To advocate the representation of women in all political, economic and social discussion and decision-making forums.

The purpose of the Women's Alliance is three-fold:

• To serve as an advocate for women and the issues that affect their lives;
• To encourage women to use their time, talent, and resources to improve their own lives and the lives of other women in our community; and,
• To encourage women to see and experience their inner best.

As Healthy Communities Initiative of St. Joseph County continued to broaden the focus and seek greater diversity, an initiative was created called the Women's Alliance. The Women's Alliance began in the spring of 1999 with a group of 30 diverse women who met to discuss the possibility of creating a forum for women to regularly discuss issues and share ideas. That core group continues to grow.

This Women's Conference represents many discussions by the Women's Alliance, and it is our hope that women who attend will provide the sustenance necessary for future initiatives that will positively impact the lives of women in our community.

The Women's Alliance meets monthly during the lunch hour and is open to all women.

It serves as an initiative of its host, the Healthy Communities Initiative of St. Joseph County (HCI), 401 E. Colfax Avenue, Suite 310, South Bend, IN 46617.