Jan Strout spoke at yesterday’s Bozeman BPW luncheon, about Dorothy Eck and all she accomplished for Montana in her lifetime. Dorothy was honored by Bozeman BPW in the past as a Woman of Achievement and was an amazing advocate for women in our state. Please see the articles below for more information on her life and legacy. Dorothy passed away this week at the age of 93, and will be truly missed.
Published articles:
“Dorothy Eck, a pioneer for women in Montana politics, a force behind the 1972 Montana Constitution and a champion of open government and human rights, died Saturday in Bozeman. She was 93.” —The Bozeman Daily Chronicle,
“Dorothy was a trailblazer with courage, tenacity and compassion. She was a champion for women, Native Americans, and a transparent and accountable government,” Tester, now a U.S. senator for Montana, said in a statement Monday. “She left her mark on the pages of Montana’s Constitution, in the halls of our state’s Capitol, and throughout our rural communities.” —San Francisco Gate, www.sfgate.com/news/arti
“Eck was elected to help draft a new state Constitution in 1972, fighting for the public’s right to participate in government and for a requirement that public schools teach students about Montana’s Native American heritage.” —Helena Independent, helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/former-legislator-and-constitutional-convention-delegate-dorothy-eck-dies-at/article_1365d3b3-3dab-592b-b0f9-3b357cf0657a.html
“While the children were young, Eck took night classes, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in sociology, psychology and religion. She became involved in state politics as a lobbyist for the League of Women Voters in 1967 and helped successfully lobby for a minimum wage bill.” —Missoulian, missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/former-legislator-and-constitutional-convention-delegate-dorothy-eck-dies-at/article_e7b9bbf6-b59a-5f73-94d2-6cd8b27362cc.html