Philadelphia NOW
Philadelphia NOW is the local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.
The Philadelphia NOW Political Action Committee was formed to elect more women to local offices with the goal of getting more qualified, feminist women into the political pipeline. Although our goal is primarily to elect women candidates, we do support male candidates who have had long-standing ties to the feminist/progressive movement and share our goals. Viability is also a criterion for endorsement, although the threshold is higher for male candidates.
We are an all volunteer organization, and thus do not have the resources to endorse in every race. Candidates must request endorsement. Upon receiving a candidate’s request, the Philadelphia NOW Political Action Committee board decides whether or not we should get involved in this race. If so, the candidate receives a questionnaire. If the candidate is in support of NOW’s core issues, a small group consisting of PAC board members and active members interviews the candidate. This group then makes a recommendation to the chapter. If it is a recommendation to endorse, the candidate is then invited to a chapter meeting to make a presentation to the group. A candidate must receive 60% of the votes of dues paying members present to be endorsed.
To learn more about Philadelphia NOW, go to our website at www.philanow.org or our blog at www.philanow.blogspot.com.
City Council Endorsements:
Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large)
Bill Greenlee (At Large)
Caryn Hunt (At Large)
Marc Stier (At Large)
Vern Anastasio (1st District)
Maria Quinones-Sanchez (7th District)
Cindy Bass (8th District)
Marion Tasco (9th District)
Court of Common Pleas Endorsements:
Linda Carpenter
Ellen Green Ceisler
Beverly Muldrow
Angeles Roca
Municipal Court Endorsements:
Joyce Eubanks
Diane Thompson