Scope and Contents The Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women was founded in 1971. The first organizational meeting was held in the Chicago area and Irene Bennet was elected State Coordinator; the chapter's by-laws were passed in 1974.  The purpose of NOW is "to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men."  This collection was compiled by Luellen...