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Mary Demarco/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER 

What started as a casual craft night in the Johnson Center quickly evolved into an opportunity for students to build meaningful connections and nurture a community rooted in growth, inclusivity and respect. 

The National Organization for Women Campus Action Network, or NOW CAN, stands up for women and marginalized groups across the Mason Fairfax campus. Alia Daniels, the chapter’s vice president, said the club’s mission is to promote gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, as well as advocate against racial injustice and violence toward women on campus. 

“We’re a feminist group and feminism means completely different things to different people. So I think what I like to do is to just hear what people desire and want to do,” said NOW CAN President Lee Theilemier, a second-year master’s student at Mason. “For me, that means I just want to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place.” 

With over 70 members at Mason, NOW CAN is a campus chapter of the larger national grassroots organization that pursues social change through lobbying, marches, and civil lawsuits. Since its establishment in 1966, NOW has helped advance  business, employment and education opportunities for women nationwide. 

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee, or NOW PAC, endorses and donates funds to federal candidates for Congress and the Presidency who align with the organization’s goals. All PAC funds are raised exclusively from NOW members across the country.   

“So far, a lot of our activities have been geared towards trying to build community for people who may feel lonely,” Theilemier said. The club hosted events like presentation nights, crafts nights and presidential debate watch parties. 

During a craft night hosted r in January, new members got acquainted while returning members reconnected over bracelet-making and painting. Theilemier said that NOW CAN Treasurer and craft enthusiast Vik Cheatham organized the event. 

In addition to community building, Theilemier said NOW CAN officers plan to collaborate with other organizations on campus that empower women and advocate for marginalized groups. Daniels also reached out to local women’s shelters, providing members with opportunities to support women in the greater Fairfax community.

“I think just like any other club, you get to meet people with similar interests and possibly make new friends,” Daniels said. “Being part of the club is also a chance to make a difference in something with a group rather than doing it all by yourself.”

While the club’s goal is to advocate for marginalized groups and promote political awareness, Theilemier hopes NOW CAN can also serve as a safe space for anyone looking to build connections on campus. 

“I think when I was a freshman as an undergrad, I was so lonely and I was struggling to find community,” Theilemier said. “My goal is to make everyone feel heard, supported, comfortable and safe. And if anyone wanted to join our group, then I would want to tell them that we welcome them with open arms.” 

To join NOW CAN, students can register on Mason360.