The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of contributing members and more than 500 local and campus affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been “to take action” to bring about equality for all women. NOW’s priorities include championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and other women’s health issues; opposing racism; fighting bigotry against the LGBTQIA community; ending violence against women; winning economic equality; and amending the U.S. Constitution to guarantee equal rights for women.
Oregon NOW is a state chapter of NOW. We work on behalf of nearly 1,500 NOW members in Oregon to achieve equality for all women and girls and to amplify the work of other justice-seeking organizations around Oregon. Our work includes encouraging our members and supporters to take action on our priorities, engaging in legislative advocacy, raising consciousness about our issues and priorities, endorsing candidates who will be strong advocates, and connecting members to feminist happenings, actions, and events in Oregon.
We are proud to be part of the Fair Shot Coalition, and have been strong supporters of efforts to pass laws first at the local level and then at the state level to require paid sick days, recent legislation to increase the minimum wage, and the successful effort to “Ban the Box” in Portland to improve employment prospects for people with felony convictions. Next year, Oregon NOW is focused on helping Oregon become the fifth state in the nation that requires paid family and medical leave.
Executive Director Michelle Ganow-Jones supporting paid sick days at an Oregon NOW annual meeting.