NOW

The Purpose and Functions of Ohio NOW

Purpose

"The purpose of Ohio NOW shall be to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American Society, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men. This purpose includes, but is not limited to, equal rights and responsibilities in all aspects of citizenship, public service, employment, education, and family life; and it includes freedom from discrimination because of race, ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual preference/orientation, or parenthood. These actions shall be done in accordance with the purposes and the bylaws of National NOW."

Women and men who join NOW subscribe to its purpose: "To take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men." OHIO NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN, INC. is the state level chapter of the National Organization located in Washington, D.C. Members of Ohio NOW are women and men representing all parts of the state and sharing NOW's purpose.

The state organization is governed by the Ohio NOW Board of Directors, including officers, coordinators, task force/project/events chairs, and chapter and at-large delegates. Together at board meetings and an annual conference, they make decisions regarding statewide actions and there implementation.

Functions of Ohio NOW

To create a public awareness of NOW and its issues.

To develop and maintain chapters and to assist activists in organizing.

To link chapter leadership statewide and enable the sharing of knowledge, skills and resources.

To act as a liaison between local chapters and the national office

To provide motivation and leadership training to activists at chapter and state levels.

To respond to the needs of women in the state by facilitating referral to support services and legal services.

To increase the public's knowledge and awareness of discriminatory practices and efforts to eradicate the mind set that perpetuates those practices.

To maintain a presence at the Statehouse and to lobby legislators on issues of concern to Ohio NOW.

To communicate with the Governor's office and state agencies and to monitor Ohio courts on issues of importance to Ohio NOW.

To communicate with the federal government, including Congress, the Executive Office and agencies, and the federal courts, on issues of prime concern to Ohio NOW.

To participate in statewide coalitions that further the progress of women in Ohio and develop the unity needed to advance a women's agenda in Ohio.

To communicate with members, supporters, and the general public through mailings, print and electronic media, and the Internet.