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ISSUES & FORUMS
Women's Issues Forum:
Thank you for your interest in the Women's Issues Forum of Progressive Action for the Common Good and National Organization for Women.
Working together for a Common Good, the Women's Issues Forum of PACG and QCNOW and are a powerful force for positive change. The Women's Issues Forum of Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG) is concerned with representing women on the variety of issues that PACG has been engaged in through ACTION since being organized in the Quad-Cities in January 2005. As progressives, PACG members value and promote peace, racial, social and economic justice, civil rights, diversity, civil liberties, human rights, a preserved environment, and a reinvigorated democracy. PACG seeks to empower people to take action for positive reform and advocate for fundamental changes to reclaim our democracy and to work for the common good of all in our community.
The National Organization for Women has been representing women's issues and voicing their concerns nationally for almost 40 years. Your NOW membership shows support for this important mission as your dues help fund NOW legislative and community actions. The Quad-Cities chapter of NOW combines women from western Illinois and eastern Iowa into a powerful group of concerned Quad Citizens addressing issues important to women at a local level. Please join us in fighting for the rights of women globally while acting on behalf of women locally. To learn more about the local chapter and what we've accomplished, visit www.geocities.com/qcnow.
Whether you join or not; as a concerned citizen, we look forward to seeing you at our monthly local meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at the Butterworth Center,1105 8thAve,Moline IL. Carol Brown, QC NOW P.O. Box 5483, Rock Island, IL 61201.
Hey, give yourself a pat on the back! Here’s all we’ve accomplished in 2007!
Past Events:
March 2007
Tuesday, March 13 Celebrated Women’s History Month by watching “Sisters of ’77.” This film conveyed “The Struggles and Triumphs in the Battle for Equal Rights” during the National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas, 1977. The goal was to pass 26 resolutions that would further unify and strengthen women’s positions as equal partners in all aspects of society. It was exhilarating seeing the likes of Bella Abzug, Barbara Jordon, Betty Friedan, Ann Richards, Maxine Waters, Gloria Steinem and others just like you and me take to the podium with strong, inspirational and thought provoking messages on all issues from women’s work in and out of the home, immigration, child care, lesbianism, reproductive rights to the ERA. Afterwards, our discussion revealed that although we feel we have come so far in so many ways; the failure of the Government to take these resolutions to the next step continues to deny women the equality we seek and deserve. We also discussed the need to reach out to young people through programs in schools and educate them about the many historic actions and women’s organizations that have formed to achieve Rights for Women.
March 28 The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) proudly endorses Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States in 2008. NOW PAC Chair, Kim Gandy said “Senator Clinton has a long history of support for women’s empowerment, and her public record is a testimony to her leadership on issues important to women in the U.S. and around the globe… full economic, political and social equality… to advance the civil and human rights of women and girls.” Anyone interested in helping with Hillary’s campaign can contact Mike Czin, Iowa Field Organizer, at the Davenport office, 1416 W. 16th Street, 563-322-8715. As NOW PAC (Political Action Committee) endorses Senator Clinton, NOW & PACG remain non partisan.
April 2007
Wednesday, April 4, met with Jill from the Obama campaign on Brady Street in Davenport. They were interested in knowing what issues we were concerned with. We discussed a number of things including Senator Obama’s support of the Prevention First Act, immediately rescinding the Global Gag Rule if elected, public funded elections and banning electronic voting machines. We also talked about unfair divorce settlements in the Rock Island, Illinois court system and how some women have come to us voicing their frustration with the “good old boys” network there. They suggested contacting the Obama campaign office in Moline, Illinois, so we will pursue this.
Wednesday, April 18 “Night of Noise” an evening of celebrating with Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (QCAD), District of Rock Island, Illinois. QCNOW & PACG WIF encouraged attendance to support the mission of QCAD.
Friday, April 20 Honor the Women in Your Life, a breakfast event to benefit the Quad Cities Rape/Sexual Assault Counseling & Advocacy Program of Family Resources, Inc., 7am – 9am, Quad-Cities Botanical Center, Rock Island. This annual fund raiser always offers a panel of good speakers and an array of fabulous raffle gifts.
Saturday, April 21 cancelled as of 4-18-07 “Show Me The Money” Paycheck Negotiation Workshop, co-sponsored by QCNOW & PACG Women’s Issues Forum among others. 8:30am – 3:30pm, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, 3247 East 35th Street Court, Davenport. To register: contact Amy Barnett 563-355-4310 x219, participation fee $5 (includes lunch)
Saturday, April 28 3rd Annual Venus Envy Quad Cities, a celebration of female creativity, empowering women through the arts of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, multimedia installations, written and spoken word. 6 -11pm Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 East 2nd Street, Davenport, 309-737-2066
May 2007
Thursday, May 3 Peace March to Senator Grassley’s office to express our disappointment in the President’s veto and Grassley’s vote against the Bill that funded the troops and set a timeline for bringing them home. About 50 people joined the marched organized by PACG.
Friday, May 5th Take Back the Night domestic violence awareness raising/celebration, 5pm, District of Rock Island. We had an informational table again this year; and although it was a bit wet this year, the entertainment is always very good and up lifting.
In a move applauded by QCNOW & PACG Women’s Issues Forum, the 2007 Iowa General Assembly passed a bill called Scientifically Accurate Sexual Education (House file 611) requiring all Iowa public & private schools to provide age-appropriate, medically accurate, research-based information in their human-growth and development curricula. The bill was supported by Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa and the Emma Goldman Clinic.
June 2007
Tuesday, June 12 Our group welcomed Michael Czin, Iowa Field Organizer for Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee, originally from Emilie’s List. Mike conveyed that Hillary has been a champion on issues important to women and continues to show positive leads in polling and that she has been able to ‘win over’ republican voters in the state of New York as Senator. Mike welcomed those interested in helping out with Hillary’s quest to become the first women President to contact him at the local Davenport office. As NOW PAC endorses Senator Clinton, NOW & PACG remain non-partisan; but we encourage you to learn about the candidates and to educate them on the issues important to you
Saturday, June 16 NAACP Davenport #4019 first quarterly “Flea Market” held in the grassy area of the United Neighbors, Inc. 808 Harrison Street, Davenport, 8am – 5pm. For booth and/or vendor information, please contact TK Anderson, 563-676-6236.
Saturday, June 23 PACG Picnic, Garfield Park Pavilion, Davenport, the park entrance is at the corner of Bridge Ave and E 29th Street, 4pm – 8pm. Bring a Dish to share and lawn chairs.
July 2007
Tuesday, July 3 Michael Czin, Iowa Field Organizer for Hillary’s campaign, invited QCNOW to a small social with Presidential Candidate Senator Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton at RME Mojo’s Cafe after their rally in downtown Davenport. Pat Baxter-Rebal, Carol Brown and Dave Brown attended the event and was able to mingle with the Clinton’s and get their autographs. Carol mentioned how relaxed and casual the Clintons were while they strolled around the room talking with many notable quests. A laptop set up at the meeting scrolled through all the pictures and video taken at the special event.
Tuesday, July 10 JR Cohen, a field organizer for the Chris Dodd for President 2008 campaign, spoke at the meeting of Senator Dodd’s candidacy, his service in the Peace Corps, his long record of accomplishments in educational policies in the Senate and how proud she is to represent Senator Dodd. We all agreed that we feel lucky that there is such a strong field of 2008 candidates who share many of our core values; but that it will also make it a difficult decision. So do your homework and make an informed decision.
August 2007
Tuesday, August 14 Thank you for helping to make the “Supply the Shelter” drive and raffle for Family Resources Inc.’s Domestic Violence Shelter a big success! 128 pounds of non-perishable items were brought in by the participants who earned raffle tickets for great prizes. Family Resources, Inc. were very appreciative of our generosity and support.
September 2007
Tuesday, September 11 NOW’s Code Blue – Demand health care for all NOW campaign that focuses on a movement towards a National Health Care System for all. We asked participants to prepare for the meeting by logging on to NOW’s website www.now.org and clicking onto the Code Blue campaign (bottom of front page). Also, we encouraged you to attend a health care forum on Saturday 15th, co-sponsored by Working Families Win, Progressive Action for the Common Good and Iowa for Health Care at Genesis West Hospital.
October 2007
Tuesday, October 9 To draw attention to October being Domestic Violence awareness month, Peggy urged us to join her in a letter writing campaign. Please take time to send your letter to local area newspapers and express your thoughts regarding the impact domestic violence has on families and communities. Some of you may have a personal experience to share. We look forward to seeing your letter in print. Thank you.
October 17th is NOW’s annual celebration of Love Your Body Day. One way to love your body is to keep it healthy through regular exercise, eating right, preventative health care (including monthly self-breast examinations, annual mammograms & pelvic exams) and to stop smoking. Each year NOW holds a Love Your Body Day “Poster Contest.” LINK for more information about the 2008 poster contest. The deadline for poster submission is December 1, 2007.
Monday, October 22 One of our Leaders, Peggy DiBari wrote a letter to Illinois Senator Phil Hare urging the Senator to make a public statement recognizing October as the one month everyday people are asked to stand up and say “No more” to domestic violence. Also referred to as “relationship violence.” Her efforts prevailed… Senator Phil Hare held a press conference at Family Resources Inc. 1521 47th Avenue, Moline IL, to draw attention to the harmful effects of Domestic Violence. Family Resources also offers many Volunteer Opportunities with training provided. Please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 563-322-1200 for specific information.
November 2007
Tuesday, November 13 QC NOW and PACG WIF welcomed Representatives from the Democratic Presidential campaigns. Jess for Bill Richardson, Anisa for John Edwards, Jill for Barack Obama, Nora for Hillary Clinton and Karen for Chris Dodd. The Representatives all spoke eloquently; laying out their candidates positions on women’s issues and many others. Many good questions and concerns were brought up by the audience with lively discussion with the reps. All came away impressed by the representatives knowledge and respect for all the impressive Democratic candidates we have to chose from for this important election.
Wednesday, November 14, “Sicko” viewing and conference call with Michael Moore & DFA’s Jim Dean Hosted by Democracy for American – Quad Cities and PACG Health Care Reform Forum, Deer-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave, Moline, IL (Main House)
Friday, November 16, Social Justice Movie Night “The Narrow Path” Following the footsteps of the great apostles of nonviolence – Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Oscar Romero – John Dear, SJ presents in The Narrow Path the challenging message of Jesus in a fresh way, speaking with new force and vision of God’s plea for peace. For more information contact Caroline Vernon at 563-676-7580. Davenport Unitarian Church, 3707 Eastern Ave.
Saturday, November 17, Join the International Day of Action against Wal-Mart and Big Box Stores. NOW’s focus is to demand Wal-Mart live up to its promise to stock emergency contraception in every store where ‘one or more customers request the product’ and should EC not be in stock in a particular store, take steps to help customers obtain it. Check out www.now.org for more information.
December 2007
Tuesday, December 11 QC NOW and PACG WIF Holiday Party 6:30pm cancelled as of 12-10-07 (Snow blizzard) Let’s celebrate a year of accomplishments with a Party at The Blue Cat Brew Pub, Rock Island IL 61201. There will be refreshments and a raffle drawing for a holiday gift basket.
From: Carol Brown, David Stewart, Peggy DiBari
QC NOW and PACG Women’s Issues Forum