ERAmerica

ERAmerica was a coalition of organizations fighting for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. The organization was bipartisan as Democrat Liz Carpenter and Republican Elly Peterson led the organization as co-chairs.[1]

ERAmerica
Formation1976
Founded atWashington, D.C.
Dissolved1982
PurposeRatification of the Equal Rights Amendment
Location
  • United States
LeaderLiz Carpenter and Elly Peterson

Origins

ERAmerica was founded as a coalition of groups in 1976 and consisted of over 200 organizations.[2] The headquarters were based in Washington, D.C.[3] The purpose of the organization as to seek ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The group was ultimately unsuccessful after the ERA failed in 1982.[4]

Leadership

ERAmerica was a bipartisan organization. Liz Carpenter was a Democrat and Elly Peterson was a long time member of the Republican Party.[5] Both women were founders of the National Women's Political Caucus.[5]

Liz Carpenter, co-chair of ERAmerica

In 1976, Jane Wells served as campaign director of ERAmerica.[6] In the early 1980s, Mary Hatwood Futrell served as president.[7] In 1982, Kathleen Currie served as director of public relations.[8]

Member organizations

Groups affiliated with ERAmerica included Catholics Act for ERA, Housewives for ERA, Common Cause, Girl Scouts, and the NAACP.[9]

ERAmerica Report

In the early 1980s, ERAmerica published a newsletter known as the ERAmerica Report. In the May 1981 edition, they noted the ERA and abortion were separate issues.[10]

Fundraising for the cause

1977
Rosalynn Carter speaks in front of an ERAmerica banner at the 1977 National Women's Conference

In 1977, ERAmerica raised $100,000 at the International Women's Year Conference in Houston.[2]

1981

In 1981, ERAmerica held a luncheon in Michigan where First Lady Helen Milliken spoke.[11] Karen Street from Birmingham attended this event and told the press, "This is one of the best things I've ever done. I'm so appreciative of the women who worked for the vote I have today. Some day, I hope women will appreciate what we are doing for the ERA. I have the time to devote to this. Many other women who need it most don't have the time I do."[11]

Donations to candidates

In 1982, ERAmerica donated $38,650 to legislative candidates.[3]

See also

References
  1. AP, John Duricka-staff. "ERA Liz Carpenter". Idaho State Journal. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  2. Slavin, Sarah (1995). U.S. Women's Interest Groups: Institutional Profiles. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-25073-6.
  3. Kleindienst, Linda (October 10, 1982). "Feminists Give Candidates Workers in Lieu of Dollars". Fort Lauderdale News.
  4. Nemy, Enid (2010-03-21). "Liz Carpenter, Journalist, Feminist and Johnson Aide, Dies at 89". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  5. Klemesrud, Judy (March 8, 1976). "ERAmerica to Spearhead Effort to Pass Amendment". The Post-Crescent.
  6. "New Team to Unify E.R.A. Campaign; Access to the Leaders Deny Snubbing Feminists". timesmachine.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  7. Freivogel, Margaret (November 3, 1981). "Women Looking Beyond ERA". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  8. Hampton, Susan (February 28, 1982). "It's a Fight to the Finish for ERA". Johnson City Press.
  9. de Forest, Marion (December 17, 1981). "ERA Coalition Includes 200 Organizations". The Naples Daily News.
  10. "ERAmerica Report, May 1981, Page 1". digital.tcl.sc.edu. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  11. Levin, Marj Jackson (December 17, 1981). "They're Wearing the Badge". Detroit Free Press.
  12. "Papers of Jane Horton Wells". hollis.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
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