Almost all areas in Maryland where we would like to organize groups, chapters will need to start at the beginning of the “convening” process to revive that chapter, even though chapters of NOW have existed there in the past. This part of the process is mostly done through the National NOW office, and requires identifying a leader, someone who will initially sign for the chapter in establishing financial accounts – a treasurer, and at least one other person. In Maryland, as in most areas of the US, NOW chapters’ names indicate a geographic location; in our state they are usually counties. These area names are approved by Maryland NOW’s executive committee and the National NOW office is informed of this name. The state president must sign their convening form.
Once this is done, the chapter can begin the work of organizing its group. In our state, they must have 10 members who will design and define the chapter’s structure, outlined in the chapter’s bylaws. These bylaws must be shared with the state and the National NOW office, and will be sent to the IRS with their application for an EIN, or taxpayer ID number, available to them under Maryland NOW’s and National NOW’s general exemption status. With their EIN number they can open a bank account, and after establishing a simple budget, are entitled to receive grant money from Maryland NOW to start their activities.
Representatives from the Maryland NOW chapters meet as the Maryland State Council to oversee the work of the state, and have two delegates representing them on that council. They will work on projects and events that promote the state’s chapters, the state, NOW, and feminism across the entire state. Their chapter has representation on the Maryland NOW PAC and in all state task forces and committees.
In the years of the COVID pandemic and in a state with the unfortunate geography that we have, we have begun actively exploring how to organize areas outside of the I-95 corridor in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore using electronic communication to meet and work as a chapter.
