| Transcript |
NOW at the University of Houston
Montrose Area NOW
Vol. 3, No. II
Vol. 8, No. II
NOW AT UH
When one is given a column to write, one often dwells on
what should be said that hasn't been sa.id before. To say
the least, this is hard to do. One of the privileges of
taking on this new position is having this space to write
my thoughts, as well as to welcome new members, to recognize active members, to report on chapter actions, and
most importantly, to carry the message of unity as a chapter. But my column will not be restricted to any rigid
format.
Therefore, WELCOME to our new members and those who have
renewed with us. The new members are Georgette Freelong,
Jean Quataert, Deborah Deering-Farris, and Kathleen
Bamberger. Renewals include Karen Lanning, Effie Feld,
Henrietta Harrison, and Lucretia Cox. In joining NOW, you
have taken the first step in becoming a feminist. It is
our hopes that more NOW members on campus become more active in keeping the spirit of feminism alive. There are
positions still open and many things that can help the
chapter keep going. The positions that are still open are
as follows: Secretary, Public Relations, University Lia-
son, and Public Affairs. We also need people to keep office hours (one hour would be lots of help), keep our
office files in order, post flyers for upcoming events
(can be done while going to and from class or office)
attend meetings and programs, help staff the information
table, recruit new members, challenge or report sexism in
classes. My message goes out to all NOW at UH members.
In the beginning of the year, the Houston Post ran a
series of articles on the question, "Is Feminism Dead?"
In one article, Reporter Elizabeth Bennet attempted to
portray the feminist on college campuses. Ms. Bennet
interviewed members of the NOW chapter at the University
of Houston and a few women students at Rice University.
When the article was published, NOW at UH was totally
ignored and the women at Rice were described at length.
It was obvious at these women were not feminists but
focussing on them served Ms. Bennet's purpose by showing
that feminism is dead. We as a chapter know that feminism
is not dead and will continue to exist, especially on our
sexisT campus. I was disappointed at Ms. Bennet's article
for I felt that the feminists she interviewed at UH portrayed the full range of feminist activity. I do not like
to single out campus feminists and their struggles but at
times we go unnoticed. Even we sometimes fail to thank
each other for the efforts we have made. Being an active
member is a challenge and requires lots of patience! Most
of us are students who also hold down jobs and have families. We all have individual goals but share a common
cause that keeps us together. At times our social life
may suffer but we continue to keep the spirit alive.
Unfortunately, we had low attendance at our October program meeting. Despite some difficulties, the show did go
on and was worthwhile. Much thanks to our program
coordinator, Cindy Funderburke. Thanks also to RossAnn
continued next column
Presidents' Column,
MONTROSE AREA NOW
The November meeting will be held en the 3rd Sunday, November 20th at the Women's Center, 4 Chelsea Place, fron
5-7 p.m. This will be a pot-luck supper and the meeting
for the elections. There will be no meeting in December.
The October meeting was another round of good food, good
company and good talk. We have a self-nomination for
president, Olivia Flores Alvarez, and hope for more candidates for the other offices. The discussion covered a
brief history of the Montrose Chapter, the National Conference, and how best to deal with racism in general and
NOW in particular. The November meeting date has been
changed in order to allow Montrose to attend the State
Council meeting in Austin on tne 11th and 12th. Helen
Copitka, a former member, will attend the council meeting
in order to discuss her candidacy for the State Board of
Pardons and Paroles. Helen served ably as a Commissioner
until they were made employees of the State. She has
urged us to vote YES on Amendment 11.
A special welcome to our new members: Marjon Bryan, Laura
Caghan, Barbara Divine, Cindy Lyn Dyles, Gerald Fowler,
Gayle Furlong, Shelley A. Grover, Elaine Kramer, Roger
Morehead, Ms. Patrick, Katherine Saupp, Alicia Talley,
Mary R. Taylor, Dr. Barbara Til ley and Jean Zell.
WELCOME!
I made a great personal discovery recently that I want to
share with you in the form of a book report. I have never
cared for novels, fantasies, sci-fi, or most mysteries.
NOW I know why—I've never had a s/hero to call my own.
The Horse Goddess, by Morgan Llywelyn, tells the story of
a young Celtic princess who leaves her people and travels
east to the land of the Scythians. The tale evolved from
the research of the author, who has entwined the adventure with an air of authority. It is an altogether satisfying story.
Peggy Hall
President, Montrose Area NOW
Daumas, Jo Ann Evansgardner, and Gerry Gardner. Our
November Program - BATTERED WOMEN - will be presented by
Jeff Basen who has volunteered countless hours at the HAWC
center. Our November Brown Bag lunch program will be on
Women and Economics, to be presented by chapter members.
We urge members to come and share their insights.
Our chapter is beginning it's third year. Keeping on with
the tradition, I will try to add new dimensions to our
chapter as past presidents have done, each adding their
own personal touch to our growth and development. Diversity is the key to a truly representative NOW.
Helen Wilma Ortiz
President, NOW at UH |
