The National Organization for Women (NOW) held its organizing conference in October 1966, where the founding presidency was elected. Who were the first NOW officers? Some of the original members of NOW came from the Civil Rights Movement, and many of the important feminist organization’s co-founders had been actively working for women’s equality for years. These five leaders were the first NOW officers:
1. President: Betty Friedan
The legendary feminist Betty Friedan brought together activists from many areas and wrote the NOW Statement of Purpose.
2. Chair of the Board: Kay Clarenbach
A strong organizer from Wisconsin, Kay Clarenbach spoke about how far women still had to go to reach equality.
3. Executive Vice-President: Aileen Hernandez
Aileen Hernandez was elected in absentia; she was about to leave her position at the EEOC.
5. Secretary-Treasurer: Caroline Davis
Caroline Davis was a labor leader who headed the UAW Women’s Department .