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 

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

January 2026

Monday, January 5

NOW Feminist Public Square’s talk with Dean Spade, author of Mutual Aid. TBC.

Tuesday, January 6

ACLU of Kentucky’s 2026 Legislative Session Preview, 5:00 pm, via zoom You will hear from the ACLU-KY Advocacy Team about what we're working on this session and how you can get involved to support our work.

Wednesday, January 7

“Module 1: Break the Cycle”: Domestic Violence Education Group [Paducah meeting], 9:30 am to 11:30 am. McCracken County Public Library. If you have experienced intimate partner violence and are looking for domestic violence education, you are invited to any of our domestic violence education groups. The events are free, confidential and open to all survivors of intimate partner violence. If you plan to attend, please RSVP through our form in the Discussion tab. There are two modules that can be attended in any order. All January groups will cover the first module. All survivors are welcome - not only those from Paducah/McCracken County! If you need individualized support and/or are looking to flee an unsafe relationship, please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-585-2686.

Thursday, January 8

West KY NOW 9th Birthday Party! 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Big Apple Grill, Murray. Please join us in celebrating West KY NOW's Birthday! All feminists are invited to join our community as we celebrate and connect together! Birthday gifts of period products appreciated as are donations (cash/check preferred) to support our work!Participate in our rebate night and the Big Apple will donate 10% of food sales to West KY NOW!

Sunday, January 11

West KY NOW supports MSU Women’s Basketball. 2:00 pm. CFSB Center, Murray. Join West KY NOW as we support the MSU Women’s Basketball team take on Drake University. The game is free and all are invited. Make sure to wear MSU colors. Meet at 1:45 pm inside the CFSB Center near gate B.

Wednesday, January 14

“Module 1: Break the Cycle”: Domestic Violence Education Group [Benton meeting], 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Merryman House Resiliency Center, right next to Puckett's Fine Jewelry. If you have experienced intimate partner violence and are looking for domestic violence education, you are invited to any of our domestic violence education groups. The events are free, confidential and open to all survivors of intimate partner violence. If you plan to attend, please RSVP through our form in the Discussion tab. There are two modules that can be attended in any order. All January groups will cover the first module. All survivors are welcome - not only those from Benton/Marshall County! If you need individualized support and/or are looking to flee an unsafe relationship, please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-585-2686.

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Murray State University’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, 10:30 am, Curris Center Large Ballroom, Murray. This year’s theme is “Living the Dream: Strength Through Leadership & Unity.”This year’s keynote speaker will be Bishop Simon Gordon. Murray State invites students, staff, faculty and community members to donate non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, toiletries and school supplies to help support the community. Donations will be collected on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. until Noon at the Curris Center Small Ballroom. To RSVP for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast, or for additional information on the Day of Service-Racers Challenge, call the Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence & Leadership at 270-809-6836. The Community Breakfast is free and open to the public. Space is limited to 150 participants. RSVP by Jan. 14. 

NAACP Paducah-McCracken County’s 36th Annual MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration: 11:20 am. Paducah Tilghman High School Auditorium, Paducah. We are honored to welcome guest speaker Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris White, Professor of Africana Studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her presentation will discuss Paducah civil rights activist Dr. Stuart Nelson’s impact on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. All tickets include lunch, which will be served at 10:45 a.m. in the PTHS Cafeteria. The presentation will start at 11:30 a.m. in the PTHS auditorium. Tickets are $10 for youth, $35 for adult, and can be purchased here

Tuesday, January 20

“Module 1: Break the Cycle”: Domestic Violence Education Group [Murray Meeting], 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Murray-Calloway Co. Chamber of Commerce's Community Room (805 N 12th St, Murray, KY).If you have experienced intimate partner violence and are looking for domestic violence education, you are invited to any of our domestic violence education groups. The events are free, confidential and open to all survivors of intimate partner violence. If you plan to attend, please RSVP through our form in the Discussion tab. There are two modules that can be attended in any order. All January groups will cover the first module. All survivors are welcome - not only those from Murray/Calloway! If you need individualized support and/or are looking to flee an unsafe relationship, please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-585-2686.

February 2026

Thursday, February 5

West KY NOW Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, 204 S. 4th Street, Murray.

Friday, February 13

West KY NOW supports MSU Women’s Basketball. 6:00 pm. CFSB Center, Murray. Join West KY NOW as we support the MSU Women’s Basketball team take on Valparaiso. The game is free and all are invited. Make sure to wear MSU colors. Meet at 5:45 pm inside the CFSB Center near gate B.