NWPC's Annual Elected Women's Luncheon

Honoring elected women in the County and young women student leaders
Keynote Speaker, Janice Hahn, LA City Councilwoman,
Democratic Candidate for California's Lieutenant Governor

When: Friday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.

Where: The Club at McInnis Park, 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael

Cost: $20.00
RSVP 897-1224
Send checks to PO Box 113, Kentfield, CA 94914

IMPORTANT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING --
Monday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. at the
San Rafael City Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue in downtown San Rafael.

Dear NWPC members,
The State NWPC is now requiring local NWPC chapters to comply with State and National NWPC policy by only endorsing women candidates and never recommending male candidates. In the not too distant past, our chapter was accused of being sexist, when we tried to adhere to what is the current State and National NWPC policy. We now have the option to recommend male candidates who are not opposed by qualified women candidates --- but State and National is forcing us to either stop recommending men or disaffiliate. Our board is still trying to reason with the State officers about our need to work with men within the organization and in the larger political arena.
There will be a meeting of the NWPC membership on Monday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. at the San Rafael City Council Chambers to discuss and hopefully reach a consensus on the future of our organization. Should we comply with State/National or should we declare our independence and form a separate but similar organization?
There have already been a few comments from members regarding this issue. Dora Knell has written to State explaining the importance to our organization of working with men. Here is an excerpt from her letter:
" . . . At the founding of NWPC, the by-laws left the decision whether to support male candidates in local elections up to the local NWPC chapter. This wise decision prevented smaller caucuses from being marginalized politically on the local scene. The support for male candidates has been restricted to races where there is no qualified female candidate in a particular race, and there are males who support NWPC goals (or where) there is a female candidate, on the ballot, who does NOT support NWPC goals. . . At no time is energy, time and money donated to male candidates. Simply recognizing certain males in certain races as recommended helps NWPC goals. That it enhances NWPC's political power locally is not to be ignored. . ."
How do you feel about this very important issue? Please plan to come and participate in the discussion about how we should proceed.

--The NWPC-Marin Board

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