When I was in college I was very involved with progressive causes, as many college students are. Upon graduation, I wanted to continue my activism so I joined NOW. Living in New York City, I volunteered for the sexual harassment hot line at NYC NOW. It was a real eye opener to hear from various women who were despicably harassed at their work place.

Unfortunately, as time passed and I got busier, as everyone does when working and starting a family, my "extracurricular activities" diminished. It is extremely hard working full time at a stressful job and maintaining a household. I have always continued being a NOW member, but, not until I was on my second maternity leave, did I find the energy to resume more active involvement in the chapter.

Now living in Westchester, I started becoming involved with Westchester NOW and became excited meeting the extremely devoted and energetic Westchester NOW members. I also had something else in mind, and that is to educate my own daughter, who, while only 6 years old, is already dedicated to women's issues. After all, my own activism stemmed from my mother taking me to various events, including, my most memorable, George McGovern campaign events. It is never too early to start educating one's children, and I also plan on taking my son, who is now only 2, to events, so that he can help shape the future by being sympathetic to women's issues.

I am writing this because many of my friends, most of whom are in their 30's, tell me they don't feel that they need a women's group because they have it all: a job, equal rights at work, income, a family, etc. I strongly disagree that women my age should take the women's movement for granted, especially in light of George W. Bush being elected and already chipping away at our rights. If young women are joining the "Million Moms against Guns" cause, why can't they also join our organization, which encompasses many issues that effect women in a much broader sense?

I am very happy that Eliza Filipowski, a new member, has become involved with Westchester NOW. She, like me, joined Westchester NOW after graduating college. Eliza has many ideas and has a unique insight into how we can perhaps let younger women know that they should not take our cause for granted.

Although I am very busy with balancing work and family, I feel it is necessary to be a part of a movement that will not let George W. Bush overpower us. I will try to make it to as many events and meetings as I physically can, with perhaps a toddler and a 6 year old in tow, and I hope to see you there, too!¨