[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING NATIONAL WOMEN'S POLITICAL CAUCUS OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
National Women's Political Caucus of California, NWPC CA, who are 
celebrating 100 years of women voting in California, starting with the 
historic and narrowly won California state referendum and the first 
California Civic League, Berkeley Forum led by Miss Blanche Morse in 
1911. It is an immense honor to represent Bay Area communities who have 
truly been at the forefront of a century's worth of major achievements 
in social justice.
  Furthermore, NWPC is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding 
in 1971, when 320 women from 26 states met under the leadership of 
women's movement stalwarts like my mentor, former Congresswoman Shirley 
Chisholm, Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem, and Betty Friedan. Four decades 
later, their work to empower women elected leaders and to champion 
citizens' informed participation in civic affairs has changed America 
as we know it.
  Within NWPC's first three years of recruitment and leadership 
programming, the number of female state officeholders increased by 36 
percent. Now, as a multi-partisan organization supporting an 
unprecedented era of women's leadership, NWPC and its California 
Chapter are making strides to achieve equality for all women, to ensure 
their reproductive freedom, and to eradicate all forms of 
discrimination.
  As members of the National Women's Political Caucus of California, 
you are part of a magnificent legacy. By broadening women's 
participation in the political process and honing feminist women for 
election and appointment to public office, you are championing the 
vision, hopes and sacrifices of our forebears. You have pledged to 
continue to be the kind of bold pioneer and astute advocates who led us 
to this point. Therefore, I would like to thank you for your dedicated 
service in guiding and encouraging women toward civic engagement.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional 
District, I would like to congratulate you on this milestone and thank 
you for the invaluable service you provide to our community. I wish the 
National Women's Political Caucus' local, state and national members 
all the best as you forge ahead toward another 100 years of bolstering 
women's leadership, promoting equitable policies and creating a more 
just and peaceful world.

                          ____________________