Register online by clicking on "Contribute" - see above, upper right hand of page. Click on Contribute  $25 and "process my contribution online" - you will be credited as registering for the conference. Or print out the form at the end of this item and mail it in with your check. We have to receive it by Friday, May 16. You can also register at the conference

“Sexism and Politics in 2008”
Mid Atlantic Region and Virginia NOW Conference
and Officer Elections
Saturday, May 17, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Barcroft Community House, 
800 S. Buchanan Street, Arlington 22204
Featuring Kim Gandy, NOW President
Keynote speaker: Deirdre Condit, Associate Professor of Women's Studies and Political Science/Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University

The National NOW PAC has endorsed Hillary Clinton as the candidate most qualified to lead. NOW volunteers continue to work hard for Hillary. This is some of what feminist pioneer Robin Morgan has to say about Clinton in her essay Goodbye to All That #2. Pass it on to others who are interested. It's a must-read. To volunteer in Pennsylvania, contact Marj Signer at vanowpresident@hotmail.com.

The Virginia National Organization for Women (VaNOW) today released the following statement on MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews’ recent comments about Sen. Hillary Clinton:

 

"Chris Matthews' demeaning rhetoric toward women in public life and in particular toward Sen. Hillary Clinton is poisonous to democracy and is discouraging to young women who aspire to hold public office. While our country is making significant progress in the number of highly qualified women running for office, misogynistic speech infects news coverage of the important issues they raise and of the candidates. This is not partisan. Democrats and Republicans of good will should tell Chris Matthews: ‘Shape up or we’ll turn you off,’” said Marj Signer, President of the Virginia National Organization for Women.  

“The Governor’s budget would implement the important recommendations of his Health Reform Commission to bring needed health care to women who right now cannot afford health screenings for breast and cervical cancer, hard-working women in low-paying jobs who cannot afford adequate prenatal care and care for their babies, and all people who work for small businesses that cannot afford employee health insurance. If this funding is sustained through the budgetary process, it will mean that thousands more Virginia women and children will have access to needed health care,” said Marj Signer, VaNOW president.

Numerous budget items are consistent with VaNOW priorities, including increases or new funding for:

In October, Virginia NOW’s legislative task force surveyed our membership about their legislative and policy priorities. We had 162 online responses and 6 emailed or snail-mailed responses. 

The VaNOW Political Action Committee had a successful campaign season. Three of the four candidates that were endorsed for the Virginia Senate won: George Barker of Fairfax, Ralph Northam of Norfolk, and John Miller of Hampton Roads. Janet Oleszek of Fairfax, who lost by 92 votes to the most anti-choice member of the state Senate, Ken Cuccinelli, is having a  recount.

The National NOW Political Action Committee (PAC) is in the headlines for its historic endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president. NOW PAC Chair Kim Gandy says, "NOW PAC's 'Make History With Hillary' campaign will organize and energize women's rights supporters across the country -- urging women and men across this nation to stand up and say 'I'm Ready' for a woman president -- for this woman president." Check out http://www.nowpacs.org/2008/hillary/index.html for the statement and a photo of Clinton with NOW leaders.