NOW Launches Action-Oriented Blog on Women's Equality Day

NOW Launches Action-Oriented Blog on Women's Equality Day "These splendid people are hungry, hungry. Oh, for more power to give out the truth!" — Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1875 The National Organization for Women is proud to celebrate Women's Equality Day this year by launching Say It, Sister! — a new blog designed to inform, inspire and instigate feminist activism. Women's Equality Day marks the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. For more than 70 years, the foremothers of feminism campaigned for women's equality at the polls, and they finally achieved victory in 1920. Nearly a century later, the ballot box remains vital to protecting and advancing women's rights, but the way we educate voters and petition our government has changed dramatically. The Internet has brought us unprecedented organizing power, and there's little doubt that suffragists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth would have welcomed this tremendous opportunity to amplify their voices and reach out to women across the country and around the globe. In the tradition of those great feminists, Say It, Sister! will bring women's rights supporters together to motivate and strengthen each other in our mission to end all forms of sex discrimination. The blog will serve as a place where NOW leaders speak their minds, call women and men to action, encourage feedback and facilitate a lively (no doubt) dialogue. "I am thrilled to launch NOW's blog, Say It, Sister!, on Women's Equality Day," said NOW Action Vice President Erin Matson. "As Elizabeth Cady Stanton said so long ago, there are many hungry people out there. Well, now we have this incredible power to nourish them and point them in the right direction to make change, and that's just what we plan to do!" The NOW blog is located at www.now.org/blog View Online Sign Up for Emails NOW Home Support NOW's Work Unsubscribe / Edit Profile

Posted by,
Jerin Alam
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force
NOW – NYS Young Feminist Task Force Chair
National Organization for Women (NOW)

This is Equality?

	Ridicule. Ostracism. Abuse. Imprisonment. It took women 72 years of ceaseless campaigning to finally win the right to vote in 1920. This Wednesday, August 26, Women's Equality Day, marks that anniversary. But I don't have to tell you that we have a long haul before women are truly equal. Celebrate women's right to vote by becoming a Feminist Action Network member. With a small monthly donation of just $10 or $15, you can support our work toward the next landmark in equal rights and opportunities for women. So, what do we have to work on? Well, to start: Women only make $.78 to a man's dollar. Could you use the extra 22 cents? The U.S. has no guaranteed medical leave for childbirth; we're trailing 168 countries in the company of only Lesotho, Liberia, Papua New Guinea and Swaziland. The U.S. is near the bottom of the list -- again -- in our public support for quality childcare for children of working parents. Women only make up 16% of our representatives in Congress. And our right to safe, accessible, legal abortion is threatened by hostile state legislators as well as by domestic terrorists who intimidate, harass and even kill health care providers. If you can't become a monthly partner, please consider a one-time donation to support our work. Every contribution, large or small, puts us a step closer to the resources we need to keep up the fight. Our network of grassroots activists is holding our allies in Congress accountable for their campaign promises, but we need to keep the pressure on to remedy the losses of the past eight years. I can't guarantee it will be easy, but with members and supporters like you, we will be here for that long haul. For equality, Terry O'Neill NOW President

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Jerin Alam

National NOW Young Feminist Task Force

NOW – NYS Young Feminist Task Force Chair

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Action Alert: Afghan Women and Girls Need Our Help

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Support NOW's Work	August 24, 2009	Tell a Friend

Action Needed Background All NOW Actions Continued Threats to Afghan Women Require Support in U.S. and Worldwide		Afghan Women and Girls Need Our Help Tell Your Senators: Support The Afghan Women Empowerment Act After taking action, please support our work! If there is a hell on earth for women and girls, it surely must be found in Afghanistan. Desperate poverty persists and gender-based violence is increasing. Nearly 200 schools have been bombed or set on fire and school girls have had acid thrown in their faces. Illiteracy is over 80 percent among women, and the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Many women are still forced to wear the total body cover of the burka and may not leave home without a male escort. There is an epidemic of suicide among young women who set themselves on fire to escape the severe repression and poverty that they face. A new law, criticized as a trade for votes from the Shia religious minority in the presidential campaign, strips away Shia women's recently guaranteed constitutional rights. Action Needed: The Afghan Women Empowerment Act, S. 229, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), would give Afghan women and girls a chance at a better life with more opportunities. Please send a message to your senators asking them to co-sponsor and take a leadership role on passing S. 229. Use our formatted message or write one of your own. Background: Despite the various efforts made by the United Nations and the U.S. government to improve the lives of women and girls in war-torn Afghanistan, little progress has been made. Hospitals and clinics are scarce, poorly staffed and dramatically under-equipped. Women, especially those in the rural areas, do not have access to even the most basic health care services. Currently, Afghanistan has a very high maternal and infant mortality rate; for every six births, one mother will die as a result of inadequate access to medical attention. Even though women were granted certain rights in a new national constitution, Afghan women face violence and intimidation in their everyday lives. Oppression of women has increased recently as a result of the resurgence of the Taliban and other religious extremists. These groups have been responsible for scores of attacks against school girls and teachers to prevent them from obtaining an education. In certain parts of Afghanistan, women must still wear the head-to-toe burka and are constrained from participating in public life. Take action NOW! Bowing to pressure from religious extremists, President Hamid Karzai has backed the Personal Status Law permitting Shia men to deny their wives food and sustenance if they refuse to obey their husbands' sexual demands. The final version of the legislation also grants guardianship of children exclusively to fathers and grandfathers and requires women to get permission from their husbands to work. Further, the law allows rapists to avoid prosecution by paying victims who are injured while being raped! International public outrage as well as an outcry from Afghan women's rights leaders earlier this year caused Karzai to reconsider this barbaric set of proposals. Karzai was criticized for backing the regressive Personal Status Law as being a trade for votes from the Shia minority, which constitutes about 20 percent of the country's 33 million population. But the new law quietly took effect on July 27, with little improvement, according to Human Rights Watch. Other news is somewhat more positive. Thanks to continuing pressure from women's rights activists in Afghanistan and abroad, there has been a positive action in the Parliament that suggests there is some hope for Afghan women. In mid-July, President Karzai signed a bill which would punish those who perpetrate violence against women. Under this bill, men who have prevented women from getting an education, working, or obtaining healthcare can be punished for up to six months in prison. This is a commendable act by the Afghan government, but it is not nearly enough. And, as we have seen in other countries, laws to protect women are often ignored. Passage of the Afghan Women Empowerment Act (S. 229) is crucial. This bill will fully commit the U.S. government in helping advance the rights and well-being of Afghan women. It will provide necessary equipment, medical supplies, and other healthcare assistance in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Women and children will have greater access to life-saving immunizations. Constant exposure to violence can have detrimental effects on the mental health of women; this bill will establish programs to provide mental health services. In addition, S. 229 would establish primary and secondary schools for girls that will offer mathematics, sciences, and languages as well as expand technical and vocational training for women to develop skills needed to support their families. Funding would be provided for programs to protect women and girls against various forms of violence such as sexual assault, physical abuse, trafficking, abduction, and exploitation. This includes developing emergency shelters for women and girls who are facing danger and violence. We have an opportunity to make a substantial difference in the lives of Afghan women and girls. Contact your senators and ask them to co-sponsor and help pass the Afghan Women Empowerment Act (S. 229) that will help offer millions of women a chance to live a better life. Read more about the status of Afghan women and then
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights Join NOW Monthly Giving Catalog Shop Amazon TAKE ACTION: Get Involved Find Your Nearest Chapter Tell a Friend Learn More LISTS: Unsubscribe, Edit Profile Subscribe All Lists

Posted by,
Jerin Alam
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force
NOW – NYS Young Feminist Task Force Chair
National Organization for Women (NOW)

Crimes Against Women & DA Race Sep. 3

Crimes Against Women & the Race for Manhattan DA

September 3rd, 6:30-8:30 PM

Location: Jacob Burns Moot Court Room 55 Fifth Avenue at 12th Street, NYC. Subway: L,N,Q,R,W,4,5,6,F,L,V to 14th St.

NOW-NYC and a coalition of women's advocates host a forum to find out how each candidate plans to ensure justice for NYC women and girls.

The DA sets the agenda for how crimes against women are addressed and how women survivors of crime are treated. Sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence affect thousands of women in our city. How will the next DA make NYC a safer place for women and girls and ensure crimes against women are a top priority?

Join candidates Cyrus Vance, Leslie Crocker Snyder, and Richard Aborn to get the answers.

Download flyer

Co-sponsored by

Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims

New York City League of Women Voters,

Center for the Women of New York,

New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition,

and NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault.

Co-hosted by Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Please RSVP Today! Suggested donation $15

Reserve online (via $15 donation) OR to RSVP w/o donation Call 212.627.9895 E-mail contact@nownyc.org

NOW-NYC New Member Special: Get a $30 membership today and that counts as your donation for DA Forum and other events for the entire year! ($15 off regular membership)

Action Alert: Pass Child Victims Act of NY - Urge NYS Legislature and Governor Paterson

Reminder from NOW New York State and NYS Assemblywoman Markey

Urge the New York State Legislature to pass and Governor Paterson to pass
Child Victims Act of New York (A2596/S2568)

Take Action

A special request has come to us from Assemblywoman Markey. In her letter, she states,
"It is important that legislators throughout the state be aware that New Yorkers want to see this bill become law in 2009. When they hear from thousands of New Yorkers who are members, supporters, friends and colleagues of organizations like yours, they will understand that it is essential that the child Victims' Act become law in 2009. Thank you for your help in making this happen." Sincerely, Margaret Markey Member of NY Assembly

The Child Victims Act (Assembly Bill A02596, Senate Bill Number A2568) is designed to right the years of injustice which have been suffered in silence by victims of child sexual abuse. The Act extends the civil statute of limitations (SOL) by effectively delaying the time at which it begins to run until the age of twenty-three. This effectively extends the SOL until the victim is twenty-eight in civil cases.

One in four women are reported to have been abused as children.

More importantly, the Act creates a window much like the California window in 2003 that will open 60 days after the Act becomes law and remains open for one year. This will allow those who were shut out of the courts by the woefully short SOL to seek the justice that has been denied.

The Child Victims Act has been introduced and succeeded in the New York State Assembly three times (in 2006, 2007, and 2008 sessions). Yet, its companion bill in the Senate has not been allowed to reach the floor for a full vote! Please contact your representative, both Assemblyperson and Senator, to encourage them to place the protection of the interests of the children and the victims first.

At the same time, you can choose 5 local media outlets to send this lettter.

Posted by:
Jerin Alam
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force
National Organization for Women (NOW)

NOW Celebrates Landmark Confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court

	For Immediate Release Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906 NOW Celebrates Landmark Confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill History was made today when the Senate confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. The National Organization for Women proudly celebrates Sotomayor's landmark achievement as the first Hispanic justice to sit on the high court and just the third woman justice. Judge Sotomayor will bring more federal judicial experience to the court than any justice in 100 years, and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed in the past 70 years. In addition to her exemplary qualifications, Sotomayor will bring an important viewpoint to the bench. Though it was a difficult concept for some senators to grasp, Sotomayor's experience as a member of two groups who often experience discrimination in this country can only help to broaden the court's perspective on inequity and help advance the cause of equality and justice for all. Women have every reason to be outraged about gender disparity on the Supreme Court. When Sotomayor joins Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the court this fall, women will occupy a whopping 22 percent of the bench. Sixteen years passed between the confirmations of Ginsburg and Sotomayor, and three men were elevated to the high court during that time. At that unacceptable rate, it could take decades, maybe even centuries, to achieve a gender balanced court. There's no excuse to wait for equality: NOW calls for every open seat on the Supreme Court to be filled by a woman until there are four, if not five women justices. ###
	Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

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NOW Outraged at House Vote on Abortion Coverage -- Women's Rights Traded Away

For Immediate Release Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906 NOW Outraged at House Vote on Abortion Coverage -- Women's Rights Traded Away July 31, 2009 NOW is outraged to learn that the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed an amendment excluding abortion services from the "essential" health benefits package as defined by the government. Under this amendment, subsidies used to help pay insurance premiums for low-income people could not be used for abortion services. The New York Times reports that "insurers must use money from private sources to pay for any abortions." "Reproductive health care is a fundamental right. Any health care plan that does not cover the full range of reproductive services, including abortion, discriminates against women," said NOW President Terry O'Neill. "Once again, our representatives are giving in to the right wing by trading away women's rights. Well, I have a message for them, our reproductive rights are not theirs to give away." O'Neill noted that a majority of voters support coverage for abortion services, with only about a quarter opposed to using tax dollars to pay for abortion. In addition, a recent study found that most people in the U.S. with employer-based insurance currently have coverage for abortion. "Don't low-income people deserve the same level of coverage as other people in this country?" asked O'Neill. "Our lawmakers should be ashamed of themselves for perpetuating class-based and gender-based biases as they attempt to 'reform' our broken health care system." Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

Single-Payer Health Care Would Benefit Women, Promote Equality and Justice for All

	For Immediate Release Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906 Single-Payer Health Care Would Benefit Women Promote Equality and Justice for All Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill July 30, 2009 Health care is a fundamental human right, and ensuring access to quality, affordable and comprehensive health care within the United States is a moral imperative confronting our legislators today. Since 1993, the National Organization for Women has been a leader in the campaign for single-payer health care in the U.S. It is, as President Obama noted last week, the only way to ensure coverage for everyone. Single-payer health care is particularly important for women. Women bear the brunt of this nation's broken health care system, and it's coming at us from multiple directions. Women are disproportionately under-insured in the U.S. because we tend to be clustered in part-time, non-union and other jobs that do not provide health care. When we do seek coverage on the open market, we are often charged more than men, even while many of us are denied maternity care. And because statistics show that women remain paid between 78 and 58 cents on the dollar compared to men, even those of us who are fortunate enough to receive employer-sponsored insurance are less likely to be able to pay premiums. Moreover, the burden of caring for the sick has increasingly shifted from health care professionals to family caregivers. As insurance companies force hospitals to turn out patients shortly after major surgery, patients are sent home to be cared for by unpaid family members, predominantly women. The best way to correct these problems is to enact single-payer health care, covering all women regardless of their employment status, immigration status or ability to pay. And while covering everyone, single-payer health care would also be significantly more cost-effective than the system we have now, because removing the profit-seeking insurance companies from the equation eliminates a huge portion of health care costs. Despite what some of our elected officials might think, any public plan must cover all reproductive health services. Women have a right to full access to the complete range of reproductive health care services. This includes HIV/STD testing, maternity care, pre- and post-natal care, contraception and abortion. The greed and dominance of the private health insurance industry is both a symptom of and a major contributor to the massive inequality that is entrenched in our society. Single-payer health care promotes health and economic justice for all.

NOW.org | Press Room | View Online | Subscribe | Unsubscribe, Edit Profile Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

Judiciary Committee Sees the Wisdom in Voting for Sotomayor

	For Immediate Release Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906 Judiciary Committee Sees the Wisdom in Voting for Sotomayor NOW applauds the Senate Judiciary Committee's 13 to 6 vote recommending confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. "At the risk of upsetting Senator Sessions, I am pleased that this 'wise Latina' is one step closer to joining Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the high court," said NOW President Terry O'Neill. "As the first Hispanic justice and only the third woman, Judge Sotomayor will add a much needed perspective to a bench dominated by white males." The full Senate is expected to vote on Sotomayor's confirmation by the end of next week. NOW will be watching the vote closely. "Racism and sexism have driven far too much of the public discourse about the superbly qualified Sotomayor, and all the fiery temperaments on display last week during her Senate confirmation hearing -- those outrageous questions and comments -- seemed to belong to privileged white men," said O'Neill. "Sotomayor's impressive experience should guarantee her a strong vote on the floor, and her notable rise to the high court should serve as inspiration to women and girls across the country and around the world."

NOW.org | Press Room | View Online | Subscribe | Unsubscribe, Edit Profile Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

Action Alert: Single-Payer Bill Up for Vote

To: NOW Leaders
From: the NOW National Action Center

URGENT ACTION ALERT

July 23, 2009

National Single-Payer Bill Up for House Committee Vote

We just received an urgent message about a likely House Energy and Commerce Committee vote on single-payer health care Friday, July 24. A bill, H.R. 676, which would authorize a national single-payer health care plan (like Medicare for all) may come up for a vote. Certain "leaning" and "won't say" committee members need to hear from NOW activists that we want to see H.R. 676 passed – please call any of the committee members (all Democrats) whose names and numbers are listed below. Even if you are not in the district represented by that committee member, CALL THEM. PLEASE TAKE ACTION ASAP. Thanks for your quick response.

CALL "LEANING" DEMS:

Diana DeGette (CO) 202-225-4431
Jane Harman (D-CA) 202-225-8220
Christopher Murphy (CT) 202-225-4476
Frank Pallone (NJ) 202-225-4671
Bobby Rush (IL) 202-225-4372
Peter Welch (VT) 202-225-4115

CALL "WON'T SAY" OR "NOT ENOUGH VOTES" DEMS:

Rick Boucher (VA) 202-225-3861
Bruce Braley (IA) 202-225-2911
G.K. Butterfield (NC) 202-225-3101
Lois Capps (CA) 202-225-3601
Kathy Castor (FL) 202-225-3376
John Dingell (MI) 202-225-4071
Charles Gonzales (TX) 202-225-3236
Gene Green (TX) 202-225-1688
Jay Inslee (WA) 202-225-6311
Doris Matsui (CA) 202-225-7163
Jerry McNerney (CA) 202-225-1947
John Sarbanes (MD) 202-225-4016
Bart Stupak (MI) 202-225-4735
Betty Sutton (OH) 202-225-3401
Henry Waxman (chair, CA) 202-225-3976

Reportedly, Committee chair Henry Waxman (D-CA) has postponed this vote which was to have taken place on Wednesday because he fears that a national single-payer health care bill might really be adopted. H.R. 676 – The United States National Health Care Act, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), chair of House Judiciary Committee and 85 other House members, will be offered as an amendment to the major health care reform bill by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY). On July 17, this committee adopted an amendment (25-19, including some Republicans!) offered by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) that would let states establish their own single-payer health care programs. An amazing win!

Please note: NOW's new president, Terry O'Neill, will be speaking at the Thursday, July 30, D.C. rally/lobby day event in support of a national single-payer health care plan; this event coincides with the 44th birthday anniversary of Medicare. Most activists will remember than NOW endorsed the single-payer health care approach in 1993 during the Clinton health care reform debate.

You may also want to contact your representative and two senators to let them know that you believe that access to health care is a fundamental human right and we must have health care reform that is truly universal and affordable. We will be sending out additional health care reform updates and action alerts in the coming days and weeks. Thanks, again, for your calls and email messages – we hear that they are making a difference in the health care debate.

Thanks to democrats.com for the breakdown of committee members.

---

NOW.org | All NOW Actions | NOW Leaders Internal Site | Support NOW's work

Posted by:
Jerin Alam
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force
National Organization for Women (NOW)

Action Alert: Reproductive Health Care in Reform Bills Threatened

Support NOW's Work |	July 23, 2009	| Tell a Friend

Action Needed Background All NOW Actions Act NOW for Real Reform!		Reproductive Health Care in Reform Bills Threatened Please take time now to call or email your representative and senators to urge that no restrictions for women's reproductive health services should be included in health care reform legislation. Tell Congress: Don't Cave In! After taking action, please support our work! Action Needed: While there have been several wins in health care reform legislation concerning reproductive health services, a number of serious threats have emerged in recent days. Abortion rights opponents in both parties are moving to prohibit coverage in any public plan that is part of reform legislation. There is even an effort to prohibit private health insurance companies participating in the proposed health insurance exchanges to stop covering abortion services. Most private insurers currently provide coverage for abortion. Anti-abortion rights groups are flooding members of Congress with thousands of calls, opposing any provision in health care reform that would permit the use of government funds to pay for abortion care as well as trying to stop private insurance coverage of these services. Please call or email your representative and senators right away. You can use our formatted message below or create one in your own words. Take action now! Background: The Good News: In mid-July, fifteen anti-abortion rights amendments offered by Republicans were narrowly defeated in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee as the committee marked-up health care overhaul legislation. One, offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), would have prohibited abortion coverage in a health care exchange for participants who receive government subsidized coverage. Another, offered by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would have specified that federal health reform legislation could not override state laws on parental notification when minors seek abortion services. A second Coburn amendment was rejected that would have advanced a broad version of so-called "conscience" exemptions for health care providers with moral or religious objections to reproductive health care. On the House side, the House Education and Labor Committee recently approved a major health reform bill (H.R. 3200) after rejecting two amendments brought by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) that sought to prohibit health care plans -- including a public plan -- that participate in the proposed health insurance exchange from covering abortion services. The House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 3200 after spurning dozens of Republican amendments, including several attempts to exclude abortion coverage from the essential benefit package created in the bill. Take action now! The Bad News: The topic of abortion coverage in health care reform has become red hot in recent days as abortion rights opponents have pressed the Democratic leadership to accept restrictions against abortion services in House legislation. A campaign of disinformation has been mounted by these groups, claiming that policies the Obama administration are pursuing "will result in massive public subsidies for abortion and result in a massive increase in the number of abortions." Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Pro-Life Caucus, has said that health care reform legislation should maintain restrictions on federal funding of abortion. Stupak was among a group of 19 conservative Democrats who sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in June threatening to vote against any reform legislation that does not specifically prohibit federal funding from being used for abortion services. Mid-week House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) met with several anti-abortion-rights Democrats to ease pressure and a group of centrist Democrats have proposed an amendment that would neither require nor prohibit insurers from covering abortion services, as long as federal funding is not used. The latest tactic on the part of anti-abortion forces is to claim that because private insurers may be participating in the health insurance exchanges that the reform plan would establish, they would be benefiting from federal funding and must halt abortion coverage. Some observers believe that this heightened campaign against abortion rights has an ultimate goal of prohibiting private health insurance plans from covering abortion. A 2002 study found that 87 percent of employer-based health insurance policies covered 'medically necessary or appropriate abortions', while another study found that 46 percent of workers with health insurance had coverage for abortion. So, if abortion rights opponents win on prohibiting private insurance from including abortion coverage, millions of women will be affected. Take action now and tell your representative and senators how important these reproductive health services are to you and to women everywhere. We will be keeping you updated on reproductive rights and related issues as health care reform legislation moves forward. and then
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Monthly Giving | Catalog | Shop Amazon TAKE ACTION: Get Involved | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend | Learn More LISTS: Unsubscribe, Edit Profile | Subscribe | All Lists

NOW Newsletter: One More for the Road

Support NOW's Work |	July 20, 2009	| Tell a Friend

ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD Kim Gandy "Today is my final day as NOW president. After 36 years as a NOW activist and leader, the past eight years as president, it is quite a challenge to write my final Below the Belt column. The experiences I've had could fill a book, and someday I just might write one. For now, I have this column, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with you just a small taste of the incredible experiences I've had leading this extraordinary organization." Read more of NOW President Kim Gandy's last Below the Belt column. VICTORIES ON THE HILL Two pieces of good news: Last week the Senate voted to add the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act to the Department of Defense Authorization Bill. The act will expand federal hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender, gender identity or disability. Also, Rep. Dennis Kucinich's amendment to allow states to adopt their own single-payer health care plans passed the House Education and Labor Committee. Thanks to all who sent messages and made calls. TELL CONGRESS, 'SUPPORT SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE!' Under a single-payer health care system, no one would be denied care, no exclusions based on pre-existing conditions would be allowed, and women could not be charged higher rates because they use the system more for maternity and preventive care -- as happens currently in the private individual market. Take action now to make single payer health care more possible! Take action! NOW CALLS ON INTERNATIONAL COURT AND MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN NOW has joined a distinguished group of professors, women's rights organizations, and international human rights NGOs in filing an amicus brief with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, seeking to compel the Mexican government to take effective action to stop the ongoing epidemic of murders, rapes and disappearances of women and girls in Cuidad Juarez. Read more WASHINGTON POST PROMOTES RANDALL TERRY'S ANTI-ABORTION 'MISSION,' FAILS TO QUESTION INFLAMMATORY BROCHURE The Washington Post published a lengthy article about Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry, painting an almost sympathetic portrayal of the man who had this to say about the recent killing of Dr. George Tiller: "Tiller was a mass murderer, and, horrifically, he reaped what he sowed." What The Post neglected to address was Terry's horrific brochure targeting Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a "radical supporter of child-killing." Read more		WATCH VIDEO FROM THE CONFERENCE! From the 2009 National NOW Conference in Indianapolis to your computer screen, you can now watch video and see photos of our terrific feminist speakers online. NOW PAC ENDORSES JENNIFER BRUNNER FOR THE U.S. SENATE NOW PAC is pleased to endorse Jennifer Brunner for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. Brunner is a staunch supporter of women's rights and will be a leader in the Senate. Read more and watch her video from the conference. NOW CALLS FOR SWIFT CONFIRMATION OF JUDGE SOTOMAYOR TO SUPREME COURT In a press statement, NOW President Kim Gandy said, "We fully expect the Senate Judiciary Committee to ask probing questions, meticulously interview witnesses, and examine Judge Sotomayor's past decisions. Then we are confident the full Senate will confirm Judge Sotomayor enthusiastically, judiciously, and swiftly." Read more SHARE THE HISTORY: ORDER THE "SENECA FALLS" DOCUMENTARY TODAY Today is the 161st anniversary of the birth of the women's rights movement in America: the Seneca Falls Convention, held in a small village in upstate New York on July 19-20, 1848. Peabody and duPont award-winning filmmaker Louise Vance, after creating two films for California NOW on feminist activism, has just completed a stirring one-hour documentary called "Seneca Falls" to honor this occasion. "Seneca Falls" takes viewers on a life-changing journey with nine high school girls bound for the birthplace of women's rights in the U.S. Part teenage road trip, part shocking history lesson, the film is, above all, an awakening of young hearts and minds. NOW members can purchase this documentary for the discounted rate of $24.95. MORE RECOMMENDED READING: Wise Women Unite! What Sotomayor Should Have Said C. Nicole Mason, Women's eNews Judging the Nominee Alexandra Garcia, The Washintgon Post Abortion Issue Could Derail Health Care Overhaul Julie Rovner, NPR's Morning Edition Hot And Bothering: Media Treatment Of Sarah Palin Jennifer Pozner, NPR The Place of Women on the Court Emily Bazelon, New York Times Sexism on Centre Court Dave Zirin, The Nation Read more at "NOW Read This"
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Monthly Giving | Store | Shop Amazon TAKE ACTION: Get Involved | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend | Read More LISTS: Unsubscribe | Change Address/ Edit Profile | Subscribe | All Lists Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

Shortsighted NYS Dems Give Power & Money Back to Indicted Senator in Backroom Deal

Press Release: Shortsighted Democrats Give Power & Money Back to Indicted Senator in Backroom Deal Press Release Contact: Marcia Pappas, President 518-452-3944 National Organization for Women-NYS Denounces Shortsighted Democrats Dems Give Power & Money Back to Indicted Senator in Backroom Deal ALBANY, NY (07/15/2009) This week, National Organization for Women-NYS learned that Senator Monserrate (the alleged abuser who was indicted for injuring his girlfriend to the tune of twenty facial stitches) was returned to his seat, and rather lucrative stipend, as NYS Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee. Of this reinstatement NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas remarked: "Given the fact that Monserrate was indicted for such a heinous crime, one would think the Democratic leadership in NY would be wise enough to withhold such a decision, at least until Monserrate's court appearance is completed." Pappas said this move was suspicious, especially since Monseratte recently sided with Republicans and his long-time friend Senator Espada to tip the Senate scales to a Republican majority. Pappas continued: "Now suddenly Monserrate is holding hands and singing Kumbaya with the Democrats again. Could it be that the Democrats, in exchange for Monserrate's loyalty, promised the biggest carrot of all; his job and money?" All appearances would indicate that this back-room deal was negotiated on the backs of NY women. Women are angry and several from the NYS Legislature called the NOW office to say they are working in a mine field and that their work environment has become increasingly hostile. Pappas concluded: "The NYS Democratic leadership, in its infinite but short-sighted wisdom, has not only slapped the face of every woman in NY and in the NYS Legislature, but they have basically said 'Your safety does not matter.' I wonder how those same women will feel come Election Day?" -end- Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)

Action Alert: Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act & Single Payer Health Care

From: the NOW National Action Center

We know that NOW leaders and supporters across this country have been working hard for many years to pass two important pieces of legislation. This week we have a chance to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act and to raise our collective voices in support of Single Payer Health Care legislation. Please make these calls today.

Urgent: Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act

We need your help NOW more than ever to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA). Senator Leahy to offered the HCPA as an amendment to S. 1391, the FY 2010 Department of Defense Authorization bill today. Remember, the U.S. House passed this critical legislation and now we have to fight for passage in the U.S. Senate.

NOW is the time for action to help secure Senate approval.

Call today! Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 and ask them to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Urgent: Single Payer on the Table in Energy and Commerce on Thursday

This Thursday, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) will introduce, in the Energy and Commerce Committee, an amendment that abolishes private insurance and creates a national single-payer system that would cover everyone. This amendment would substitute Rep. John Conyers' (D-MI) single-payer bill, HR 676, for the current Tri-Committee Health Reform Bill.

Call your U.S. House member and ask him or her to support Rep. Weiner's single payer amendment. The Congressional Switchboard can be reached, toll free at 800-473-6711.

Background:

HR 676 would institute a single payer health care system by expanding a greatly improved Medicare system to everyone residing in the U.S.

HR 676 would cover every person for all necessary medical care including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient services, primary and preventive care, emergency services, dental, mental health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including for substance abuse), vision care, hearing services including hearing aids, chiropractic, durable medical equipment, palliative care, and long term care.

HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save hundreds of billions annually by eliminating the high overhead and profits of the private health insurance industry and HMOs.

In the current Congress, HR 676 has 85 co-sponsors in addition to Conyers . Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced SB 703, a single payer bill in the Senate.

Please make calls today on these important bills!

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NOW.org | All NOW Actions | NOW Leaders Internal Site | Support NOW's work

Posted by:
Jerin Alam
National NOW Young Feminist Task Force
National Organization for Women (NOW)

Action Alert: Tell Congress, 'Support Single-Payer Health Care!'

Support NOW's Work |	July 14, 2009	| Tell a Friend

Action Needed Background All NOW Actions Can We Cure the Ailing U.S. Health Care System?		Tell Congress, 'Support Single-Payer Health Care!' On Wednesday, July 15, or thereabout, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) is expected to offer an amendment to health care reform legislation that would permit states to establish their own single-payer (Medicare for all) type health care plans. In the Senate, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is expected soon to introduce a similar amendment during mark-up session of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Support Single-Payer Health Care! After taking action, please support our work! Action Needed: NOW activists should contact their Congress members, particularly those who are Democrats, and ask them to support this amendment. You can use our formatted message below or craft one of your own. But please do this right away! Take action NOW! Background: As Congress moves forward with reform of our costly and dysfunctional health care system, it looks increasingly less likely that a single-payer plan (like the Canadian system) has a chance. The health insurance industry and other large corporate health care providers are heavily lobbying Congress to preserve the current system, with a few reforms that will allow them to continue doing business. One ray of hope, though, is that we can advance the opportunity for those states -- like California -- who want to adopt this most efficient and affordable approach to universal health care. NOW passed a resolution in support of a national single-payer plan in 1993. Under a single-payer system, there would be government funding and administration, with private delivery of services. Patients could choose their providers, and doctors could determine treatments without first having to get permission from insurers, as currently is the case in our mostly private, for-profit system. Individuals would pay for their health care through payroll contributions -- just like they currently do with their Social Security and Medicare payroll deductions. No one would be denied care, no exclusions based on pre-existing conditions would be allowed, and women could not be charged higher rates because they use the system more for maternity and preventive care -- as happens currently in the private individual market. A handful of states -- California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and others -- may be ready to seriously consider state legislation that would establish just such plans. California has already passed two separate single-payer bills, but Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed both. Advocates promise that they will pass another single-payer bill once the governor leaves office. Take action NOW! Rep. Kucinich wants to make sure that states can adopt their own single-payer plans. His amendment indicates that the single-payer system would "provide comprehensive health benefits to all residents of the State using progressive financing and provides measures to assure free choice of providers for covered services, to promote quality..." Private insurers would not be able to offer insurance duplicating benefits provided under the state single-payer plan, and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) would have to be non-profit entities. Sen. Sanders' amendment, reportedly, is similar to the House amendment, which currently has 65 supporters. Support in the Senate is uncertain, but earlier this year 37 senators signed a statement supporting a "public plan option." It is difficult to predict exactly when these amendments will come up in committee, but please send your messages now urging your Congress members, especially the Democratic members of the House and Senate, to vote for these amendments and let their colleagues know of their support. More Information: Can We Cure the Ailing Health Care System?, NOW President Kim Gandy's Below the Belt column The Time for Single-Payer, Universal Health Care Coverage is Now!, Statement by NOW Vice President Executive Olga Vives Single-payer resources and facts, Physicians for a National Health Plan and then
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Monthly Giving | Catalog | Shop Amazon TAKE ACTION: Get Involved | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend | Learn More LISTS: Unsubscribe, Edit Profile | Subscribe | All Lists Posted by: Jerin Alam National NOW Young Feminist Task Force National Organization for Women (NOW)