Equality, Equity, and Social Justice for ALL
Welcome anyone and everyone who believes in equal rights for all! We are here to join the momentum for social justice. We were inspired by the gathering of over 700 people at the National Women’s March, January 21, 2017. We want to continue to work as a grass roots group the way that the National Organization for Women was founded. We will continue to support the BIPOC community by raising awareness of events, opportunities to speak up, continued education and support throughout the region. We would be more than willing to partner towards positive change. Contact us if you, or your organization, would like to work together or needs support.
We meet every 1st Thursday of the month. You can learn more about our efforts by perusing the website. We do have some committees that works towards some specific efforts, such as voting awareness, Fairness Campaign, NOW is the Time education series, and general chapter organization can always use some help. Email us at westkynow@gmail.com if you are interested?
Want to support us but don’t have time? You can still become a member, donate directly or to the social justice fund, like and share our social media pages, send us a note of encouragement or a suggestion. Feel free to pop into at meeting anytime to check in or see what is happening. We have ROOM FOR EVERYONE!
Contact
West KY NOW
PO Box 661
Murray , KY 42071
westkynow@gmail.com
Stay in Touch
Periodically, we send out emails with upcoming events, ways to support the community, and general information surrounding West KY NOW’s efforts. Can sign up here, or email us directly at westkynow@gmail.com
Donate
Want to support our chapter efforts and help us to continue to work towards positive change! Consider a donation to our chapter by using the links below. Donations can also be made in person at our next chapter meeting or event, or by mailing a check. Thanks for your support!
West KY NOW’s statement in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2025)
West KY NOW stands AGAINST Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault
The West Kentucky chapter of the National Organization for Women (West KY NOW) recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness, and in alignment with our core value to End Violence Against women, we affirm our stance against Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. Recent and historic instances in our region and across the nation have illuminated the unfortunate persistence of sexual violence in our communities and the necessity to publicly speak out.
West KY NOW Stands With Survivors
We acknowledge the pain and difficulties survivors face, including barriers to reporting and healing. We recognize the additional challenges faced by teen-aged and young adult survivors, who are particularly vulnerable, may be less familiar with their rights, and may face additional barriers to accessing support.
West KY NOW stands AGAINST INJUSTICES
We are concerned about the numerous instances of injustices faced by various survivors from officials who were in positions to fully investigate reports, mitigate harm, and ensure the safety of individuals. These include significant delays between the filing of initial allegations and the eventual suspensions and arrests. Such delays increase distrust in the local, state and federal judicial structures.
We recognize the right of each individual to be fairly investigated. We acknowledge the delicate balance that needs to be maintained while pursuing transparency during timely investigations and at the same time protecting the privacy and safety of the survivor and the alleged perpetrator. We also believe that meaningful steps need to be taken to ensure healthy work and home environments, without fear of retribution or backlash against those who speak out and raise concerns about impropriety.
West KY NOW ADVOCATES for Change
We will continue to use our platform to speak in support of survivors including advocating for increased access to and funding for survivor support groups and prevention programming, as well as closing legal loopholes that put survivors at risk. We will continue to pressure officials, including local school boards, public prosecutors, city government and county executives, to fully investigate reported instances as well as conduct a transparent audit of current policies and procedures. We encourage local government officials to work with experts in the field to develop clear policies regarding reporting and reviewing complaints, hiring practices, and volunteer policies. Additionally we encourage local, state and national politicians to support the Violence Against Women Act and endorse the Equal Rights Amendment as important legislative mechanism to fight Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.
If you are in need of support, please contact:
Lotus: children’s advocacy and sexual assault center. 1-800-928-7273
Merryman House: Domestic Crisis Center 1-800-585-2686
National Hotline for Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention: 1-800-950-6264, text 'NAMI' to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor
Featured Events
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and West KY NOW will be taking up donations for Merryman House at all of our meetings and events. There will also be drop off locations at Wits’ End Records and Future Grounds Tea & Coffeehouse. Merryman House is a crisis center that helps people affected by domestic violence. One of the core issues of NOW is ending violence against women and supporting organizations like Merryman House is one way we can help with this issue in our community.
In the spirit of giving this season, West Ky NOW would like to present our first ever Friendsgiving! A Potluck style meal for anyone who needs or wants to spend thanksgiving with kindhearted open minded feminists. Come and see us! All are welcome!
Upcoming Events
Below are some events that might be of interest. Also see the WKMS community calendar, The Murray Sentinel's Weekly Public Meeting Schedule, the MSU Cinema International Schedule, and the Marshall County Public Library calendar of events. See The Murray Sentinel’s Civic Calendar for upcoming meetings
October 2025
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we will be taking up donations for Merryman House at all West KY NOW meetings and events. There will also be drop off locations at Wit’s End Records and Future Grounds Tea & Coffeehouse.
Thursday, October 2
West KY NOW Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, 204 S. 4th Street, Murray.
Saturday, October 4
Great Rivers Scholarship Benefit, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Murray Country Club, Murray. Hosted by the Great Rivers Group of the KY Sierra Club. $30 admission. Buffet Dinner with vegetarian options, cash Bar, music by Todd Hill, door prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds from the evening ll go toward a scholarship for a Murray State University student pursuing environmental sustainability studies.
Thursday, October 9
Murray City Council Regular Meeting, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, City of Murray 500 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky
Monday, October 13
Women’s Health Fair. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Murray Women’s Club, 704 Vine Street, Murray, KY, United States, Kentucky 42071. All women are welcome to attend a health fair with screenings on October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse. This event is hosted by the Sigma Department of the Murray Woman's Club and the Murray State School of Nursing.
Tuesday, October 14
Calloway County Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Calloway County Public Library, 710 Main Street, Murray
Wednesday, October 15
Calloway County Fiscal Court: Regular Meeting, 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Robert O. Miller Courthouse Annex 210 S 4th Street, Murray
Thursday, October 16
Calloway County School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., CCBOE Board Office 2110 College Farm Road, Murray
Murray Independent School District Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Carter Administration Building, 208 South 13th Street, Murray, KY 42071
Saturday, October 18
No Kings Rally—Hopkinsville, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Sidewalk in front of Justice Center, 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville, Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.
No Kings Rally—Paducah, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Bob Noble Park, near Wacinton Sculpture. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. organized by Four Rivers Indivisible and Marshall County Human Rights Advocacy Coalition.
Sunday, October 19
West KY NOW's Halloween “Rotluck”. 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Large Pavilion, MSU Arboretum, Murray. Bring a dish to share and join in the spooktakular fun! Costumes encouraged! All are welcome! Let us know what food/drink you are bringing or if you are able to help us at the event by signing up on this google sheet (allergy friendly items are encouraged!)
Monday, October 20
bell hooks Book Club. 6:00 pm. Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County. The bell hooks Book Club is an informal group who will come together in conversation of Hopkinsville native bell hooks and her extensive work. All are welcome to join the discussion. The group continues its discussion of bell hooks’s 2000 book All About Love: New Visions with Chapter 8 "Community: Loving Communion" and Chapter 9 "Mutuality: The Heart of Love."
Wednesday, October 22
Free HIV testing. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Marshall County Public Library, Hardin Branch. Free HIV testing by UK Healthcare.
The 2025 Robert H. McGaughey Lecture on Press Freedom and Responsibility featuring Don Gonyea, NPR National Political Correspondent, 7:00 pm. Lovett Auditorium, Murray. Don Gonyea has covered politics for NPR full-time since the 2000 presidential election, contributing to Morning Edition, All Things Considered and PBS NewsHour. He’ll share his journey to the national stage, insights from years of political reporting, and his perspective on the future of media. This event is FREE and open to the public — just like your station, WKMS 91.3 FM. Don’t miss this exciting evening of conversation, storytelling and reflecting on the importance of a free press.
Sunday, October 26
Bodily Autonomy committee meeting. 10:00 am. Sweet Dots, Murray.
Zombiethon: Zumba for a Cure, 2:00pm to 4:00 pm. Center for Health & Wellness: 716 Poplar St Murray. Halloween themed Zumba party to raise funds for the Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s cancer center. $15 suggested donation.
Tuesday, October 28
Breast Cancer Support Group. 5:30 pm. Tom’s Grill, Murray. organized by the Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s Wellness Center.
November 2025
Sunday, November 2
Human & Equal Rights committee meeting. 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Pamela’s House (email westkynow@gmail.com for address)
Thursday, November 6
West KY NOW Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, 204 S. 4th Street, Murray.
Friday, November 14
West KY NOW Rebate Night at Panera Bread, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Panera Bread, Murray. Show this flier, or use the code FUND4U on online and in person orders to help raise funds for West KY NOW! Make sure to join us to support MSU women’s volleyball after your meal!
West KY NOW supports MSU Women’s Volleyball! 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Racer Arena, Murray. After raising some funds at Panera Bread, join us as we support the MSU Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Northern Iowa! All are welcome!
Saturday, November 22
West KY NOW’s First Annual Friendsgiving Potluck, noon to 2:00 pm. Marshall County Library - Benton Branch (off the court square) in meeting room A.In the spirit of giving this season, West Ky NOW would like to present our first ever Friendsgiving! A Potluck style meal for anyone who needs or wants to spend thanksgiving with kindhearted open minded feminists. Come and see us! All are welcome!
December 2025
Thursday, December 4
West KY NOW Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, 204 S. 4th Street, Murray.
“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”