The Albany Area National Organization for Women (NOW) is a grassroots, civil rights organization concerned with issues of and related to women. The chapter serves the Capital Region including Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties. The National Organization for Women was founded in 1966 and has maintained its position on bringing equality to all women. Albany Area NOW belongs to a larger community whose main objective is to eliminate discrimination in the work place, school, the justice system, and all sectors of society.

The Albany chapter was one of the first local chapters in the State of New York to be in full operation (January 1972). From the time of its organization in the Capital Region, the chapter has made an effort to ensure woman have the same privileges and responsibilities as men within American society. There were originally plans to establish a chapter in the Capital Region in 1967, but there were financial setbacks in the state chapter that initially prevented the chapter's organization. The Albany chapter flourished quickly and was fortunate to have several leaders, including Sue Stevens Larsen, Pauline Brundage, and Eileen Kelly, who worked to build a strong foundation. These members occupied positions in the local and state NOW organizations. At various times in its history, the Albany chapter also served as the central office for NOW New York State.

NOW has been an advocate of reproductive rights and believes that reproductive issues are a matter of life and death for women. NOW also has supported educational opportunities for women, the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment), equal pay for women, gay and lesbian rights, rape prevention, and other key issues.