Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
National Organization for Women, San José/South Bay Chapter Records
MSS.2008.03.02
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Title: National Organization for Women, San José/South Bay Chapter Records
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.2008.03.02
Physical Description:
4 boxes
3.33 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 1971-2007
Abstract: This collection consists of administrative files, correspondence, publicity, outreach, publications, reports and photographs
of the San Jose/South Bay chapters of the National Organization for Women. It is arranged into two series: Administrative
Files, 1971-2007; and Outreach and Publicity, 1971-2005.
The collection is open for research.
Copyright has been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items
and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
National Organization for Women, San José/South Bay Chapter Records, MSS-2008-03-02, San José State University Library Special
Collections & Archives.
Donated to the San Jose State University library by the National Organization for Women, San José/South Bay Chapter in March
2008.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded on June 30, 1966 during the "Third National Conference of Commissions
on the Status of Women." It was founded by Betty Friedan and twenty seven other women. The organization swelled to 300 members
by October 26, 1966, when NOW held its first conference, where the statement of purpose was adopted. During this conference
the structure of the organization was created and Betty Friedan was elected president.
The Statement of Purpose declares, "The purpose of NOW is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream
of American society now, exercising all the privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men."
According to NOW, the organization concentrates on seven priorities: constitutional equality amendment, reproductive rights,
racism, lesbian rights, violence against women, and economic justice. NOW also takes on such causes as affirmative action,
child care, custody and family law issues, disability rights, education equity/title IX, exposing the radical right, global
feminism, health and body image, media activism, peace, social security, welfare, and women in the military. NOW is also active
in lobbying, educating the public and media, organizing rallies and protests, registering voters, and recruiting new feminists.
NOW is currently the largest feminist advocacy group in the United States.
The South Bay Chapter of the National Organization for Women was founded in 1970. Due to the large area that this Chapter
covered, transportation to meetings and events became time consuming and expensive. Thus, the San José Chapter was founded
in 1972 to cater to women in that area. Seven other chapters in Santa Clara County started during this time as well. In 1978
the South Bay Chapter disbanded, and their members were absorbed by the San José Chapter, thence forming the San José/South
Bay Chapter (SJ/SB).
The SJ/SB Chapter enjoyed high levels of memberships and activities during the 1970s and 1980s, due to events such as the
defeated Equal Rights Amendment and election of Ronald Reagan as president. Other events at this time included the "Alice
Doesn't" Women's National Strike Day, nominating Chicken Little for the San José Jaycee's Woman of the year, hosting local
appearances of Gloria Steinem, boycotting states that did not ratify the ERA, protesting the Gag Rule, supporting abortion
rights and affirmative action, and sending members to the March on Washington for Abortion Rights.
The SJ/SB Chapter began to suffer from internal conflicts in their chapter board during the early 1990s, and from low membership.
However, the chapter remained active, and protested the Anti-Choice Group Operation Rescue,the nomination of Clarence Thomas
to the Supreme Court, and rejoiced in the election of President Bill Clinton.
The SJ/SB Chapter disbanded in 2006 and as of 2008 there are no active NOW chapters in Santa Clara County. However, NOW is
still active at the national level and chapter level throughout the United States. California still has many active chapters,
though many have disbanded.
Prominent and active members of the chapter include: Lillian Gay Moore, Janet Camagna, Christine Klemmer, Dot James, Nona
Tobin, Lillian Thompson, Sharri Le Page, Meredith Mazur, Sue Clarry, Jana Cunningham, Suzanne Hicks, Katy Kay, Nansea Levy,
May Ann May-Pumphrey, Melissa Moore, Pat Sanders, Angel Shepard, Joyce Sogg, Connie F. Springer (Stallings), Sandy Spaulding,
and Robin Yeamans.
The National Organization for Women, San José/South Bay Chapter Records consist of administrative files, correspondence, publicity,
outreach, publications, reports and photographs. The collection records the day-to-day functions of the organization and illustrates
the Chapter's involvement in local and national politics and the influence of a grassroots movement in local government. The
Chapter worked as a proponent to women's rights in the "Feminist Capital of the World" and it promoted women's rights through
support for the Equal Rights Amendment. Other lobby activities included: reproductive rights, child care, child support, equality
in the work place,
"Alice Doesn't" Women's National Strike Day, support for Anita Hill, end to racism, convention to eliminate all forms of discrimination
against women, amongst others. In addition to their various activities the chapter also supported local women politicians
and maintained correspondence with local and national politicians and legislators.
The collection is organized into two series: I. Administrative Files, 1971-2005; II. Outreach and Publicity, 1971-2007.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Women's rights -- San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)
Women's rights -- Silicon Valley (Calif.)
Women's rights -- United States -- California
Women's rights -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Women's Rights Advocates
National Organization for Women -- California
National Organization for Women -- History
National Organization for Women -- Periodicals
National Organization for Women -- Silicon Valley (Calif.)