 During this time, NCNW expanded into Appalachia, the Pacific Northwest, Puerto Rico, and Native American communities.In 1985, representatives from NCNW attended the United Nations Third World Conference, which focused on women in Kenya.Taking notice on the lack of participation of poor and working-class women in Kenya, NCNW worked with other grassroots women's international organizations and formed GROOTS International (Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood).