Florida NOW

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Florida NOW Represents at National NOW Conference in San Jose, CA

Some of the Florida NOW members at National in San Jose, CA

Florida NOW was well represented recently at the National NOW Conference in San Jose, CA. There were 15 members attending from Florida – that’s amazing for a Conference completely across the country. It was a fantastic conference with amazing speakers, great workshops and inspiring conversations with NOW members from all over the country.

There was much discussion as well as a resolution to support the ERA by getting it ratified by the final state (let’s make it Florida!), elect those supportive of the ERA in Congress and oppose any Supreme Court nominee who doesn’t support rescinding the ratification deadline. We will have a follow up specifically with steps we are taking to get the ERA ratified. But the most important thing is to change the Florida Legislature by electing supportive candidates!

More News:

  • Florida NOW is excited to appoint Diane Lebedeff, President of the Pinellas chapter, as the State NOW Social Media Director. Diane brings great enthusiasm to her new role. She’s been doing a lot of Social Media outreach preparing for the State Conference in Tampa and has done such a great job we wanted her to continue. Diane will be reaching out to all the chapters in Florida to help with their social media, especially Facebook and to establish consistent Facebook practices and presentations. Contact Diane at media@flnow.org .
  • The Department of Health and Human Services is asking for public comments on the Title X gag rule. The deadline for comments is July 31st. Planned Parenthood has set up a simple web site to add your name or personal comments. Please go to this link and sign your name against this infringement on health care.  Sign your name
  • Have you called your Senators? We must Stop SCOTUS, Save Roe!: The Senate Must Refuse Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Call Marco Rubio at (407) 254-2573 and Bill Nelson at (407) 872-7161 and demand they oppose this Trump nominee.
  • Please note – we are trying to keep our website up to date and current. Your input is welcome – send your meeting notices or special events to communications@flnow.org and Diane at media@flnow.org and we’ll post them on our calendar. We also have a ‘Gallery’ page now and welcome your pictures – especially from the recent Conferences.
  • Check out the Spring edition of the Family Law Committee FACTS newsletter on the National NOW site. Palm Beach NOW’s Adele Guadalupe has written the headline article about Family Court and the #metoo movement. Click on this link: Family Law Committee
  • Greater Orlando NOW is hosting their 4th annual Feminist Cruise, this year they are going through the Panama Canal. 7 Cities, 14 days starts at $929 p/p (Subject to Change) on Norwegian Pearl Oct. 21 to Nov. 4 Bring your significant other or singles welcome to share a cabin with another single. Contact us to make a connection. We have one slot open already! Embark in San Diego, CA and disembark in Tampa, FL. Here is the link to the cruise information. Call Mary Wilson to reserve your spot at 616-666-2699.

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Champion Gender Equality: Social Decency with Action

The Palm Beach County Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOWPBC) was created in 1972 by female professors at Florida Atlantic University to fight for equal pay and tenure.

This was also the year that Congress passed Title IX (prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools and providing women equal opportunities to participate in sports) and NOWPBC presented its first Susan B. Anthony Feminist of the Year Award to a 13-year-old athlete for her successful battle to play on an all-male Boca Raton sports team. Today, Susan Hamill is a law professor at the University of Alabama.

And yet, 45 years later, The Palm Beach Post reported in its front page article -“Gender equality? FAU gave feds false numbers, ranked near bottom” on May 18, that FAU submitted false data to the federal government. There are costly consequences. The Post revealed how most women receive no scholarship money, are discouraged from speaking out and find it necessary to work multiple jobs to cover increasing tuition and school fees while male athletes disproportionately received more scholarship dollars, thereby widening the gender gap.

It’s not the first time FAU tarnished its reputation by placing money above principle. In 2003, the university sponsored a naming rights competition for its new $70 million football stadium. It initially declared the for-profit private prison company, the GEO Group Inc., as the winner for its $6 million deal. Students and the community rose up in indignation, and GEO was dropped.

But now FAU has the opportunity to right this wrong and to be in compliance with the law of the land. This also presents a chance to make a statement for social justice. Indeed, now is the time for university leaders to do it.

ARLENE R. USTIN, DELRAY BEACH

Vice President of the National Organization for Women Palm Beach County.

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Florida Feminist Legend Dies

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of an LGBT Legend & Icon Constance (“Connie”) Kurtz
Connie passed away on Sunday evening, May 27, 2018, in West Palm Beach.
Connie and her wife, Ruth Berman, were simply known as “Ruthie & Connie”. They were together for over 44 years. They first met in the late 1950’s. After 2 divorces, they became a couple in 1974.
In 1988, Ruthie & Connie sued the New York City Board of Education for “Same-Sex Healthcare Benefits”. As their case was being tried, they appeared on “The Phil Donahue Show”; coming-out-of-the-closet in front of millions of people watching T.V.
In 1996, they were victorious in their law suit.
In 2002, they portrayed themselves in the documentary film; “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House”. Shown at film festivals the world over, the film won 6 “Best Documentary Film” Awards.
In 2016, the organization known as “Services & Advocacy For GLBT Elders” (SAGE), presented “The SAGE Pioneer Award” to Ruthie & Connie.
In 2017, Ruthie & Connie were presented “The Rusty Gordon Spirit of Excellence & Equality Award” at the annual TKJ Gala of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.
Recently, Ruthie & Connie were named “HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS” of The Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County.
Earlier this year, the PBC Chapter of ‘The National Organization For Women’ (PBC-NOW), presented Ruthie & Connie with: “The Rusty Gordon Human Rights Award”.
Ruthie & Connie were married on July, 26, 2011, in New York City.
Together with Ruthie, Connie was “The Ultimate Activist & Advocate” on behalf of the Women’s Movement (NOW), the LGBT Community, and the Democratic Party.
Connie was the former president of “The United Democratic Club of Century Village, West Palm Beach”.
The Legacy that Connie Kurtz leaves behind, speaks volumes, and Connie WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Florida NOW

Florida NOW’s purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls.

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