Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Deliver Keynote at CARE's 2010 National Conference and Celebration

Maria Bello, Christy Turlington Burns, Malaak Compton Rock and Nearly 1,000 CARE Activists to Urge Lawmakers to Improve the Lives of Women and Girls Globally at Conference    

ATLANTA, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading humanitarian organization CARE today announced that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the keynote address at its 2010 National Conference and Celebration event, May 11-12 in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Clinton will join actress and humanitarian Maria Bello, CARE Advocate for Maternal Health Christy Turlington Burns, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Representative Lois Capps (D-CA), Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY), the First Ladies of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, humanitarian and author Malaak Compton Rock and nearly 1,000 advocates, journalists, students and notables who will use their voices to demand a world without poverty and oppression.

"CARE is thrilled that Secretary Clinton – a tireless champion for women and girls globally – will headline this year's National Conference and bring critical attention to one of the most pressing issues of our time: breaking the cycle of poverty and oppression that keeps millions of women and children from reaching their full potential," said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE.

As a global poverty-fighting organization with more than six decades of experience, CARE is well aware of the important role that thoughtful programming, effective U.S. policy, vocal advocacy and funding play in the fight against global poverty.  During this inspiring two-day conference, hundreds will gather at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to discuss pressing global poverty issues, such as the importance of improving maternal health, fighting hunger and putting an end to the practice of child marriage globally.  Advocates also will meet with Members of Congress and take an active role in influencing U.S. policy that will improve the lives of millions of marginalized women and girls around the world.

"Hundreds of thousands of women die needlessly from complications during pregnancy and childbirth every year globally.  We must put a stop to this," added Dr. Gayle.  "CARE advocates are joining together in Washington, D.C. to give voice to these women and to galvanize policymakers to act on critical legislation that will save millions of lives."

For more information on the CARE National Conference and Celebration, visit www.carenationalconference.org.  To receive press credentials, contact Julie Bernstein at [email protected] or call (202) 595-2832.

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world's largest humanitarian aid agencies. Working side by side with poor people in 72 countries, CARE helps empower communities to address the greatest threats to their survival. Women are at the heart of CARE's efforts to improve health, education, and economic development because experience shows that a woman's achievements yield dramatic benefits for her entire family. CARE is also committed to providing lifesaving assistance during times of crisis and helping rebuild safer, stronger communities afterward. Visit www.care.org to learn more.

SOURCE CARE