VOL. IX, No. 4 NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN MAY, 1976

Junior Bridge, Karen DeCrow, Lillian Ciarrochi, Suzy Sutton, Nada Chandler onthe march for ERA Photo: Betty Curtis { . /1/ /V/;~.//~~ <""' ,£4 ~ · · r·· / era working committee forms

Feminist Gloria Steinem joins a Mary Ann Sedey Chapters who want to participate number of experienced NOW Jean Bendorf in this activity by planning their resource persons who will coor­ own hometown ERA action, are dinate and disseminate information MEDIA MATERIALS: asked to send activity reports, ideas on NOW's ERA activities across Coordinator and suggestions to Jane, c/o the the country. Phyllis Wetherby NOW National Action Center at U.S. Engineers & Consultants, Inc. once, so that they can be shared "We were pleased and delighted that you 600 Grant St. 3342 with other NOW chapters in plen­ would like to serve on the National NOW Pittsburgh, P A 15230 ty of time to plan an effective and ERA Committee," President Karen (412) 433-6542 newsworthy ERA Action Day. DeCrow said in her recent letter of Kathy Bonk appointment to Steinem, a NOW Here's one that just came in. National Advisory Board member. Nada Chandler VOLUNTEERS: Steinem has expressed her Coordinator Denver area NOW homemakers willingness to speak at ERA rallies Lois Reckitt descended upon the State Capitol in NOW targeted states, and has 38 Myrtle Ave. recently to express their support of indicated that MS. magazine,-at S. Portland, ME 04106 the ERA to Colorado legislators. its discretion-will run NOW's ERA (207) 799-8744 (H) Utilizing a favorite tactic of the fund-raising medallion ad. (207) 774-5068 (0) opposition, the women presented members of the legislature with NOW's National ERA Committee Marcia Doble home baked cookies, accompanied by will be available to aid states in the Nedra Darling a poem that read: areas of mobilizations, fund­ A legislator who is really hip raising, lobbying, public relations, Gloria Guardiola Can't be fooled by a chocolate chip. funding and/or legal matters. PRINTED MATTER: Don't believe everything others may tell you; Coordinator Here is a contact list of the Com­ We know how to make cookies, too. Junior Bridge mittee's working nucleus: So when you count your constituents, 2018 N. Monroe St. Don't forget me- Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 243-4064 (H) a homemaker who believes (703) 629-3284 (0) in equality. Spokesperson, Marilyn Shank, Jackie Mittleman who toted her 7 month old son CHAIR: Ida Terry Brendon, with her, stated, MARCIA LEVY ERA MEDALLION SALES "Opponents of the ERA like to give the im­ pression that all homemakers share their 1923 Shiver Dr. PROMOTION: Alexandria, VA 22307 view. However, persons supporting the ERA Coordinator include a broad spectrum of people-includ­ (703) 768-7731 Judy Meuli ing women who combine homemaking with 1126 HiPoint St. careers and women who are homemakers ex­ clusively. We too, have homes, husbands, and RESOURCES: Los Angeles, CA 90035 LOBBYING children. We cook and clean and bake. And (213) 938-0560) we believe in equality. We want the right to Elaine Latourell Pat Callair full citizenship in our state and our country." FUND-RAISING Martha Dickey PUBLICITY Esther Kaw August 26 has been designated LEGALITIES ERA ACTION DAY. Theme chosen Geri Kenyon for the day is "Shoulder-To­ Next month in DO IT NOW, look MOBILIZATIONS: Shoulder for the ERA-It's The for an update chart on unratified­ Coordinator American Way." states, and details on the July 4th Alice Cohan Jane Wells-Schooley, ERA Action ERA Philadelphia Mobe. Mark 34 Columbia Ave. Day Coordinator, wants to hear your calendar and plan to join your Trenton, NJ 08618 about past or planned chapter ERA sisters at Independence Square for (609) 394-8076 activities, such as fund-raisers, an ERA event during the height of Carol Blum walkathons, parades and protests. the Bicentennial celebrations.

I _.. ..

coalition delegation that met with The\rec'prd of union actions backs both senators. This group included up Gr

any of us have talked about it. lid is coming loose on a very large ttorney Marcia Greenberger, MSeveral of us have been asked can of worms! Aof the Center for Law and about it. And we've worried about Some of the agencies from whom Social Policy, in Washington, D.C. is it. What is it? we requested information-and who seeking information from NOW r It's reports in the national media informed us that our requests are members who have been discrimin­ that NOW, as an organization, and being "processed"-are: The Central ated against on the basis of sex by its members as individuals, have Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department schools, at all levels. If you or any­ been-and, in fact, are-being of Justice, Federal Bureau of Inves­ one you know has been discrimin­ "watched" by a variety of govern­ tigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Ser­ ated against in employment, ad­ ment agencies. vice (IRS), U.S. Civil Service Com­ missions, or course-related situa­ As of February, 1975 when the mission, and the Department of tions-the Center wants to know Freedom of Information Act became Defense. Other requests will be go­ about it. Marcia would also like to law, organizations and individuals ing out soon. know if complaints were filed with have had the right to find out just As we learn more from these HEW or the Labor Department and what kind of information various agencies we will report our findings if so, what happened to the corn­ government agencies have been to you. Meanwhile, you also can do plaints. If your chapter filed such a compiling about them. something to help. Please let me complaint, please indicate whether Shortly after I took office in Oc­ know if you or persons in your or not the complaint was made on tober of '75, I began to make re­ chapter believe you have been the behalf of particular NOW members. quests of government agencies subject of surveillance. Please send Please send this information to: which I had reason to believe might me the specifics, including the dates, Marcia Greenberger, Esq. be involved in gathering information times, exactly what happened, and Center for Law and Social Policy on NOW. Upon consultation with any other related information. 1751 N Street, N.W. The object of asking you for this Washington, DC 20036 attorneys from the American Civil with a copy to me. Liberties Union (ACLU) and other information is to see if any pattern feminist attorneys, a series of letters emerges. We are not asking permis­ was drafted and sent to a number of sion to use your name and address agencies requesting reports and in any way. All identification will be access to any and all information kept confidential. If, however, you they might have involving NOW. want to have us pursue this on your At this time, several of these behalf, please so indicate in your U now of anyone who has had agencies have made preliminary re­ communication to me. It would 1\. problems with the military, in­ sponse to our requests. The Secret seem that the American public will volving enlistment? We want to Service, for one, has sent us heavily be interested to know just how know about any cases where women censored documentation concern­ much of their tax dollars is being have been discriminated against ing their surveillance of NOW ac­ spent investigating women in their when they've tried to enlist. An ex­ tivities. struggle to gain equal rights in this ample is the case of a woman with Page 2 RUEADWW 4900 UNCLAS Bicentennial era. children who was refused enlist­ I will continue to keep you in­ ment while a man in a similar situa­ 2. DEMONSTRATIONS: AS DESCRIBED formed of our progress and of ways tion was welcomed into the ranks. IN SITUATION REPORT NUMBER 2 FOR in which you can help. If you have Please send all information to me. THIS VISIT MEMBERS OF N.O.W. questions, suggestions, or comments any thanks for your excellent concerning this effort please let me Mresponse regarding my request DEMONSTRATE, AND NO know. for information on feminist at­ EXPECTED. Other sources of information torneys and cases involving NOW The extent to which this in­ about FOIA are the ACLU offices, chapters, groups, and individuals. vestigative activity is occurring is 22 East 40th Street, , Please keep this information flowing still unknown. It will undoubtedly NY 10016 and the Freedom of Infor­ in to me. It is invaluable! We still take time to run it all down, and mation Clearinghouse, P.O. Box need more: even then, the question remains 19367, Washington, DC 20036. You • Feminist attorneys who actively support whether we can be sure they are can also write to the feminist week­ the movement. Send names, addresses really giving us all their information. ly, Majority Report, for a copy of their and phone numbers. Government agencies have been October, 1975 issue (74 Grove • Information on cases involving any NOW chapter or group. Please send virtually inundated with requests of Street, New York, NY 10014). three copies of all filings, briefs, etc., this type, with the result that their I have a limited number of FOIA where applicable. processing system is incredibly pamphlets from Ralph Nader's FOIA Send to: Geri Kenyon bogged down. It is obvious from the Clearinghouse and will be happy to 212 Clark Street correspondence we have received send them to you if you enclose a Houghton, MI 49931 that the government knows that the stamped, self-addressed envelope. (906) 482-6979 From The President lDEF's Karen DeCrow Proposal Primer

ne trend which emerged from The use of misleading advertising NOW's Legal Defense and Educa­ 0 years of Watergate study is alone, NYPIRG believes, may have tion Fund may be able to secure that "dirty tricks" usually origin­ been enough to instill fear and funding for projects that deal with ated someplace on the political right. doubt in many responsible people institutionalized sex discrimination. The extremists of the right are still who might otherwise have sup­ Research, and programs that go playing tricks, this time on the ported the ERA. In addition, the beyond aiding individual victims of women of America. failure to file campaign literature, discrimination to attacking root According to a report issued in the failure to file campaign finance causes, are eligible for possible sup­ March by the New York Public In­ statements, and the presence of at port under the LDEF By-laws. terest Research Group, Inc. least one Birch "front" organization How the Fund can help: (NYPIRG), "Who Sank the ERA?", in the anti-ERA campaign, all reveal • Establishing high priority projects and "ultra-conservative, right-wing groups pub­ a pattern of activity which raises seeking foundation support for them. Ex: lished misleading literature, violated state serious ethical questions, at the PEER, the LDH Project on Equal Edu­ election laws, and resorted to dirty tricks to least, and points to possible criminal cation Rights, that grew out of NOW's turn public sentiment against the New York Education Task Force. State ." and/or civil violations. • Acting as a fiscal administrator for pro­ The John Birch Society actively The Birch society Bulletin stated jects which may be able to qualify for the use of LDEF's tax-deductible worked alongside and within Opera­ that the ERA is privilege in order to raise their own tion Wake-up, the umbrella "A cause designed to serve communism's funds. Ex: Dr. Weitzman's slide-show, organization for most of New York sinister purposes" and "one of the means­ "SEX Role Stereotypes in Elementary state's anti-ERA groups, to stir up like heroin, progressive education, and por­ School Textbooks." unwarranted fear and skepticism in nography for our youth-by which the Con­ • Making small grants (average: $750) to spiracy seeks to reform one segment of our innovative projects that might not other­ the minds of voters. (The state population into a condition which will make it wise obtain funding. Ex: A $1,000 grant referendum was held in November easier to impose Communist rule and the to the NOW Task Force on Older 1975.) Communist way of life on the whole popula­ Women, to research and publish a tion." bibliograP,hy. In each public appearance which I Submittal procedure: made during the fall uf 1975, par­ The group's credibility should be low, if for no other reason than that • All projects must go through a review ticularly in New York state, there and approval process before funds can be was a contingent from Operation they are unfamiliar with the fact sought. Wake-up. NOW members would tell that the Communist Party U.S.A. • Proposals are first reviewed by a NOW me, having recognized these folks, (and Soviet) opposes ERA-and also Screening Committee whose members does not allow drugs, progressive are appointed by the President of NOW. that they were the same "right-to­ This committee, whose members are life" advocates who were fighting education, or pornography! listed below, evaluate each proposal in against the right to choose in that A flyer from Operation Wake-Up terms of NOW goals and priorities. particular community. contains drawings of neuterized in­ Three proposals are chosen and for­ warded to the LDEF Education Com­ Throughout their campaign, anti­ dividuals. It reads: mittee to be considered at each Board ERA groups distributed literature "Vote NO on ... 'Equal Rights' Unisex meeting. which erroneously stated, among amendment-to drprive men and women, • To be considered, send one copy of your other things, that the ERA would husbands, and wives, of their present rights proposal (be sure you include a budget) make separate public restroom in 732 state laws, and instead recognize only to each of the following Screening Com­ neuterized 'persons' (including homosex­ mittee members: facilities illeg.'ll, nullify numerous uals)." laws which protect women, and Mary Ellen Verheyden-Hilliard legali::e romosexual marriage. Had Extremist groups who manipulate 3747 Huntington Street, NW voters known that extremist groups and play dirty tricks can prevail­ Washington, D.C. 20007 but only for a while. like the John Birch Society were es­ Joan Roberts pousing these alarmist views, they Eventually, our ethical structures 235 Waring Road might have ,,.nalyzed them with con­ will be dominated by the people Syracuse, New York 13224 siderably more skepticism. who can figure out the dirty tricks, Nancy Weiss NYPIRC. 1 .,rned that none of the but refuse to use them. Not because 10350 Keswick Avenue misleading lmrature-or any anti­ they are goody-goody-but because Los Angeles, CA 90064 ERA lit , ' · · · -was filed with the they realize that living in a world of State Board ot Elections, in direct dirty tricks is unbearable. The ends If you would like more informa­ violation · Jew Yo ·k St 1te election never justify the means. Operation tion or a sample proposal outline, . laws. In <•ddition, neither the John Watergate, Operation Wake-Up can contact Barbara Cox, Executive Hirch Su, . You LL Americans for muddy our political systems for a Director, NOW LDEF, 9 West 57th Freedom nor the Conservative Party while, but not forever. And not, we Street, New York, N.Y. 10019. (212) has filed any financial statements hope and assume, until1979. 688-1751. with thr' Board, s required by Karen DeCrow Sheila Tobias/lenore J. Weitzman st; t <1te NOW President NOW LDH EducationCommittee

4 r State Clips

hode Island NOW became con­ f lorida NOW officially opened ver 200 women and men R cerned about how Comprehen­ its legislative office last month 0 attended NOW's Activist Infor­ sive Employment Training Act amidst a hectic delivery of "thank mation Day and Men's Seminar, (CETA) jobs were being filled. Few you" plants to all state legislators "The Intelligent Man's Guide to women were being hired, and those who voted yes on the ERA last year. Feminism", held recently in that were had been placed in low Appropriately enough, the plants Pittsburgh. Questionnaires com­ pay, traditional clerical jobs. were Impatiens. Supported by pleted by male and female par­ • NOW wrote to the Governor's chapters donations, the office is ticipants reinforced NOW's belief Office of Economic Development stated to stay open throughout the that men are and want to become (OED), prime state sponsor for four month legislative session. more actively involved in the move­ CETA, inquiring about representa­ Legislative Coordinator Emilie ment. tion on the State Manpower Plan­ Wilson, Lobbyist Alyce McAdam, Of those activists in the sample, ning Council, which funds CETA Office Manager Lis Handley and a over half were new members, hav­ programs, and the State Manpower number of volunteers staff the of­ ing joined in the last two years. The Services Council, which reviews and fice which is located just one block most frequent age for women at­ recommends programs. At that time from the State Capitol. tending was in the 26-30 age no women were represented on bracket; for men, 36 to 45 years.The For week, Alyce had met the predominent male invited was the either group. legislators, attended committee The Boston Regional Office of spouse of a NOW activist. meetings, made notes, matched Of the 36 men who completed Manpower received copies of this names and faces, and tracked bills. correspondence, and said they questionnaires, 24 indicated that "shared some of NOW's concerns." "We anticipated spending a re­ NOW should put more effort into Opportunities for Women, a laxed opening day getting our recruiting men and 29 said they counseling and job placement bearings and doing some back­ would encourage other men to at­ organization whose Board includes ground lobbying," Emile reported. tend feminist functions. Over half NOW members, was subsequently "Then we got the agenda for com­ the men responding indicated their appointed to the Manpower Services mittee hearings and found we had intent to become more active. Ac­ Council. four targeted bills scheduled within tivism, as defined by the men them­ NOW also learned that OED had a 24 hour period." selves, included attending meetings, contracted with the Commission for At the opening session, Alyce becoming members, participating in Human Rights to monitor CETA's found she wasn't the ERA's only NOW actions and serving as officers affirmative action, but when that lobbyist on hand. Rows of pink­ of NOW chapters. Commission's report was com­ aproned ERA "Stoppies" lined the As for C-R groups, opinion was pleted, OED refused to release it, galleries of both the House and the about equally divided as to whether claiming that it was done for "inter­ Senate. consciousness-raising should be nal purposes only". Spotting the very visible NOW single sex or "mixed." Both men and NOW began to apply pressure via button she wore, one legislator re­ women, however, agreed that both newspaper inquiries, letters to the marked, "I've seen you in lots of sexes need to be liberated. regional office, questions from other committee meetings and you haven't The majority of NOW activists women's groups, and finally a threat tried to lobby me yet". Another took overwhelmingly support the equali­ of a suit by the local newspaper, un­ her aside and told her, "This is the ty of men within the National der the federal Freedom of Informa­ first time a person from your Organization for Women. Not a tion Act before the report was National Federation, uhmm, of single NOW activist sampled agreed pried loose. Women has talked to me and hasn't with the questionnaire statement. OED's reluctance to let it go was tried to twist my arm about ERA". "There is no place for men in the understandable since the report con­ Little do they know their time will Movement." firmed CETA's lagging affirmative come! The event was sponsored by the action in great detail, including the ERA is Florida NOW's number Southwest Council. fact that of nearly 2,000 CETA one priority, but there is slim hope workers hired, only 28 percent were the three Senate votes needed to women. Not only were women ratify will surface this session, so hired less often, they were also paid NOW's energy is currently spent DO IT NOW is published monthly by the lower salaries. tracking and testifying on various National Organization for Women (NOW) Opportunities for Women, in bills, particularly those on abortion. 425- 13th Street, N.W., Wash., D.C. 20004. cooperation with NOW and Project The expertise being developed is ex­ Editor: Pate Anderson. 2nd-class postage Equality, is putting together a pected to stand in good stead when paid at Wash., D.C. 20004. Address cor­ respondence to NOW Action Center, 425 - proposal for an apprenticeship, non­ fall elections roll around, and NOW 13th Street, (202) 347-2279. $15 national traditional job training program for concentrates its efforts on booting dues: $2 allocated to D.I.N. subscription. women, for which OED has prom­ out those legislators who've re­ ised substantial funding. fused to vote for ERA.

5 Abortion-There are many bills in both the House and the Senate. The latest Helms amendment (SJ Res. 178) is still before the Senate and Elaine Latourell may come up at any time. This bill Legislative Vice President proposes a constitutional amend­ MelissaThompson Pat ment. In the House, the Judiciary Legislative Leeper sub-committee on Civil and Con­ Coordinator Lobbyist stitutional Rights held one week of ere is a summary of some of Employment-The Full Employ­ hearings on abortion bills before it. H the bills before Congress that ment and Balanced Growth Act of They have not taken further are of interest to NOW in further­ 1976 (HR50 and S50) was consid­ action-but could do so at any time. ing our National Legislation Pro­ ered in hearings in the Equal Oppor­ Beyond constitutional amendments gram. Letters to your congressional tunity sub-committee of the House are bills such as S318 in the Senate, representatives on these matters Education and Labor Committee, and HR 12327 in the House. Both have important impact. Write to and was reported out. Additional would prohibit the use of HEW them as an individual and as a hearings were held by the Man­ funds for abortion, and both are chapter. If you want a complete copy power sub-committee. There is currently in committee. of a particular bill, write your Con­ strong opposition by the Ford Older Women-There are two gressperson and ask for a copy. Ad­ Administration to any full employ­ bills which deal with the problems of dress your request to Senator_ ment legislation. This legislation will displaced homemakers, S2541 and U.S. Senate, or Representative not go anywhere without strong Rep. Yvonne Burke's HR10272, ___, House of Representatives, public pressure. which is the preferred bill. Rep. Washington, D.C. 20515. Augustus Hawkins, committee Food Stamps-The Senate Education-Parts of Senator Chairman, has tentatively agreed to passed a food stamp bill in April Walter Mondale's Women's hold hearings on it this summer. which resulted in some cutbacks. In Vocational Education Act have been Please write to him and encourage addition, instead of elimination of incorporated into S2654, an Om­ extensive hearings as soon as possi­ the purchase price, it provides for a nibus Higher Education Act. Even ble. small demonstration project on the now, additional changes are being Several bills have been intro­ elimination of the purchase price made. A final version is expected to duced to extend coverage to home­ requirement. The Ford Administra­ be reported onto the Senate floor by makers under the old age survivors tion wants drastic cutbacks in the May 15. The House sub-committee and disability insurance program. food stamp program and there are on Elementary, Secondary and The best one is Rep. Bella Abzug's also other proposals to cut the pro­ Vocational Education is still working HR 11840 which would require that gram. The House Agriculture com­ on their revision of the V.E. Act. government pay into the system mittee is expected to act on their Please encourage your representa­ rather than taking money from the version this month. House members tive to include provisions of S2657 working spouse's paycheck. This bill need to be urged to vote for elimina­ in the House version. is in the House Ways and Means tion of the purchase requirement Congress is also working on ap­ Committee with no action and oppose cutbacks in the pro­ propriations bills for fiscal year scheduled. gram. 1977. We are trying to get $15 Rape-A bill to revise the U.S. Civil Rights-HR 5452 would million appropriated for the Criminal Code, sexual assault sec­ prohibit discrimination on the basis Women's Education Equity Act, with tion (HR12099) has been intro­ of sexual preference. Hearings have minority women as a priority. This duced by Rep. John Moakley of yet to be scheduled and the bill is part of the Labor-HEW FY77 Mass., and has been assigned to the needs more sponsors. Ask your appropriation bill. Letters from Judiciary Committee. This legisla­ Representative to co-sponsor this NOW members are needed to tion has many negative aspects, in­ bill and support extensive hearings. Senator Magnuson and Rep. Flood. cluding setting the age of consent at Congress is being asked to ap­ 18 and requiring a federal officer to propriate $46 million for implemen­ Child Care-Last month, Presi­ witness a medical examination of tation and enforcement of Title IV dent Ford vetoed HR 9803, the Day rape victims. We have taken a stand of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Of Care Services Act, that provides against this bill until substantial this amount, $16 million would be funds to help day care centers bring changes are made. allocated for sex discrimination, $10 their facilities up to federal require­ Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman has million for bi-lingual language pro­ ments. We are working with others introduced HR12684, a bill to amend grams and $20 million for racial dis­ to get this veto overridden. The vote federal rules of evidence so that crimination. This is part of the ap­ is expected on May 14th. evidence of an individual's prior sex­ propriations bill for Labor-HEW, The Child and Family Services Act ual conduct is not admissable. The (Fiscal year, 1977). Letters are es­ of 1976 is currently buried in the bill is in the House Judiciary Com­ pecially needed to the chairs of the Senate Labor and Public Welfare mittee and no hearings have been· sub-committees, Senator Warren committee, the direct result of a scheduled. Both Moakley's and Magnuson of Washington and strong opposition campaign that in­ Holtzman's bills amend the U.S. Representative Daniel Flood of cludes letters and literature against Code which also applies to military Pennsylvania. the bill. installations and U.S. protectorates.

6 April Board Meetinll

The following motions were passed ~ II. Finances at the April 3-4, 1976, Board ~" A. Reallocation of Dues to States meeting in Washington, D.C. ..§ 1. That the Board adopt a flat grant J :_:l to states of $700.00 per state (50 states ;; and the District of Columbia). ] 2. (a) That the flat grant of $700 be I. Issues & Actions "'-- allocated to each state in quarterly A. That NOW go on record as sup­ allocations at the end of each quarter. porting ERAmerica and commits $1000 (b) That a per member allocation to ERAmerica to be disbursed to them in of $1.20 be allocated for each member 2 payments-$500 now and $500 in six who joins or renews on each quarter. months. These funds will be obligated at the end B. That the Board allocate $1000 for a of each quarter and will be available to pilot project to involve minority women states for advances or reimbursements in the ratification of ERA and recom­ '""'111!1'11'~ in accordance with standard NOW mend that Pat Callair be the coordi­ Gloria Hewitt, Pat Callair procedures. This policy is retroactive to nator of the project. January 1, 1976. This allocation is based C. That the Board allocate $500 to the on a projection of 60,000 total members National ERA Committee for the G. That the Board urges Attorney and this figure is subject to periodic development of printed and electronic General Edward M. Levi and the Justice review. media prototypes, mailing, phone and Department to drop the subpeonas travel, April to June, 1976. against Jill Raymond, Joanna Le Deaux 3. That the allocation for states that D. That we adopt "Shoulder to and Veronica Vigil and release them im­ do not have a state organization or a Shoulder for the ERA" as our August 26 mediately. state coordinator be earmarked until National Mobilization, urging the Presi­ H. That the Board endorse the Ohio such time as those states become eligible dent to appoint Jane Wells-Schooley as Bank Action as an exciting action and pursuant to 4 a & b or until the end of coordinator, and that we grant $600 in recommend that the relevant task forces the fiscal year. funding under 1976 budget item 2.2. consider this action for possible adoption 4. (a) That in order to receive dues E. That the President appoint a Steer­ as a pilot project. reallocation, state structures must ing Committee to mobilize appropriate I. WHEREAS NOW is dedicated to the operate in accordance with National by­ actions at the Democratic National Con- eradication of sexist and racist dis­ laws. Further, that those states with ap­ vention to insure that the party nominee crimination wherever they are found, pointed state coordinators working actively and aggressively support toward a state organization will also ratification of the Equal Rights Amend- receive money. ment and a Woman's Right to Choose BE IT RESOL YEO that the United (b) That the Board recommends Abortion and that the platform contain a Nations organization created to further that each state seriously consider ways statement in support of the ERA and a understanding among nations of peace of including all members within its state Woman's Right to Choose. in the world, by its recent adoption of a in its state organization. F. That the Board go on record in op- resolution declaring Zionism to be "a B. Establish National dues for new at­ position to any action in Alton, Illinois, form of fascisim and racial discrimination" large members at $15. in conjunction with the National Rally have breached its trust to people of the C. That NOW no longer sell its fo~ Equal Rig~ts in Springfield and c_om- world by a call to world-wide hatred of leadership list. (This does not exclude m1t 1tself to d1scourage any such achon. an ethnic minority over 50% of whom use of the list by NOW members for -B"" are women . .S BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that '2 NOW commend those who have taken a ~ position against this sexist and racist ,.. resolution , !, BE IT FURTHER RESOL YEO that ' .E NOW urges the President and Congress ~ of the United States to take every and all actions necessary to manifest to the world the unwavering position of the U.S. against this call to world-wide anti­ semitism. J. That the Board adopt the Washing­ ton State NOW resolution and to public­ Nedra Darling, Elaine Latourell, Martha ly endorse Yvonne Wanrow's cause in whatever other manner it regards as ap­ Jackie Frost, Elaine Latourell Buck propriate and recommend to LDEF that they take this case under consideration.

7 NOW affairs.) This policy to be re­ N. That $10,000 be allocated from the C. That NOW establish our own Af­ viewed in 6 months. A form letter is to Task Force budget (2.4) for a meeting of firmative Action form or questionnaire be developed to be sent in reply to com­ the TF Coordinators with a request that establishing our own Affirmative Action mercial inquiries about mailing lists they consider the feasibility and prac­ criteria for NOW acceptance of subcon­ which includes prices for advertising in ticality of exploring fundraising for their tractors and to further establish an Af­ DO IT NOW. Task Forces, as part of their agenda and firmative Action Committee for the pur­ D. That the Board grant $12,000 ad­ further that proposals now received poses of aiding in such criteria. ditional funding to the Constitutional (listed below) be funded for 6 months D. That we delete one Board meeting, Commission in its line item in the 1976 and after which time new budgets be the October meeting, from the schedule budget. submitted based on their first one-half established in December. E. Establish registration for By-laws year's experience. E. That we meet in Cleveland, Ohio, Conference at $20 until August 1, $30 in June; Missoula, Montana, in August; after August 1. Add sentence at end of and Broward County, Florida, in registration form for the Conference on December. By-laws which says "Those who can af­ F. That the fact-finding committee on I ford to pay more than $20 are encour­ NOW's line of credit which has come to I aged to contribute to help defray the be known as "the investigating com­ registration expenses of those who can­ mittee" be dissolved as no further Board not." action is necessary on this matter. F. Add a sentence on the registration G. To have Board meetings begin at form which says "I cannot attend, but 8:00 a.m., to have no lunch break enclosed is my contribution for some­ (instead asking that local chapter one else." arrange for lunch) and break only for G. That the statement that the finan­ dinner for one hour. cial affairs of NOW for 1975 were well H. That the Board establish a DO IT handled be put in writing and that we NOW publication committee with exper­ l give our thanks to Bonnie Howard, Parliamentarian, Esler Kaw, tise in editing, business (ad sales), coor­ former National Treasurer, for a job Smeal, Karen DeCrow. dination, design, production and con­ well done. tent, responsible for producing DO IT H. That all liabilities incurred by those NOW on a regular and timely basis. so authorized be reported to the And further, the budget proposals That the DO IT NOW Publication Com­ Treasurer bi-monthly; that all pending for the second half of the year contain a mittee be responsible in its editorial liabilities be reported on the same basis discussion of fundraising for each Task function for: and that progress reports on the finan­ Force. That at this meeting they further 1. Developing program of theme cial portion of ongoing projects be re­ explore the method of communicating issues for DO IT NOW to constitute ported on the same bi-monthly basis. with both Chapters and members and partial content of each issue. I. That all receipts for expenditures, that they further specify priorities with­ 2. Act as resources for editor and now monies and/or checks be sent via in their own budgets and the Task Force when necessary actually aid the editor in certified mail if requested. proposals received. preparation of copy. J. That all budget requests be dis­ Compliance $3,090 3. Each theme issue would have an tributed to the full Board as well as the Media 750 "expert" assigned as "consulting editor". Budget Committee. C.R. 960 These consulting editors could be drawn Minority Women 3,000 K. That an Advertising Coordinator Marriage Equality 250 from the advisory committee members, be appointed for a six month period. Her Women in Poverty 1,000 Task Force Coordinators, etc. For exam­ responsibilities would include developing ple, an issue on the future of marriage the necessary materials for immediate III. Policies & Procedures would have Jessie Bernard as consulting use, establishing territories for sales per­ A. Adopted minutes of October 23, editor. Where the theme issue overlaps sons, establishing procedures for inter­ 1975, December 6-7, 1975, and January one or more Task Force areas, the con­ facing with the Editor of DO IT NOW 24-25, 1976. cerned Task Force coordinators would and establishing discount rates for B. That we permit reasons for roll call act as associate consulting editors. repeat ads and non-standard sizes, not votes only to be placed in the minutes, 4. The theme of each issue would be covered in the rate schedule. and that the reasons be limited to 25 done in such a way as to enable the ex­ L. That a petty cash account be words or less; that roll calls will be made traction of material as reprints for NOW opened at the American Security & at the request of one member. materials. Trust, Washington, D.C. Authorized I. That the President appoint the signatures to be Estelle Gabel (book­ Publication Committee for DO IT NOW keeper) and Polly Abrams (reception­ within a week and announce that Com­ ist)-both to be required or Nada mittee in writing to the Board and that Chandler. she appoint a Chair of that Committee 1 M. WHEREAS the cost of postage has who will directly supervise all employees increased significantly and all possible related to DO IT NOW. ~ mailing options have not been explored Address Change: and Jean T. Conger WHEREAS communication to all R.D. #2, Box 226 members and leaders is vital to the Cranburv NJ 08512 movement and to the implementation of (201) 329 874 NOW's program, Name/Phone Change: BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED Rosemary Dempsey Belmont to Rosemary Dempsey (609) 392-0326 that all mailings be evaluated by weight, New Board Member: season of the year, and volume and that Pat Callair, Ann Lang Lois Reckitt, Eastern Regional Co-Director the most expedient cost effective 38 Myrtle Avenue method be selected by the appropriate South Portland, ME 04106 official. (207) 799-8744 (home) or 774-5068 (office)

8 C~~ Now Tasl< Force Actions

Consciousness­ Labor Criminal Raising Justice

The National CR Task Force is In an attempt to maneuver Senate The rapid rise of female crime and ready to offer weekend work­ Bill 1-the Criminal Justice Reform its causes was the topic of debate at shops across the country. These Act-through Congress, the bill's a recent conference on Women and "saturation" CR events will offer sponsors, Senators McClellan, Crime in Washington. intensive CR feminist experience, Hruska and Eastland, are presently Keynote speaker, Dr. Freda Adler, as well as actual leadership training, trying to amend and/or rename it. UN consultant on female criminali­ so that participants gain the Supporting NOW's official resolu=­ ty, declared 1968 a landmark-the necessary experience and perspec­ tion to "lobby vigorously against its year women were first put on the tive to organize or revitalize their enactment as presently written,'' FBI's most-wanted list. Like their chapter's CR programs. members are strongly urged to ex­ sisters in legitimate areas, she NOW members who want the pose this legislation for what it is; an stated, female criminals are strug­ benefits of such a workshop should attempt to muzzle voices calling for gling for higher positions in the write me right away, at 1835 S. equality and fair play. criminal hierarchy and are no Bentley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA longer satisfied with second-class 90025. I will send a complete plan­ This all-encompassing legislation status. ning kit by return mail. which allegedly seeks to reform our Adler's views were similar to Since the workshops are geared to criminal code, is unacceptable those of Charles Weller, former geographic locations, cooperation whether re-named or amended. Its police officer turned university among neighboring chapters is en­ 800 pages include provisions for: professor, who suggested a correla­ couraged. If you want to share a • Sentencing for obstruction of govern­ tion between crime and the degree weekend workshop with a neigh­ ment or official proceedings of freedom enjoyed. boring chapter, choose one contact • Elimination of the right to resist illegal Adler put it this way, "If women person for your group and have arreat. cannot be tellers, they cannot • Imprisonment of "peace activists" who her/him request the kit. "incite" persons not to enlist in the embezzle, just as when women were armed services or to fight in illegal wars not permitted to swim, few drown­ ---~-- ~-·· ·-- __ . (Chap. 2, Sections 1116 and 1117) . ed." She concluded, "if a rise in .------\ • Making it a crime so much as "to display female criminality is an unavoidable • / d d f \ a sign" protesting the conduct of U.S. (j , J..l'f response to eman rom \ Prosecutors within 200 feet of their of- concomitant of emancipation, we \../ apters all around the country, a \ Hce buildings. will have to pay that price." supplement on CR for men has been ~ Authorizing the use as evidence of state- A panel on "Crime and the added to the new edition of Guide- ·; ments extracted from suspects during Women's Movement" discussed lines To Feminist CR. The revised ) police "third-degree" interrogation whether the women's movement "G 'd 1 " h i (Chap. 37, Sec. 3713). m e ines contains t e necessary A third of the more than 3,000 was encouraging women to become m~terial to_ p7ovid: your chapter tqtal provisions would have to be aggressive and act out violence in with a femmrst-onented CR pro- changed before this bill would be political ways. One of the questions gram, fr?m d:t~iled topic guides to ;;1 cceptable. The bill's sponsors, how- raised was whether women are leadership trar~mg for both men and ever, have indicated they will make becoming more involved in crime or whether police are choosing to \ wo~en. Cost IS $5. To get a c?py, / only about nine changes before a mail a check-payable to Harnet probable Senate floor vote this arrest more women. Perl~to the above address. summer. NOW President Karen DeCrow We must see that S.l is discarded. asserted her belief that the feminist Write a personal letter to your movement would in fact decrease .. Senator and tell him/her that you crime because many crimes are com­ Has your chapter's task force want S.1 scrapped. mitted by men on a.macho trip. Two contact been added to our list? If Not amended, not renamed, but examples she cited were rape and not, have your chapter president scrapped. And recommend that the wife beating, adding that the latter send the name, address and phone Senate start fresh with a bill that would decrease significantly if number of the local TF contact to guarantees preservation of in­ marriage became a relationship the National Action Center. Don't dividual rights. Encourage your between equals. be left out-write! friends and family to do the same. By Ronni Collazo for Jane P. Wereholtz Note: An extensive report on this conference Harriet Perl/Gay Abarbanell Sara Nelson is available from the Task Force.

9 Employment Women&. Compliance coordinator of the National NOW Poverty Sexuality Task Force, says "A lot of Feminists have done much in re­ women are afraid their jobs hinge on playing the game, so they do This past year, one of the TF's cent years to raise awareness and help eliminate sexual harassment of nothing." most important efforts has been to Unfortunately, even proof is often identify women in NOW who live women on the street and have given much needed attention to the of little use. In a case last year, an on low incomes, to find out from Ithaca, N.Y. woman, Carmita Wood, them what cooperation or resistance problem of rape, but even feminists are just beginning to address the left her job after repeated unwanted they experience as NOW members advances by a male supervisor. De­ and what kind of support they may issue of sexual harassment of women on the job, an age-old spite witnesses to the harassment, need to participate fully in NOW. Ms. Wood was denied unemploy­ Currently, we are doing three problem that shows no sign of going away. ment benefits when the New York things to help increase this par­ State Department of Labor ruled ticipation: The phenomenon can be blatant, as in a proposition by a supervisor, she had left the job without "good • Funding travel to and expenses at or subtler, in a comment or even a reason." She is appealing the deci­ Regional Conferences for low-income sion. NOW members who have been activists look that reduces a woman worker in their chapters. to a sex object. Such unwanted Sexual harassment on the job is il­ • Encouraging chapters to hold special attention is so common as to be the legal under Title VII of the 1964 seminars on race and class, with the idea butt of standard jokes about the Civil Rights Act, according to Diane of ultimately holding a national con­ ference on the subject. secretary-chasing boss and the Blank, an attorney in New York's • Encouraging testimony at the Con­ promotion for after-hour "services." Feminist Law Firm. "It is illegal stitutional hearings which will suggest It is no joke to the millions of because it provides non-work changes in the National by-laws to en­ women who daily encounter it. related criteria that a woman has to sure the participation of low-income As women's consciousness rises, women in NOW at all levels. fulfill. The way a woman performs many are beginning to speak out like on the job should not be related to Traditional local government pro­ an anonymous woman quoted in an how she performs for her boss." grams established to "meet the AP article on the problem: "The first By Lauren Warwick for Lynne Darcy needs of women" have been far time my boss talked about a raise he from adequate. To bring about the put his hand on my knee. I walked a fundamental changes which will not thin line between insulting him and only meet women's needs, (but yielding to him because my career eliminate many of them) the crea­ was very important. It was degrad­ tion of the programs must be exam­ ing. If my boss had been a man in a A Working Women United In­ ined. bar, I could have told him to go to stitute poll of 155 employed women Try these questions out on your hell. But there was too much at showed two-thirds had experienced mayor or county executive. stake, so I suffered." some form of sexual harassment on Such a double bind is far from the job and 92% felt it was a serious • How are women's needs determined? unique. Depending on a woman's re­ problem. Of those who reported in­ • Are existing programs encouraged to be responsive to these needs? sponse to the incident it can mean cidents, 90% felt "angry" or "upset." • What alternative programs have you promotion, demotion, firing, or just Only 10% felt "flattered," supposedly found it necessary to institute? Which more harassment. The cost of swal­ the natural female response. The are funded? What level of funding for lowed anger is counted in lost self­ Working Women United Institute is each? Where do the funds come from? respect, psychological stress, and a feminist-oriented public founda­ • Who administers/works in these pro­ grams (existing and alternative)? How often even physical illness. tion based in Ithaca, New York. The are program personnel recruited? That such sex-based intimidation foundation was formed in July 1975 • How are these programs evaluated? is epidemic is freely admitted. with a strongly feminist board of ad­ What criteria are developed and how? Charles Schwenk, of the Manhattan visors, including NOW President Who participates in developing the criteria-public officials? consumers? office of the New York State Divi­ Karen DeCrow. special interest groups? sion of Human Rights says "There is • How are programs/agencies eliminating a lot of sexual harassment and a lot the conditions that caused the need in goes by the boards." the first place? • What incentives are provided so that in­ Also fogging the issue is the need dividual service programs work in a for proof, a burden that falls on the Have you experienced sexual comprehensive way to meet women's woman. According to Schwenk, harassment where you work? Have needs? "These cases are extremely difficult women come to your chapter for • What ongoing process is used to ensure that women's needs will be addressed in to prove because harassment usually help? How have you handled this all proposed legislation and/or programs goes on in private. It is usually one kind of situation? The Task Force is in your community? person's word against another's, un­ trying to develop approaches to this • What officially established women's task less there is evidence or witnesses." very difficult problem. Please write: forces, commissions, etc. does your gov­ 34 ernment presently support? What is the Further, since the incidents are em­ Lynne Darcy, Witherspoon approximate funding/staff level? barrassing, most women feel guilty Street, Princeton, N.J. 08540 with Mary Jo Binder/Catherine Oay-Jermany and don't complain. Kay Whitlock, information and suggestions.

10 Housing The effect of this ruling, which Don't forget to write members of allows states to criminalize certain Congress listed in the April DO IT forms of sexual activity between NOW on HR 5452, the civil rights bill consenting adults, is that the Court that prohibits discrimination on the NOW members were among the does not acknowledge the right of basis of sexual preference. more than 250 women and men who willing adults of the same sex to If you live in the home district of attended "Making It Work for engage privately in their chosen sex­ one of these representatives, write Women" a conference sponsored by ual conduct. and request extensive hearings on the Department of Housing and Ur­ No written opinion was issued by HR 5452. If you do not live in the ban Development on April 5th. home district of one of the subcom­ This Washington, D.C. conference the Court, and the Court took this action without hearing oral arguments on mittee members: focused on several issues: the issue. Instead, it affirmed without • Write Don Edwards, Chairman, Civil • The release of a HUD-sponsored report and Constitutional Rights Sub-Committee of which documented the results of comment the 2-to-1 ruling of a lower Federal court that had re­ the Committee on the Judiciary. hearings held on sex discrimination in • Write to your representative and insist housing across the nation by the jected a challenge to a Virginia law that he/she become a co-sponsor of HR National Council for Negro Women. prohibiting consensual sodomy. 5452. • Relating urban planning to the needs of In a statement to the 1976 Demo­ women. Please take immediate action, and • Explaining the rights and responsibili­ cratic Platform Committee in Rhode send the TF a copy of your letter. To ties of women under the Housing and Island last month, Barbara Anthony ensure that HR 5452 is not killed in Community Development Act of 1974, of Boston NOW denounced the Su­ committee, we must keep the which prohibits sex discrimination in preme Court ruling as "reactionary," pressure on. housing. and called upon the Democratic Par­ Carla A. Hills, Secretary of HUD, ty to commit itself to supporting the and Betty Ford sent greetings to enactment of civil rights laws which attendees, primarily women from At the TF's request, the NOW would extend to lesbians and gay community and fair housing groups, Board approved the filing of an males the same civil rights and housing delivery agencies and a amicus curae brief on behalf of NOW protections provided to others. variety of feminist and women's member Mary Jo Risher, who is Dr. Eileen Kelly, President of New groups. appealing the denial of her child York State NOW, issued a state­ Many NOW members participated custody rights to the Texas Civil ment condemning the Supreme in the conference. Maxine E. Brown Court of Appeals. Court ruling which she said denied and Aileen Hernandez were pan­ Following Mary Jo's original "the American public the sanctity of elists on the "Sex Discrimination in custody trial, jury foreman Tony Housing" workshop and Eva Freund their own homes." She noted that Liscio stated that the two women on the ruling was "an extreme violation and Jan Peterson on the panel "New the jury voted against Mary Jo of civil rights" and pointed out,"It Rights and Responsibilities of because they thought there should would be naive to assume that the Women through the Block Grant be role models of both sexes in the majority of the American public did Programs". The following points home (thus a vote against any single not itself engage in such sexual were made by NOW members: parent home), and that it was her behavior and would therefore be "homosexual lifestyle" which the • HUD must purge its bureaucracy of racist, sexist and dassist attitudes or no subject to prosecution." jury could not accept. law or regulations written can or will be The stand taken by the Supreme When the trial concluded, the effective for women, minorities and the Court runs counter to a national judge set child support-to be paid poor. trend in which laws against private by Mary Jo-at $95.00 a month. The • Current income eligibility limits for Sec. ruling can only be considered 8 and other housing programs are too and consensual sexual activity have high to be called "low-income" pro­ been repealed in at least 13 states punitive and unfair since Mary Jo's grams. and eroded by a number of court ex-husband, with three times her in­ • There is insufficient funding-after decisions. The recent ruling may come, was paying only $100 a passage of laws-of tools and programs signal a resurgence of efforts by month before the trial. to both combat discrimination and provide housing. anti-choice opponents of the 1973 Mary Jo intends to appeal this case • There is a real need for emergency hous­ Supreme Court decision on abortion to the Supreme Court if necessary. ing and no funds for it. to have the court reverse itself on We want to remind NOW members Maxine Brown the right to choose. that this important test case re­ In the wake of the Supreme Court quires financial support. Court costs decision, the TF urges every NOW have been and will continue to be .. SexuaUty &. member to intensify efforts on high. We urge you to hold fund­ behalf of extending legal protections raisers and to pass the hat at Lesbianism to lesbians and gay males. It is im­ meetings. Individual donations are portant that feminists understand needed, too. All contributions The Supreme Court recently that discrimination against gay peo­ should be sent to: ruled 6 to 3 that states may ple is a particularly vicious form of Friends of Mary Jo Risher prosecute and imprison people for sexism. Lesbians, in particular, suf­ c/o Dallas County NOW engaging in homosexual acts, even fer the doubly damaging effects of P.O. Box 12431 Dallas, Texas 75225 when both parties are consenting discrimination, as women and as adults and the act occurs in private. gays. Kay Whitlock/Nancy Boyd

11 Sports During an on-going struggle in The task force participated in the which Bishop Creighton forced the Joanne Little action. It has also church to review its contract with worked to prevent any dangerous or Ms. Cheek or face possible suspen­ sexist frauds from being perpetrated Sport has been one of the most sion or removal from the priest­ upon the public. The Rape Task Force tightly closed areas of our society. hood of its rector, the Rev. William is largely responsible for the draft­ Men have been encouraged to par­ A. Wendt; approved funds for these ing, lobbying, creation, and hope­ ticipate in and enjoy developing programs were not processed. Rev. fully, monitoring of the Center for their bodies through athletic com­ Cheek, Rev. Betty Bone Schiess and the Prevention and Control of petition. Rewards have been heaped nine other women were ordained to Rape in the National Institute of upon them in the forms of money, the priesthood in 1974. While claim­ Mental Health (HEW). ego trips and social status. They ing to support the priesting of Projected areas of TF concern in have learned the joys of physical ex­ women, Bishop Creighton has the next year include: ertion. Men have coveted this refused to recognize these or­ • Monitoring activities (including pro­ pleasure but at last women are dinations. gram funding) of the law Enforcement beginning to insist on being in­ Last month, St. Stephen's reaf­ Assistance Administration (LEAA), related to rape. cluded and to be proud of a health­ firmed its contract with Rev. Cheek • Monitoring, providing input, direction, ful, well-developed body. and pledged to provide for her and lobbying for funding of the National In developing a framework from "ministrations to the Congregation Center for the Prevention and Control which to work we must keep in and the public elsewhere" should of Rape. • Pursuing charges of consumer fraud mind what areas need to be re-eval­ Bishop Creighton continue to deny against Fredrick Storaska-the self-pro­ uated, changed, revised. I recom­ her use of the church building. claimed "nation's authority" on rape. We mend reading SportsWorld: An In support of this action, the TF hope to prevent Storaska's spreading American Dreamland by Robert Lipsyte. issued an accompanying statement, "factual information" on rape and self­ defense, which we consider potentially "In the early sixties, church people moved We must work on local levels to dangerous as well as degrading. to the streets to support Black Americans. In insure the implementation of Title • Assisting and promoting state organiza­ the ... early seventies, church people moved tion on rape, including state legal IX legislation. Each school system, to the streets to support peace. If Bishop reform. college, etc., must offer equal oppor­ Creighton forces church people to the streets • Promoting cooperation, exchange of in­ tunity to men and women. This in­ to support women, he will underscore the formation, and united actions and spiritual and moral irrelevancy of both build­ cludes equal facilities and time for positions with other task forces. their use, equal coaching staffs and ings and bishops." salaries, and equal training. This can They also sent Bishop Creighton Sandy Silver(wo)man/Aiyce McAdam the following letter: be achieved only if we act as con­ sultants, as well as watchdogs. We "We admonish you for withholding funds from the Church of St. Stephen and the In­ must educate educators as well as carnation earmarked for the feeding and care our communities. of poor, predominately non-Anglo peoples. Minority At local conferences, we need to The effect of your actions was to pressure St. Women plan workshops dealing with this Stephen's to sever its contractual obligations with the Rev. Allison M. Cheek.... issue. Since this task force is in an We further admonish you ... to release embryonic phase, we are free to these mission funds immediately. choose our direction, to plan and im­ We denounce your divide-and-conquer tac­ A minority's women's con­ plement policy. I am open to any tics. It is hypocritical of you to profess a ference is tentatively scheduled for suggestions and help. Please feel commitment to poor ... people while sinfully using their lives and dignity as a dub June, probably in Colorado or New free to write or call and to become against others. It is hypocritical of you, Mexico. an active member of the task force. William, to profess a commitment to the It is important that we learn just Anne M. Perry priesting of women while harassing those who NOW minority women are. women priests already in your midst." Black, oriental, native american and Mary Louise Mcintyre/Georgia Fuller hispanic women-mexican-ameri­ Women&. can, chicana, portorriquena, latino­ Religion americana-let us hear from you by postcard or letter right away. Rape Send your name, address, tele­ The Rt. Rev. William F. phone number and chapter affilia­ Creighton, Episcopal Bishop of tion to: Cilia Estrada, P. 0. Box Washington, D.C. has withheld mis­ 52841, Houston, Texas 77052; or sion funds from the local Church of The Rape Task Force began in to Brenda Lewis, 4111 Regency, St. Stephen and the Incarnation in 1973 with 15 chapters. Now there Houston, Texas, 77045. You will an effort to force the Church to are well over 300 that have helped receive conference information by cancel its contract with the Rev. form rape crisis centers; train and return mail. Allison M. Cheek. reform their local institutions; edu­ Best time to call: Brenda, St. Stephen's provides space and cate the public; establish govern­ between 9 AM-1 PM and again facilities for a senior citizens' lunch mental investigative bodies; and after 6 PM at (713) 668-3145. Cilia, program, a day care center and a reform the rape laws in over half between 9 AM and 7 PM at (713) police boys' club. the United States. 222-8949.

12 Eastern Regional Conference

I. RESOLUTION ON Therefore, be it resolved that the V.RESOLUTION ON THE DEMOCRATIC Eastern Region of NOW con­ DISCRIMINATION IN NATIONAL CONVEN­ cludes that there is sex dis­ THE INSURANCE TION crimination in the granting of INDUSTRY executive clemency, and it sup­ Whereas the Democratic National ports efforts being made to Whereas women workers in the in­ Convention is meeting in New secure more clemencies for surance industry have been York City, July 12-16, to select a female inmates in the New York traditionally channelled into sex­ party nominee and platform, State Correctional System. segregated clerical jobs where Be it resolved that the states of the Be it further resolved that the they are regimented, underpaid, Eastern Region at their con­ Eastern Regional Director de­ and have little opportunity for ference accept as a priority and mand an investigation by the advancement, and recommend that, in implementa­ New York State Board of Cor­ Whereas countless other women tion of the National ERA priori­ rections into the nature of the workers suffer from dis­ ty, to mobilize appropriate ac­ differences between the number criminatory pension, health in­ tions at the Democratic National of female and male clemencies. surance and other benefits which Convention to express our con­ are devised and marketed by the cern that the party nominee insurance industry in order to should actively support ratifica­ reap maximum profits in total tion of the Equal Rights Amend­ disregard of the rights of women ment, and that the platform workers, should contain a statement in IV.RESOLUTION ON Therefore, be it resolved that the support of the ERA. BLACK AND OTHER Eastern Regional Conference re­ MINORITY WOMEN II. RESOLUTION ON THE quests the NOW Board of Direc­ Whereas many people still feel that tors to direct the National Task ERA Force on Whereas August 26 has been pro­ the feminist movement is white and middle class, and Employment/Compliance to claimed as Women's Equality develop and carry out a project Day in the United States. Whereas the National Organization to address the problems of Therefore, be it resolved that the for Women has affirmed its com­ women workers in or affected by Eastern Region of NOW pro­ mitment to all women and made the insurance industry. claim Women's Equality Day, outreach to minority women an August 26, 1976, as ERA action important goal of the organiza­ VI.RESOLUTION ON THE day in the Eastern Region, with a tion, RIGHT TO CHOOSE suggested theme of "Shoulder to Therefore, be it resolved that the ABORTION Shoulder for the ERA-It's the Eastern Region of NOW re­ American Way," quests the National Task Force Whereas the National Organization And be it further resolved that the on Minority Women to develop for Women supports every Eastern Regional Conference of guidelines for increasing minori­ woman's right to control her NOW urge National NOW to ty group membership and to own body, including the right to commit itself to ERA action on develop methods for sensitizing choose a safe, legal abortion, August 26, 1976, as a National present members to the needs of Therefore, be it resolved that the ERA action day. minority women, and to dis­ Eastern Region of NOW urges tribute these guidelines and the NOW National Board to III. RESOLUTION ON methods to all NOW chapters in issue a policy statement that all CLEMENCY FOR written form. members, chapters, and state WOMEN PRISONERS Be it further resolved that until such organizations accept and endorse IN NEW YORK STATE guidelines and methods are the right to choose a safe, legal Whereas the proportion of female written and distributed, chapters abortion for all women, regard­ inmantes to male inmates in and state organizations in the less of their economic status. New York State Correctional Eastern Region take whatever Facilities who have ever re­ steps they can to respond to the ceived executive clemency is one economic, educational, and psy­ to sixty, and chological needs of black and Whereas there is no apparent reason other minority women in their The above summarizes why male prisoners are receiving areas, and to increase the resolutions passed at the March a disproportionate number of ex­ involvement of black and other EASTERN REGIONAL CON­ ecutive clemencies in New York minority women in NOW pro­ FERENCE, held in Hartford, Con­ State, grams and activities. necticut.

13 Now Bu- Laws Conference

Overland Park. Kansas October 9-11. 1976

OW BY-LAWS WERE ADOPTED WHEN THE ORGANIZATION HAD FEW MEMBERS, FEW CHAPTERS, NAND NO STATE ORGANIZATION. NOW HAS GROWN TO THE EXTENT WHERE THE PRESENT ~ BYLAWS ARE NO LONGER ADEQUATE TO MANAGE THE AFFAIRS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE OC­ TOBER CONFERENCE WILL ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND FOR RATIFYING A NEW SET OF BYLAWS. MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND AND RESERVE SPACE NOW, BY SENDING IN THE FORMS BELOW.

n case of financial hardship fees will be waived. e urge you to mail your registration now. After I Please indicate on form. (This applies only to those W August 1, we cannot guarantee rooms. Rates shown people who otherwise could not attend. Those who can are for Glenwood Manor. When they are fully booked, afford more than $20.00 are encouraged to contribute, to other hotels rates may be higher. help those who cannot.)

Conference Reglstradon Form Hotel Reglstradon Form Mail check for registration fee and this form to: Mail to: Bylaws Conference Treasurer Glenwood Manor Motor Hotel Karen Ritchie 9200 Metcalf 7901 West 61st St. Overland Park, Kansas 66212 Merriam, Kansas 66202 I plan to attend the NOW National Bylaws Conference Name ______Phone ______on October 9-10-11, 1976. Please reserve the following: Single: $22.00 minimum 0 Street Double: $26.00 minimum 0 City ------State ______Zip ______Sleeping Bag Rental Child care needed: Yes __ No __ $6.00 per day 0 Number of Children __ Age _____ (Each additional person per room will be charged $6.00 per day.) I have enclosed a registration fee of: ______Phone ______$20 (before August 1) 0 Name $30 (after August 1) 0 Street I would like to attend but cannot afford the fee City ------State --·-Zip _____ and would like it waived. 0 Arrival Date: ------I cannot attend but enclosed is my contribution for D someone else. Arrival Time: ------(AM or PM) Departure Date: ------

I ~ RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP IN NOW 0 Name------Phone· ____ I WANT TO JOIN NOW 0 Address ------ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK (OR MONEY ORDER) FOR: National Membership $1 5 0 City ------State ____~zp ___ (Special) $ 5 0 Please attach mailing label Contribution $ _____ Special ERA Contribution $ ______MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO N.O.W. SEND ME INFORMATION ON MY 0 AND MAIL TO: N.O.W. LOCAL CHAPTER BOX 8068-5119 Chapter Renewals: Be sure to send chapter your dues Philadelphia, PA 19177

14 ?olZ 133L3USER8KOCOA Second Class DO IT NOW 33 0610 Postage KATE OSER Paid SOUTH ST NY 13323 Washington, D.C. Pate Anderson CLINTON 20004 Editor

National NOW Action Center NATIONAL Suite 1001 DRGANIZATIDN 425- 13th Street, N.Wm. FDR\N0M£N Washington, D.C. 20004 202-347-2279

HOUSING/Brown SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE 969 Elizabeth Street ERA Medallion YOU CAN GENERATE A San Francisco, CA 94000 (0) REGULAR SOURCE OF INCOME (415) 841-9730 FOR NOW BY SUBSCRIBING TO Ruth Shechter THE MAGAZINE OF YOUR (913) 362-5626 CHOICE THROUGH A NEW IMPLICATIONS/ Zaleon SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE. 1121 Briarcliff Place N.E. A PORTION OF EACH SUB­ 30306 SCRIPTION YOU SEND IN WILL (404) 876-2559 (H) BE REBATED TO NOW. EX: A (404) 892-3522 (0) The Equal Rights Amendment has lost some ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO battles but not the war. It needs to pass the MS. WOULD PROVIDE $4. ALL LABOR/Nelson legislatures in four more states to become part YOU NEED DO IS SEND YOUR (202) 396-1568 (messages) of the U.S. Constitution. If any four of these MAGAZINE RENEWAL OR NEW critical states-Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Mis­ SUBSCRIBER NOTICE WITH A 46220 souri, Nevada, South Carolina-do not ratify before 1979, we all lose wherever we live. CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF MEDIA/Bonk NOW believes the difference between winning THE SUBSCRIPTION MADE OUT (202) 547-0148 and losing will be money. Your money. It is committed to raise a million dollars to aid the TO: ALICE JOHNSON Snyder (212) 924-4211 NOW FUND-RAISER fight for equal rights on all fronts. Won't you join us? In return for a minimum contribution PO BOX 393 MINORITY /Estrada of $5.00, NOW will send you the medallion pic­ BERKLEY, CA. 94701. (713) 682-3575 (H) tured here. The ERA bicentennial medallion is (713) 222-8949 (0) more than a price of jewelery, it's a statement. Artistically combining past and present, it NURSES NOW/Mclnerney dramatizes the unfinished revolution of all American women who have waited 200 years Task Force Changes (412) 421-2728 for their equal rights under the Constitution. Child Care/Plaskett More important, it demonstrates its wearer's (412) 343-6675 (H) REPRODUCTION/Jeanne K.C Clark tangible involvement in the current struggle for the ERA. CREDIT /Cohen SEXUALITY /Whitlock (202) 343-2648 (0) 325 S. Camac St. Send check or money order only to: NOW 19104 ERA FUND, Box 80685145, Philadelphia, PA 19177. EDUCATION Boyd (213) 381-7805 (0) ERA BICENTENNIAL MEDALLION Fran Kolb ORDER 521 Spring Valley Drive WOMEN AND ARTS/Montoni D I wish to purchase one ERA medallion at Bridgewater; N.J. 08807 (804) 285-4204 $5.00. (201) 526-6822 (H) D ERA contribution only $ ___ (201) 932-9247 (0) WOMEN AND HEAL TH/Katzman Special group rates of a minimum of 10 (904) 375-2739 medallions for $30.00 are available to in­ dividual~, NOW chapters or other EMPLOYMENT/Lynne Darcy WOMEN & RELIGION organizations wishing to raise ratification (609) 452-2700 Ext. 2641 (0) campaign funds. Mary Louise Mcintyre D 10 ERA medallions at $30.00. FEMINISM IN 5114 Thunder Hill Rd. D 50 ERA medallions at $150.00. RURAL/Hacker Columbia, Md. 21045 Name ______523 Beacon Street (301) 730-5397 (H) 02115 (301) 594-9465 (0) Address------(617) 253-4069 (0) Georgia Fuller City______605 N. Florida St. State ______Zip ____ HOUSEHOLD VIOLENCE/Martin Arlington, VA 22203 (415) 928-2480 (0) (703) 524-1267

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