Document 12: Hon. Patricia Schroeder, "Widespread Support for IWY Conference," Congressional Record 123, pt. 24 (21 September 1977): 30244-30245.

Introduction

   In response to the conservative backlash against the NWC state meetings the Women's Conference Network (WCN) was organized. The WCN allied diverse women's groups under a temporary umbrella organization. To combat conservative attacks on the NWC voiced in Congress, Mary Bell Chambers wrote the following letter to the House of Representatives on behalf of the WCN. Patricia Schroeder[64], the Democratic Representative for Colorado (1973-1997), entered Chambers's letter into the Congressional Record. Schroeder was on of the original sponsors of Public Law 94-167 which gave government support to the NWC (see Document 4).

p. 30244

WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR IWY
CONFERENCE

______

HON. PATRICIA SCHROEDER

OF COLORADO

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 21, 1977

   Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker. I would like to share with my colleagues a letter from the Women's Conference Network supporting the International Women's Year (IWY) conference.

   In November, for the first time in the 201-year history of the United States, women will come together and discuss issues which have an impact upon their lives and the lives of their daughters. The IWY conferences are indicative of a positive emerging cooperative spirit among women today. I think the support of the conference from a group with as broad a membership as the Women's Conference Network illustrates that spirit:

   On behalf of the undersigned organizations, comprised of millions of members representing the widest cross section of American women, I convey to you their strong support for the International Women's Year Conference to be held in Houston in November of this year.

   The recent state conferences, which will culminate in the Houston Conference, were a magnificent illustration of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States where all those who have a point of view are offered an opportunity to express it. This is particularly important with relation to the concerns of women who have been struggling to gain equality for many decades. The deliberations of the Houston Conference and the conclusions reached there will serve as a guide to the Congress and the Executive Branch of our Government in their efforts to promote and protect women's rights.

   We strongly urge you to support the Conference and the concerns which will emerge from it. We believe that women's rights as human rights are a priority issue for this nation and deserve the consideration and support of everyone including Members of Congress.

      Sincerely,

MARJORIE BELL CHAMBERS, Ph. D.,

          President, American Association
                       of University Women.

____

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

American Association of University Women.

American Jewish Committee.

Americans for Democratic Action.

B'nai B'rith Women.

Black Women Lawyer's Association.

ERAmerica.

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

League of United Latin American Citizens.

Mexican American Women's National Association.

National Abortion Rights Action League.

National Conference of Puerto Rican Women.

p. 30245

National Council of Jewish Women.

National Education Association.

National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.

National Gay Rights Task Force.

National Women's Democratic Club—Political Action Committee.

National Women's Political Caucus.

National Women's Party.

NETWORK (religious lobby).

Project on the Status and Education of Women, Association of American Colleges.

Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights.

Wider Opportunity for Women.

Women's Equity Action League.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Congressional Record

PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 95^th CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION

VOLUME 123—PART 24

SEPTEMBER 21, 1977 TO SEPTEMBER 28, 1977
(PAGES 30065 TO 31508)

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, 1977

   

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