National Organisation for Women (NOW) By Aycan Akoglu

General (Aims/Background) The National Organisation for Women (NOW) is the largest organisation of feminist activists in the United States. Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in society. NOW is a membership pressure group, therefore it seeks to represent individual Americans rather than organisations and groups.

Membership NOW have 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Lifetime Membership cost is $1,000. Included in NOW membership are: Membership at local, state, and national levels Access to local NOW chapter activities A subscription to the National NOW Times Any information or national alerts from NOW E-mail action alert network (by request)

Methods NOW activists use both traditional and non-traditional means to push for social change. NOW activists do extensive electoral and lobbying work and bring lawsuits. They also organise mass marches, rallies and protests.

Success Greater extent Increase participation- In 2004, the March for Women's Lives became the largest mass action of any kind in U.S. history, bringing a record 1.15 million people to Washington, DC to advocate for women's reproductive health options. Representative- NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Enhance public education- offers internships, has a Action Center for further information Able to voice opinions- The 1996 March to Fight the Right in San Francisco drew more than 50,000 activists to kick off an electoral season focused on efforts to defend affirmative action. Less extent Limited agenda building Limited programme monitoring Costs such as Lifetime Membership $1,000 may reduce participation.