[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  75th ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE

                                 ______


                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 75th anniversary 
of the enactment of the 19th amendment by paying tribute to some very 
important women's organizations that not only worked to get women the 
right to vote 75 years ago, but that continue to be leaders in enabling 
women to fully participate in the political process. There are numerous 
organizations in California's Marin and Sonoma Counties that deserve 
recognition as we celebrate this Diamond Jubilee of Women's Suffrage. 
Their work spans many decades of service to our community.
  The League of Women Voters is one such group, leading the way for the 
past 75 years. In the 6th congressional district, we are fortunate to 
have two active and longstanding chapters--with the League of Marin 
County serving the community for 59 years, and the League of Sonoma for 
42 years. I want to express my gratitude to these two remarkable 
leagues for their significant contributions to the political and 
cultural well-being of our local community. They truly reflect the 
vision of the suffrage movement and work to inform and engage women 
fully in the democratic process.
  Even though securing the vote for women was a major breakthrough, the 
work of numerous individuals and groups continue the pursuit of women's 
rights and equality. In the congressional district that I am privileged 
to represent, there are two Commissions on the Status of Women, which 
were initiated in 1974 with the Marin County Commission, and then in 
1975 when the Sonoma County Commission began. The Sonoma Commission is 
celebrating its 20th anniversary on August 26, 1995, which is also the 
75th anniversary of women's suffrage, with a special event to signify 
the connection between the past and present effort for women's 
equality.
  Mr. Speaker, this is of particular note to me because I was 
privileged to serve for 4 years as a commissioner during the formative 
stages of the Sonoma County Commission. Over these 20 years, 126 women 
have served as commissioners who have provided the vision and energy 
for numberious worthwhile projects including: creating the Women of 
Color Humanitatian Award, publishing the Women's Health Directory, 
sponsoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month, establishing a County 
Affirmative Action Officer, and initiating a Community Task Force on 
Violence Against Women. I congratulate the commission for
 their ongoing commitment to the women and children of Sonoma County 
and know that they will continue to challenge all of us to build a 
society that respects the rights and dignity of every person.

  One of the commission's more notable projects, which eventually 
became a national movement, was the countywide declaration of Women's 
History Week in 1978, and then Women's History Month in 1979. The 
commissioners recognized that until women are put back into our 
history, and our children learn about women's contributions to society, 
there can be no true recognition and appreciation of women's equality. 
In 1981, Congress declared the week of March 8 as National Women's 
History Week. In 1987, Congress designated March as National Women's 
History Month and used the exact wording from Sonoma County's 
declaration 8 years earlier.
  I salute the National Women's History Project, incorporated in 1980 
and still located in Sonoma County, for their continued leadership 
across this Nation. In particular, they encourage our schools to put 
women back into history so our children can learn the whole story. It 
gives me a great sense of pride that the 6th congressional district has 
been leaders in our national commitment to improve the quality of life 
for girls and women, and thereby our entire communities.
  Raising the public's consciousness of important issues, and working 
toward solutions for society's problems, requires the dedication of 
numerous women's organizations that have multiplied in recent years. 
The National Women's Political Caucus [NWPC], the National Organization 
of Women [NOW], the National Abortion Rights Action League [NARAL], the 
National Federation of Business and Professional Women [BPW], and the 
Soroptimist Club are all excellent examples of the work that women are 
doing all over our country to improve the lives of us all. I am 
extremely proud to have active affiliates and members of these 
organizations in the 6th congressional district.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give special recognition to a group 
of women who have been a positive force in our community long before 
any of the aforementioned groups. The Petaluma Women's Club formed in 
1895, when this region was developing into a major agricultural region. 
This amazing group of women has not only been an essential support base 
for one another but their positive influence has been felt throughout 
our community for a century. I know that they will continue this legacy 
for years to come.
  I commend all the individuals and organizations who have participated 
in the shaping of our country, and continue to make major contributions 
to this Nation. It has been an honor to work with them, and I look 
forward to continue working closely with them in the years ahead.


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