At PDS, clubs are more than just activities. They are spaces where students can connect and speak up about what truly matters to them. One club that has been doing that for years is NOW, short for the National Organization for Women.

The NOW Club has been a part of the PDS community for six years, according to faculty advisor Dr. Karen Latham. The club started when a group of students approached her with the idea of creating a space to talk about issues affecting women. Since then, it has grown into an environment where students feel comfortable talking about social, cultural and political topics. Dr. Latham explained that the club allows students to stay informed and take action. “It’s a great opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together and talk about topics they feel passionate about,” she said. She added that the club also helps students stay informed on current events, ranging from conversations about body image to the increasing attention on women in sports and equal opportunities for female athletes. By connecting discussions to what is happening in the world, the club encourages the students to think critically and stay engaged.

Co-heads senior Maya Adam and junior Olivia Lumba organize meetings, plan various events, and communicate with members through Schoology. Both emphasized the strong sense of community that NOW creates. “It wasn’t just a club, but a community,” Adam shared, “It’s a safe space to talk about women-specific issues and also meet people from different grades.” This environment allows students to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts while also hearing from different perspectives. Members learn how to engage in thoughtful discussions, even when opinions differ, and develop skills like leadership that extend beyond the club itself.

Throughout the year, NOW Club focuses on a wide range of topics that affect women both locally and globally. These include breast cancer awareness, which is often highlighted early in the year through fundraising efforts, as well as discussions about body image and media representation. Meetings also explore current events and more complex issues, encouraging members to think more deeply about how these topics impact women in many ways. In addition to discussions, the club works to turn awareness into action through events and initiatives involving the broader community.

NOW Club organizes several events throughout the year to support women’s causes and give members ways to get involved. In the past, they have hosted bake sales to raise money for women’s organizations and invited guest speakers to share personal experiences, including a medical specialist who spoke about breast cancer awareness. The club is also known for its clothing drives, including a prom dress drive where students donate dresses that are then given to people who may have difficulty affording formalwear. This year, they are planning a professional clothing drive to support women entering the workforce, continuing their focus on outreach and tangible impact in the community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Latham hopes the club continues to expand its reach and influence. She mentioned past events like a conference that brought together students from other schools to talk about feminist issues, something that she would love to see happen again. At its core, NOW Club aims to raise awareness and truly support women. As the co-heads put it, the goal is to make sure everyone in the community knows their voice matters.