Times have changed since petticoated suffragists protested in front of the White House and women staged symbolic bra-burnings. Now, in the midst of the digital boom, feminist organizations increasingly are furthering their cause on the Web.
One such group, The Feminist Majority, has been a voice for women's rights in Washington, DC, since 1987. Back then, president of the National Organization for Women Eleanor "Ellie" Smeal, along with philanthropist Peg Yorkin, started the organization to heighten activism and work toward gender equality. Recently, the Feminist Majority has been working to introduce RU-486, the French abortion pill, in the United States. Along with exerting pressure on the government to change policy, "We see our role as being a catalyst to bring people together," says director of policy and research Jennifer Jackman.
To that end, the organization launched its Web site two years ago. Feminist.org is home to an extensive catalog of information on women's issues, ranging from abortion to works of art that have a feminist twist. The site also maintains updated news releases and information for activists who want to get more involved.
The group is currently looking for an Internet coordinator to run its Web site. The job includes general site maintenance, writing daily updates, responding to user feedback, fund-raising, and some public relations.
Considerable responsibility and sometimes long hours are required of the position, says current Internet coordinator Jessica Haney, who is leaving to pursue a graduate degree. "I think in nonprofits and activist organizations, everyone feels overwhelmed at some point. But it's rewarding, because the site helps people."
Working for a common cause, Haney says, fosters a high degree of camaraderie in the office. Recently, when Ellen DeGeneres came out of the closet, both in real life and on camera in her eponymous TV show, Ellen, staffers celebrated with a cake in her honor. Also unique to the group is its tradition of tossing out holidays like Columbus Day and President's Day in favor of celebrating International Women's Day and events marking historic achievements by women.
The 12 staffers at the Arlington headquarters - there is also a West Coast branch in Los Angeles - all have some experience in women's rights activism. Some have been active since the women's movement in the '60s, while others are recent college graduates. Many hold PhDs and master's degrees, some of which are in women's studies. Hint: Those who aren't committed to feminism and women's issues need not apply.
The office, located just across the Potomac River from the heart of DC, is charged with a sense of purpose as well as a nod to its roots, Haney says. The 12 staff members work under the gaze of Sojourner Truth and Thelma and Louise. A typical day may end with a protest on Capitol Hill, marching to support affirmative action, reproductive rights, or breast-cancer research.
Sandwiched between two metro stops, the office is within walking distance of the recently opened Newseum, a monument to the history of journalism. With a number of other nonprofit organizations stationed nearby, the semi-residential area serves as sort of a political suburb of the nation's capital.
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