Illinois NOW is a collective of chapters from all over the state taking action on six core issues: Constitutional Equality, Reproductive Rights & Justice, Racial Justice, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Economic Justice, and Ending Violence Against Women. NOW is dedicated to making legal, political, social, and economic change in our society in order to achieve our goal, which is to eliminate sexism and end all oppression. NOW has hundreds of thousands of contributing members and more than 500 local and campus affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since our founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been “to take action” to bring about equality for all women. Both the actions NOW takes and its position on the issues are principled, uncompromisingf, and often ahead of their time. NOW is a leader, not a follower, of public opinion. NOW's 6 core issues:
- Reproductive Rights & Justice
- Ending Violence Against Women
- Economic Justice
- LGBT Rights
- Racial Justice
- Constitutional Equality Amendment
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NOW activists use both traditional and non-traditional means to push for social change. NOW activists do extensive electoral and lobbying work and bring lawsuits. We also organize mass marches, rallies, pickets, non-violent civil disobedience and immediate, responsive “zap” actions. In 2004, the March for Women’s Lives became the largest mass action of any kind in U.S. history, bringing a record 1.15 million people to Washington, DC to advocate for women’s reproductive health options. NOW’s actions have established the organization as a major force in the sweeping changes that put more women in political posts; increased educational, employment and business opportunities for women; and enacted tougher laws against violence, harassment and discrimination. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women’s rights.
