Tag Archive for NOW

NOW NYC to Offer Free Yoga Classes for Survivors of Violence & Allies

This year NOW NYC is adding an exciting new program to their calendar. Starting January 27th will begin to offer free yoga classes at their mid-town location (150 W. 28th St). The class is called “Head to Heal” and is specifically designed for survivors of violence and their allies.

Instructor Rebecca Rafelson, a NOW NYC board member, describes the class as “a specialized yoga program designed for women seeking healing from violence. Using an empowering, movement-based approach to healing, the program is rooted in the idea that emotional healing can be facilitated through conscious self-exploration of the body.”

While the class is geared towards creating the best space possible for victims of violence, all feminists are welcome to attend.

The class will use a “vinyasa flow”, which focuses on cultivating inner-awareness, strength and peacefulness by linking breath with movement, mind with body. Following the vinyasa flow a 30-minute cool-down, relaxation and discussion period take place. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and connect with other class participants.

Classes will be held the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month and will begin at 6:30pm. Yoga mats will be provided.  The class is free, although donations to cover operating costs are welcome.

For more information on Head to Heal contact the NOW NYC office at 212-627-9895. For information on the other programs offered by NOW NYC visit their website http://www.nownyc.org/women/index.php

Anti-Stupak/Pitts Amendment NYC Rally & Video

NOW NYS mobilized local activists on Dec 4th in NYC to stop Stupak/Pitts-like Amendments, banning abortion coverage, that may be included in the Senate Health Care Reform package.  Before the rally, I spoke with Bill Baird, founder of the Pro-Choice League who established the nation’s first abortion referral center in 1964, and was jailed for defending choice.  Hearing about a women dying in his arms as a result of a coat-hanger abortion was chilling.  Never Again.  Video coverage, provided by Peoples’ Movement.

Huge thanks to NOW-NYS for inviting me to speak and for organizing 🙂

VIEW VIDEO HERE- Select speeches marked below

* Erin Matson, Action Vice President, National NOW
* Marcia Pappas, President, NOW-New York State
* Sonia Ossorio, President, NOW-New York City (13:02)
* Julie Kirschner, Co-President, Brooklyn/Queens NOW (15:46)
* Rachelle Suissa , Co-President, Brooklyn/Queens NOW
* Marilyn Fitterman, Former NOW NYS President (15:15)
* Mary Richmond, President, Albany Area NOW (17:40)
* Zenaida Mendez, President, National Dominican Women’s Caucus (16:50)
* Jerin Alam, Chair of Young Feminist Task Force for NOW-NYS (18:13)
* Debra Sweet, Director of The World Can’t Wait (23:47)
* Maretta Short, President, New Jersey NOW (20:03)
* Sandy Rapp, Feminist Performer (2:20)
* Author Bill Baird, Abortion Rights Pioneer (9:31)
* Gaby Moreno, Secretary of NOW-NYS (22:59)
* Trudy Mason, NYS Committee Woman
* Betty Maloney, Radical Women (27:00)
* Meredith Villano, Co-Founder & Director, Paradigm Shift: NYC’s Feminist Community (29:10)
* Michelle Burns, Clinic Escort (32:23)
* Woman who had TTTS, and had to abort twins (34:22)
* Deputy Press Sec, Sen Schumer’s office (35:09)
more….

Bill Baird, abortion rights pioneer & Meredith Villano, Paradigm Shift Co-Founder & Director

Bill Baird, abortion rights pioneer & Meredith Villano, PShift Co-Founder/ Director. photo courtesy of J. Alam

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