National Organization for Women Charlotte, NC Chapter Records

The NOW is a national organization, which is subdivided into regional districts. The regional districts are divided into states, and the state organizations are comprised of local chapters. In 1977, a second NOW chapter, the Metrolina chapter of NOW, was organized. It merged with the Charlotte chapter in 1980. The Charlotte Chapter of the NOW was organized on July 5, 1972, under the direction of Judy Lightfoot, the regional director of the NOW. At the first meeting, Karen Edwards was elected the president of this chapter and she remained its president for most of its history. Jacqueline "Jackie" Frost, a long-time CNOW member was also the Director of the NOW Southern Region. Frost served NOW since the formation of the Charlotte chapter in 1972. Until 1982, the primary goal of the Charlotte Chapter of the NOW (CNOW) was to promote the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, prison-reform for women inmates, pay equity, workplace discrimination and domestic violence. In early 1980 the CNOW governing board voted to suspend its activities. It reorganized in July 1982 with forty-three charter members. Most of its early activities were fund-raising events. By 1982 Marjorie Storch had become president of this chapter. She was succeeded by Sue Royer in 1984. In 1984, the CNOW lobbied actively for the election of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferrero. Two years later, CNOW participated in the March of Women's Lives in Washington, DC. The group from Charlotte was the largest to participate in this event. Over the years the CNOW has remained active in its pursuits for social change, especially with reproductive rights and access to safe abortions.