Women's Coalition for the Third Century

The Women's Coalition for the Third Century grew out of a meeting called by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission in 1972 to explore women's participation in the bicentennial celebration. While cooperating with the ARBC, the group saw the need to create a coalition that could set its own agenda. In 1973 eleven organizations meeting in Independence Hall in Philadelphia became coalition members, reaffirming their interest in recovering women's history, celebrating the present, and creating the future. Active participants included Federally Employed Women, National Black Feminist Organization, National Coalition of American Nuns, National Women's Political Caucus, Women's Equity Action League, as well as individuals and regional and local groups. The WCTC held national meetings in 1974, 1975, and 1976, and sought to develop leadership among women so that they would be empowered to strengthen their influence upon national life.