
Transition Blueprint on Reproductive Rights
An extensive document prepared by a coalition of health and advocacy organizations, including NOW, with recommendations to Obama-Biden administration on how to advance reproductive rights and women's health.
Activists Urge Obama to Restore Educational Equity Protections
Recently NOW joined with the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) to recommend policy changes and legislative initiatives that would restore protections in academic as well as athletic programs -- which apply to both girls and boys.
NOW Joins Letter to Obama on Media Justice
NOW joined more than 100 groups and individuals in sending a letter to President-elect Obama calling on him to appoint leaders who will further his commitment to diverse media and an open Internet.
