The Drive for Equality

The National Organization for Women has a reputation for effectiveness and is the largest feminist activist organization in the country, with over 580,000 contributing supporters. NOW has decades of experience in political advocacy, training local activists and giving them the resources to organize and be strong advocates for women's rights. The Drive for Equality is the logical next step—using that volunteer base to mobilize a political force of women voters that will win the 2004 election, and continue to build momentum for years to come.

Building on NOW's powerful grassroots base, the Drive for Equality will identify, register and mobilize women voters to achieve progressive change. To succeed, we will dramatically increase the number and skill level of grassroots activists, build a stronger infrastructure for communication and action, and organize women community by community, campus by campus.

Communicate with Women Voters
We need new language and a new message to reach women and men in every part of the country who can join in the debate and inspire activism on the issues.

Focus on Motivating Issues
Reproductive rights and economic justice are two motivating issues that are both in great jeopardy.

Empower Activists
Train new and seasoned activists: conduct a political assessment of the community, build supporter lists, get media exposure, plan local actions, organize rapid response teams, and raise funds.

Target Key States and Swing Voters
The main goal is to increase voter participation—to turn out our targeted constituencies to support progressive feminist candidates on Election Day.

Active involvement of voters in support of women's rights candidates to federal, state and local governments is a primary goal of NOW and of the Drive for Equality campaign. Without the "Feminization of Power," many of our accomplishments will remain in jeopardy.

NOW will need the active support of all our members and supporters to make the Drive for Women's Equality possible. By working together as partners, we can empower and lead communities across the country to successfully change the political face of America and keep us moving ever forward on the road to women's equality.

The following states were chosen as the first target group for the Drive for Equality. Each has two or more of the following criteria: women's rights issues at least partially threatened, existing or potential for a strong NOW activist base, history of successful NOW political organizing campaigns.
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington

Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington

For more than three decades, the National Organization for Women has been at the forefront of building and leading the modern movement for women's equality.

We bring:

over 580,000 contributing supporters
name recognition
formidable and experienced national leaders
extensive infrastructure—over 500 chapters in 50 states and D.C.
network of dedicated grassroots activists
strong record of successful campaigns
time-tested activist recruitment and training techniques

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