What We Do
Download Westchester NOW Brochure
The NOW Telephone Westchester NOW telephone volunteers answer requests
for information and make referrals. Our message allows people to know they've reached the chapter and that they can leave a message.
Information can be provided about
upcoming meetings and events and about drives to support local, state,
and federal legislation favoring equality. The NOW telephone is a vital
link between the Westchester Chapter and the local community. (914)428-7744
Marriage and Divorce NOW connects women to the Westchester network
of resources and support services for women and monitors legislation related
to divorce and child custody.
Reproductive Rights NOW believes that every women must have control
of her own body and decide for herself if or when to bear a child. We work
actively for widespread sex education, availability of contraceptives,
and ready access to safe and legal abortions. We also offer an escort service
to support women entering abortion clinics.
Lesbian Rights Westchester NOW works for passage of local, state, and
federal legislation to protect the civil rights of lesbians and gay men.
We put women in touch with local organizations which provide activities
and events in safe, women-only space and refer women to the Westchester
Lesbian Line to share their joys and concerns about loving themselves and
loving women.
Older Women Women make up the majority of the aging population.
Older women are most likely to live alone, live longer, have a low income,
and be subject to chronic illness. NOW seeks societal and legislative changes
to improve the lives of older women.
Violence Against Women In working to increase awareness of the seriousness
and prevalence of violence against women and children, NOW actively supports
legislation to provide effective protection for victims of domestic violence,
rape, and sexual abuse. We support emergency shelters to help individuals
escape abusive situations.
Employment Discrimination Employees and job applicants who encounter
discrimination based on age, sex, race, national origin, sexual orientation,
or physical handicap can get information on legal action. We make referrals
for employees who are faced with sexual harassment and women who are discriminated
against because of pregnancy. We worked for passage of the Westchester County law
establishing the County Human Rights Commission in response to the unacceptable non-performance
of the State Division of Human Rights. The County HRC handles complaines of discrimination in
housing and employment and can levy fines of up to $10,000.
Feminist Book Discussion Group
The Chapter feminist book group was started in the
mid-1970s to analyze books from a feminist
perspective. Discussing only books written by women,
the group meets once a month to discuss books from a
wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, both
fiction and non-fiction.
Young Feminist Task Force
The membership of National NOW voted in July 2003
to create a permanent task force of young feminists
aged 30 or under, appointed by the president of NOW,
to advise on matters of agenda, leadership recruitment
and issue prioritization regarding young feminists in
the organization. Task force topics include advancing
reproductive justice, promoting diversity and ending
racism, stopping violence against women, ensuring
economic justice, achieving equality, and winning
lesbian rights. If you would like to be active in our
chapter’s local task force, contact us at
info@westchesternow.org. And while you’re at it,
check out NOW’s myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/nowactioncenter
and Westchester NOW's myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/westchesternowinfo
|
