National Organization for Women:
News & Action Summary

May 15, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Tell Your Representative to Vote Against H.R. 4970, the Adams VAWA Bill
• Bring Families Together In Honor Of Mother's Day
• Webinar: AAUW Voter Outreach 2012 Campaign Session
• National Coalition Urges Congress to Consider Sweeping Social Security Proposals for Women, Caregivers and Same-Sex Couples
• NOW Celebrates President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality
• NOW Renounces House Judiciary Vote Undermining Spirit and Intent of VAWA
• Elizabeth Warren Can Help Bring War on Women to an End

Tell Your Representative to Vote Against H.R. 4970, the Adams VAWA Bill

On 5/16, the House is expected to vote for the Republican version of VAWA. Call your rep. ASAP to oppose this bill and urge open debate on the House floor. Unless this bill is amended to restore important protections, NOW will consider a Yes vote a vote against VAWA. Take Action NOW!

Bring Families Together In Honor Of Mother's Day

Being able to connect with family members on Mother's Day is important to so many of us. But, for the more than two million people incarcerated in the United States, that connection can come at a steep price. We want justice for prisoners! Tell the FCC to address the high cost of prison phone calls. Take action NOW!

Webinar: AAUW Voter Outreach 2012 Campaign Session

Wednesday, May 23 at 8 p.m. EDT: NOW is partnering with AAUW to get out the women's vote in record numbers. Please join us by webinar Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. EDT for a strategic overview of coordinated efforts taking place around the country. Spaces are limited, and you must be a NOW member to join. Register NOW!

National Coalition Urges Congress to Consider Sweeping Social Security Proposals for Women, Caregivers and Same-Sex Couples

NOW Foundation, IWPR, and the NCPSSM Foundation briefed congressional staff on their research examining the challenges facing elderly women and their families in the U.S. Their report, 'Breaking the Social Security Glass Ceiling: A Proposal to Modernize Women's Benefits,' also proposes initiatives to ensure Social Security benefits are adequate for all Americans, particularly for women and women of color. Read more.

NOW Celebrates President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality

NOW applauds President Obama's announcement supporting marriage equality. This marks a proud moment in history, and is an especially welcome antidote to the May 8 vote in N.C. enshrining discrimination into that state's constitution. We commend the president for standing with the LGBT community and millions of others in this country who support marriage for same-sex couples. Read more.

NOW Renounces House Judiciary Vote Undermining Spirit and Intent of VAWA

NOW condemns the May 8 vote in the House Judiciary Committee. In a 17-15 vote, the Republican-controlled committee passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that completely undermines the spirit of the landmark bill passed 18 years ago. Read more.

Elizabeth Warren Can Help Bring War on Women to an End

With the radical right waging a war on women in Congress and statehouses across the nation, it is more important than ever that we elect feminist candidates to office this November. We need candidates like Warren to shut down this offensive and get the United States moving in a positive direction. Read more.