By Michelle Devine

As 2000 quickly comes to a close and my two-year presidency comes to an end, I would like to take a few lines to review what I consider to be one of our most active years since 1995.

Our chapter activities in the past year represent our renewed commitment to taking action on the wide variety of issues that impact women and their families. Below are some of our highlights of the past 12 months.

International Women's Issues: Anu Kumar from the MacArthur Foundation spoke to members about the status of women's rights around the world.

Workplace Issues: Chicago NOW organized a national day of action against Merrill Lynch to protest the company's lack of progress in addressing diversity and bringing the class action settlement agreement under Cremin v. Merrill Lynch to final resolution.

Chicago NOW Members protest continued sexual discrimination and harassment outside the Merrill Lynch office in downtown Chicago.

Lesbian Rights: Lobbied for HB474 (an amendment to the Human Rights Act) and marched in the Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
Diversity: Welcomed three more women of color to our Board for the 2001 term, and continue to work on outreach to expand our presence in communities throughout Chicago.

Reproductive Rights: Lobbied against HB 709 which would have cut off medicaid funding for abortion services. Also participated in speak-outs to highlight the importance of choice and reproductive rights in the Presidential election

Rev. Addie Wyatt speaks at our ERA Reception in May.

Equal Rights: Hosted, in conjunction with the Chicago NOW Education Fund a 20th Anniversary Reception for the ERA March, and brought new attention to this important issue.

Violence and Poverty: A delegation of 44 activists traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the World March of Women 2000.

Legislative Action: Participated in the IL NOW veto session lobby day, and continued to build our chapter's e-mail action alert list so members could quickly respond to legislative concerns.

In October, members of Chicago NOW represented the women of Chicago at the first World March for Women in Washington D.C.

Love Your Body Day Campaign: Spoke out and demonstrated against the City's designation of 'Hugh Hefner Way.'

'Look Out, Listen Up' Campaign: Worked with local coalition partners under People for Better TV to educate our community about the need for more responsible media, and called on the FCC to stop giving away our airways to local digital television stations.

The Election: In conjunction with Illinois NOW, organized a 'Bush Whacking' action outside Harpo Studios when George W. Bush appeared on the Oprah show. We also worked to educate members about the importance of the election, and Chicago NOW members participated in a wide variety of activities that were sponsored by the Chicago NOW PAC---including a Meet the Candidates forum, co-sponsored by the Women's Bar Association. Chicago NOW members also worked hard as volunteers for NOW PAC endorsed candidates.

Honoring Feminist Leaders: Hosted our third annual Women Who Dared Reception.

The Chapter continues to work toward the goal of hiring a part-time staff person in the next three-to-five years. And lastly, a year in review article would not be complete without thanking all of the members who participated in chapter activities, and thanking all those who supported our chapter financially, particularly those who made contributions for the Women Who Dared Reception and supported our World March of Women delegation. It has been a pleasure working with all of you!

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