Founded in 1966 by a small but determined group of activists, NOW emerged from the frustration with the lack of enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
What started as a gathering of 28 women at the Third National Conference of Commissions on the Status of Women quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Betty Friedan, the first president, famously wrote the statement of purpose on a paper napkin — demanding "full participation in the mainstream of American society, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof."
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, NOW organized mass marches, lobbied Congress, and built grassroots power. The 1992 "Year of the Woman" saw record numbers of women elected to office — a direct result of NOW's voter mobilization efforts.
In the 21st century, our mission has expanded to confront new challenges: online harassment, reproductive rights restrictions, economic injustice, and violence against women. But the core remains the same — we are not going back.
Today, with over 500 chapters nationwide and millions of supporters, NOW continues to organize, advocate, and resist. Our story is still being written — and you can be part of the next chapter.