CT NOW believes that the personal is indeed political; therefore it strives to impact and change attitudes, beliefs, and policies that harm all women by fighting for political, economic, and social justice through education, organizing and action. This purpose includes, but is not limited to, equal rights and responsibilities in all aspects of citizenship, public service, employment, education, family life, and it includes freedom from discrimination because of race, gender or perceived gender, ethnicity, origin, age, marital status, sexual preference/orientation, physical ability/health status, or parenthood.
Archives
Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund
CWEALF has advanced women’s rights and opportunities in Connecticut since 1973. CWEALF is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for and empowers women and girls in Connecticut, especially those who are under-resourced or marginalized. We work to create an equitable society where women and girls thrive.
During its first decade, CWEALF focused on impact litigation, participating in cases involving equal pay, equal credit and sex discrimination. Throughout the years, CWEALF also played a significant role in policy victories such as marriage equality, discrimination protections based on gender identity, birth control access, earned sick days, and protections for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
CWEALF uses intersectional strategies to address gender inequality and advance the rights, opportunities, and status of women and girls through:
UConn Law Asylum and Human Rights Clinic
In the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic, law students handle every aspect of representation in high-stakes cases that determine whether a client who has fled from political, religious or other persecution will be allowed to remain permanently in the United States, or face deportation. In this intensive, one-semester program, students develop their legal skills and learn to exercise professional responsibility and judgment. They deepen their understanding of human rights issues while providing an essential service to clients desperately in need of representation.
Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (OPA)
The mission of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities is to advance the cause of equal rights for persons with disabilities and their families by:
- increasing the ability of individuals, groups and systems to safeguard rights;
- exposing instances and patterns of discrimination and abuse;
- seeking individual and systemic remediation when rights are violated;
- increasing public awareness of unjust situations and of means to address them; and
- empowering people with disabilities and their families to advocate effectively
Teach for America
All kids—no matter where they live, how much money their parents make, or what their skin color is – deserve access to a great education. But in our country today, a significant achievement gap exists between low-income children and their wealthier peers. It’s not easy to close this gap, but hundreds of proof points show that it’s possible. It takes committed leaders in our classrooms today who will continue to fight for students tomorrow. Teach for America’s mission is to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by developing such leaders.
A Better Chance of Wilton Inc.
Since 1996, A Better Chance of Wilton’s purpose has been to offer highly-motivated high school students of color the opportunity to live in Wilton and obtain an exemplary secondary education that may not be available to them in their home districts. The goal of the program is to affirm and nurture our ABC Scholars’ potential and help prepare them for college and their future. The second mission of A Better Chance of Westport is to increase diversity in our community.
Connecticut NAACP
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.