by Marlene Cook, IWPA Historian
So We All Can Be Heard. . .
by Marlene Cook, IWPA Historian
Within the past few years, IWPA has tried something "new." We've partnered with other organizations to increase attendance, expand our horizons, and create new networking sources. Most recently, IWPA was invited to become a member of the National Association of Women Writers as one of its Alliance Organizations.
But it turns out this "new" idea isn't really new at all. Founded in May 1885, IWPA not only partnered with other organizations, but became members of them. According to the 1981 directory, IWPA members felt a rare and valuable opportunity was presented to them. The International League of Press Clubs had "courteously and justly" recognized the value of their work as women writers and placed a woman on its executive board. Women who identified with the press would secure a permanent and advantageous recognition. This organization also tried to make provision for women writers in the League of Press Associations, which comprised only women.
The objectives of the Woman's Press Association were to provide a means of communication between women writers and to secure the benefits resulting from organized efforts. It was divided according to the work done by its members, such as editors, reporters, authors, correspondents, contributors and publishers.
Through the early 1920s, IWPA was affiliated with and sent delegates to The National Editorial Association, the International League of Press Clubs, The Illinois Federation, General Federation of Women's Clubs, Drama League and The Eliza W. Bowman Memorial. It also was an auxiliary to the Illinois Woman's Alliance. (The National Federation of Press Women wasn't founded until 50 years after IWPA.)
So We All Can Be Heard. . .celebrates the history of IWPA. In each article, Historian Marlene Cook provides a glimpse into our history from a variety of resources, including the book by that title written by Donna Duesel De La Torriente. Donna chronicled IWPA history from 1885 through 1987.