In 2006, NOW-NYC launched its campaign Ending the Business of Human Trafficking in New York City by raising community awareness of human trafficking throughout New York State, advocating on behalf of exploited victims by lobbying for comprehensive and effective legislation that appropriately penalizes traffickers, and tracking traffickers and educating local businesses about their role in this illegal industry in an effort to break the cycle of enslavement. All of our efforts paid off when, in June of 2007, New York State passed its first anti-human trafficking law! While this is a huge step forward, there is still work to be done to ensure that the law is implemented as effectively as possible. Traffickers are still brazenly operating in our neighborhoods. They advertise in our newspapers and set up websites for men to rate brothels. Traffickers are cocky, not afraid of the police, not afraid of the judicial system. Let's give them something to be afraid of! NOW-NYC has sent the "Trafficking Free NYC!" good business pledge to local publications throughout the five boroughs. The pledge asks all publications to consider the role they play in human trafficking when they allow brothels to advertise in their publication and requests that they have made a policy which restricts these kinds of advertisements. Fifteen publications have already signed on. Join us as we insist on higher standards for our city's media. The Network meets the second Monday of every month. Please email contact@nownyc.org to RSVP or to find out more information.

The NOW-NYC Reproductive Rights Action Committee works to protect and expand women's reproductive autonomy. Pertinent issues include the availability and affordability of Emergency Contraception ("Plan B") and birth control, ensuring that abortion services remain safe, legal and accessible, and supporting pro-reproductive rights legislation. The committee is currently examining the cost of "Plan B" in Manhattan pharmacies and is working towards the passage of the federal Freedom of Choice Act (S. 1173/H.R. 1964) and the state Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP and confirm attendance, please email Maureen Shaw at mshaw826@gmail.com.

The Women, Girls & Media Committee works to dispel the sexist and misogynistic messages that are regularly disseminated for mass consumption, in movies, music, advertising and news. The committee spearheaded Rating The Ratings: Sexual Violence in Movies, a goundbreaking report on the inconsistencies in rating sexual violence by the Motion Picture Association of America. The committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm and is always open to new members. To RSVP and confirm attendance, please email Jessica Yankelunas at j.yankelunas@gmail.com.

The NOW-NYU chapter at New York University is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in discussing feminist issues and becoming activists, both on campus and on a city, state, and national level. Past campaigns have included, sponsoring the V-day initiative fund raising performance of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues. More than 70 NYU students joined the chapter to attend the Emergency March for Women's Lives in Washington DC, and in coalition with other activists groups spearheaded the Emergency Coalition for Abortion Rights at NYU. For more information, please email Sarah Reynolds, current president, at ser288@nyu.edu.

The NOW-NYC Queer Advocacy Project pursues justice for all people in New York City by advancing changes in critical everyday aspects of life. We work as a community based group to engage those within and outside of our membership to create acceptance in legislation on all levels, in the workplace, in resources throughout our organization and across New York City. Please contact NOW-NYC at 212.627.9895 or contact chairperson Sara Kelley Sara.Kelley@gmail.com if you are interested.

Young Women and Girls Committee is an activist group for young women and girls, as well as feminists of all ages who recognize the importance of addressing young women’s issues. The committee seeks to provide a forum for young women to discuss their concerns and organize those concerns into actions. Currently, we are offering seminars on feminism to local high schools and colleges. The Young Women and Girls Committee is currently looking for passionate feminists to contribute to this committee. Please contact NOW-NYC at 212.627.9895 if you are interested.

Do you feel you need a place to discuss issues of importance to boomer and senior women? Join us in creating a new community for women to talk, make friends and support each other. Bring your ideas and your energy! We meet the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in the NOW-NYC office. Participation is welcome from baby boomers and senior women. Call NOW-NYC at 212.627.9895 if you are interested in joining.

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Please note: If you are interested in a particular area not covered by one of our committees, please let us know. As a grassroots organization, our activisim arises from our Action Committees and we establish new committees when there is sufficient interest among members who are available to work on the issues. In the past we have had committees working on, eliminating racisim, anti-violence issues, media reform, women's health, family relations, women in prison, education, and we also do outreach to college campuses. Call us 212.627.9895 and let us know what issue you would like to work on.

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