[2] In the 1950s and 1960s, Crater was active in Democratic leadership in Fairfax and Virginia's 10th congressional district, in an era when the party was struggling with internal conflicts over major issues such as Massive Resistance.

[5] Under her leadership, the Authority created 150 low-income-housing units, but Crater resigned when the organization came under scrutiny for poor financial management, and soon turned her attention to feminism.

Inspired by what she learned during this experience, Crater founded the Northern Virginia Chapter of NOW and began holding meetings in her home, combining political strategy sessions, protest planning, and consciousness raising.

[6] She moved swiftly into a leadership position, becoming chair of NOW's Ad Hoc Committee on the Equal Rights Amendment, which was bolstered by the support of more than 25 political, religious, and labor organizations.

[8] On August 26, 1970, Crater attended the Women's Strike for Equality in Washington, D.C. As a representative of NOW, she presented a petition and two pink paper flowers to Senate leaders, urging passage of the ERA.

In 1971, Crater started publishing "The Woman Activist", an action letter that reached a national readership, sharing information about feminist issues.

[15] Flora Crater's papers, which run to more than 260 boxes, are held at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.