The Wisconsin National Organization for Women is an affiliate of the National Organization for Women (NOW). The national organization was formed in 1966 and from the earliest years Wisconsin had active members in the national organization. Eleven of the twenty-seven founding members were from Wisconsin. Four of those women were elected to the first national board: Catherine Conroy, Sister Joel Read, Sister Austin Doherty, and Kathryn F. Clarenbach.
Nine geographical regions were created for electing members to the national board and easing communication among the states in a particular region. Wisconsin NOW belonged to the Great Lakes Region. In 1967 NOW adopted bylaws that called for creating chapters and establishing the national conference as the governing body. That same year Wisconsin began creating its own chapters throughout the state in areas such as Madison, Door County, and Waukesha. State organizations such as Wisconsin NOW focused largely on public policy and advocacy. States had their own bylaws and membership in the organization was open to men as well as women. Members could join at the local, state, or national level.
Wisconsin NOW's goals and bylaws closely match the national chapter, particularly in regards to the way they studied and took action in specific areas that were important to feminists. In those key areas, task forces were formed to take action on issues such as homemaker's rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, combating racism, lesbian rights, and economic justice.
One of Wisconsin NOW's major coalitions was Wisconsin Women's Network. During mobilization efforts, marches, and other protests, their coalitions and partnerships expanded to include liberal religious groups, lesbian and gay support groups, anti-racism groups, and Planned Parenthood.
In addition to its advocacy activities, Wisconsin NOW oversaw the local chapters in Wisconsin. Chapter participation is and was a major part of the organization's activities at the local level. Chapters were active throughout the state and had varied life spans and activities. Chapters had to consist of at least ten paying members and had to have a president and treasurer. Additionally larger chapters often had task force heads, secretaries, and other leadership positions. The chapters had a fair amount of independence and could pick their own activities and issues on which to focus.
NOW celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1992 and continues to be a growing national organization with over 500,000 members.
