Stop Shackling Pregnant Inmates NOW

We have to take action.

In September 2005, although still two weeks from her due date, Samantha Luther, incarcerated in Wisconsin, was allegedly taken in handcuffs and leg shackles to the local hospital, and informed that labor was going to be induced. She told a reporter, "I was in shock... I felt like all of my rights had been taken away." Reportedly, her handcuffs were taken off, while her shackles remained on providing 18 inches between her ankles. The doctor ruptured her amniotic sac, and had her pace the hospital hallway for several hours. "It was so humiliating. My ankles were raw," Luther said. Luther was given drugs to induce labor, when it did not begin, and reportedly was left in her shackles until just before birth. She reported, "I had shackles on up until the baby was coming out and then they took them off for me to push... It was unbelievable. Like I was going to go anywhere." She gave birth to a son. Reportedly, it is common to induce inmates before term, however, according to DOC officials, an inmate must sign a consent form.

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Talking Together NOW

Don't forget to join us at Ginny's Cupboard (127 N Water St Sparta, WI) the first Saturday of every month (minus Janurary) at 1:00 pm for discussion about things that matter to girls and women today.

We will also be meeting in LaCrosse at the Root Note (115 4th St LaCrosse, WI) the third Saturday of every month at 1:00... pm for discussion.

Please invite all friends and family along. Hope to see you there! :)

Election Day!

Why our Daughters?
Why the Polls?

From the White House Project
We know that children model their own dreams on what adults and society show them to be possible.
The U.S. currently ranks an astounding 71st in the world in women's political representation. In Wisconsin, women leaders make up just 22% of the state legislature, 20% of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation; 12% of Mayors, 22% of City Councils and 19% of County Boards. By taking our daughters to the polls, we show them that they are in fact a valuable part of the political process.


* In 2010, it's time to encourage a different kind of girl power.
* It's time to Take Our Daughters to the Polls.

2nd Year of Greater LaCrosse NOW

Good morning,

After meeting with our wonderful cohorts WSSA (Women Studies Student Association) we have come up with a plan. Our NOW chapter will host 2 discussion groups each month, one in Sparta and one in LaCrosse. We will have a short business meeting before the discussion group. Each discussion group will have a few topics primarily focusing on why the fight for equality (race, sex, age, etc) is still needed. We are hoping to host the Intergenerational Gathering again as well as a few film showings.

WSSA is holding a book club and have welcomed us to join them. They meet every Thursday at 6pm in the Diversity Center on UW-L campus. *they provide the books. They're discussion is also available online. The books they are reading are; Manifesta; Grassroots: a field guide for feminist activism; Unbearable Weight; American's Womens; School Girls; The Feminine Mystique; Slut; and Full Frontal Feminism.

The meeting dates are as followed, the first Saturday of the every month starting November 6th (with the exception of January due to New Years) in Sparta, WI at Ginny's Cupboard (127 N Water St Sparta, WI 54656) at 1:00-2:30. LaCrosse's meeting is the third Saturday of the month starting November 20th. the location is yet to be announced between 1:00-2:30.

Please feel free to pass on this information to those you think would be interested. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at kayfc.now@gmail.com.

Have a great day!
Chloe

Teachers....

Did your teachers ever push your buttons with comments/actions about female equality?

A few responses that we received:

"Boys could wear hats in class, girls could not."

"I couldn't be student body president in High School because of religious reasons. I didn't think of it much then, but now I wish I had done something about it."

"Giving the boys in the class more attention and dominance."

What about you?

Intergenerational Event :)

We had a wonderful gathering last Friday, thank you to everyone who came. I will be posting some of the discussion questions and photos on here within the week. Thanks to WSSA and the Women's Studies classes for all your wonderful support! And most importantly thank you to the planning committee, it wouldn't of been possible without you. I'm hoping this is the first an annual event.

Women's Journeys: an Intergenerational Gathering

http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/conferences/womensjourneys.html

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Women's Journeys: an Intergenerational Gathering

April 23, 2010

6‐9 p.m.
Cleary Alumni and Friends Center, UW‐La Crosse
$10 general public
$5 student fee

Through conversation, reflection, and celebration, this event crosses generational borders and builds connections between women and girls of all ages. The stories generated will illuminate the challenges, strategies and successes of women’s activism, past and present – grounded in real life experiences. Everyone welcome!

AGENDA

6 p.m.	Registration and Reception
6:30 p.m.	Welcome: Generations
7:15 p.m.	Conversations: Speed‐Dating Meets Consciousness‐Raising Experience deep conversations at a lively tempo. Find out what’s new and what’s familiar in women and girls’ lives today. Talk about what gives us energy and hope for the future. Discover the “big ideas” of people wanting to make the world better place. Explore the wisdom gleaned from successes and disappointments, plans and surprises.
8:30 p.m.	Reflections and Closing

Sponsored by the NOW‐Greater La Crosse and NOW‐WI in partnership with UW‐La Crosse Women’s Studies Student Association, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Department and Continuing Education and Extension.

This community event is free to those attending the Great Lakes Regional conference of the National Organization for Women, April 24 at the Cleary Center. To register for the Regional Conference, go to: http://sites.google.com/site/nowgreatlakesregion/

For more Information and to Register:
Karen Langaard, 608.785.6508, toll-free 1.866.895.9233 or langaard.kare@uwlax.edu