A new club at Wareham High School has created some controversy, but the students involved in it are adamant about making change in their community.

Madison Hough, a senior, started the National Organization for Women Club dedicated to promoting gender equality. The club is part of the National Organization for Women, the largest feminist grassroots organization in the United States, created in 1966.

The club at Wareham High School has around 20 members, said vice president Nick Dix. They focus on running campaigns and events and discussing issues related to women that are in the news. They had a movie night and watched “Hidden Figures.”

In November, the club focused on reproductive rights and in December, they will talk about LGBTQ and racial justice. They give morning announcements over the loudspeaker with facts related to the month’s theme.

The club has not continued without controversy, however. In November, the posters around the school about abortion and free healthcare raised some eyebrows.

“Some teachers had problems with it,” Hough said. “We had to re-word the posters to be careful not to offend anyone.” However, Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino is careful not to censor them, she said.

Hough said she was inspired to start the club after she attended the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C.

“I’m very passionate about women’s rights,” she said. “I found NOW and they have absolutely everything I stand for.”

Dix, a junior, said he has always thought equality was important and the club provides a way to make an impact in the school.

The club is hosting a drive for homeless women, collecting bras and feminine hygiene products. There are boxes to drop items off in at the main office of the high school and in the Multi-Service Center. Members of the NOW Club will collect items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 outside Wareham High School.

In the future, Hough said she hopes to have field trips for the club and bring in speakers. She wants to branch out to offer events to Wareham Middle School and in the community.