These quick exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact with the local community and to continue research of topics discussed throughout the chapter. 

1. Several policy and advocacy organizations focus on the earnings gap between men and women. The National Committee on Pay Equity (established in 1979) provides a state ranking of pay equity on its website. The committee also provides information on what you can do to promote pay equity in your state. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research supports research on women’s economic status.

2. The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University was founded in 1971. CAWP provides informational materials on women in federal and state political offices, convenes national forums for women public officials, and organizes educational programs to prepare young women for public leadership. To find out the history of female public officials in your state, go to the center’s website. The site also provides current fact sheets about women in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The site also provides links to other political women’s groups such as Emily’s List (“Early Money Is Like Yeast”), a political organization for pro-choice Democratic women, and the National Federation of Republican Women, a political organization for women in the Republican Party.

3. Investigate your school’s policies and procedures regarding preventing and reporting sexual violence.

4. Investigate how Title IX is administered in your college or university. How many men and women athletes are at your university? How many programs exist for each? Have any programs been cut as a result of Title IX requirements? Interview coaches, athletes, and administrators on their view of Title IX: Has it made a difference for students and athletes at your school?