YWCA of the U.S.A. microfilm records

Documents concerning the planning, proceedings and results of program director conferences. National program institutes are designed for experience program directors and executive directors to explore the role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its local associations in the context of the changing social and economic scenes. They discuss the role of programming to meet the needs of its women and girls and the role of Christianity in social action. Discussions include issues such as open housing, poverty, youth needs and more. The Southern Program Directors Workshop is a regional institute with similar purpose but designed with the needs of the southeastern associations in mind. The workshop builds off of previous program directors seminars and teenage program seminars. 

Documents concerning regional YWCA of the U.S.A. all-staff meetings and roundtables as well as the 1970 White House Conference on Children and Youth. YWCA of the U.S.A. staff meet at state-wide or regional meetings and roundtables to discuss program needs, administration and leadership skills. These meetings are an opportunity to meet other leaders from local associations develop new skills and make sure local associations are working towards the common goals of the region and national organization. Documents include a standard reporting form sent to central records that outline the meetings as well as planning documents, proceedings and reports. In 1970, the White House Conference on Children and Youth takes a youth centered approach to meeting the changing needs of youth and working towards a process of youth involvement with adult leadership. Conference description notes that youth take a central and active role in the conference from planning to participation and after conference action. Included are memos to conference attendees and conference descriptions and a press release. 

The Community Division of the YWCA of the U.S.A. is responsible for services to local associations that support their role in the community, facilitate relationships with other associations and the national organization, their administrative functions and their role as part of a global organization. One of these services is the administration of a self review system for local associations. This review system is in the form of the basic standards study that is later replaced by the association review. Both processes ask the association to evaluate their adherence to national standards and report back. The association review processes adds an emphasis on increased accountability between the national organization and local associations. Reporting outlines are available for each assessment method and the association review materials additionally include detailed instructions of the processes and new elements added to previous basic standards studies. Basic standards materials include a summary report of the 1966 basic standards studies. To help local associations evaluate program costs, the Community Division develops and distributes a cost analysis tool. The tool is distributed as an instruction manual with blank worksheets to fill out. Minutes and memos of the Community Division committee give further insight into the functions and duties of the division and its role in the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its services to large city, or metropolitan, associations, in particular, are documented in meeting proceedings, correspondence to city associations and bulletins. 

The National Public Affairs Committee of the YWCA of the U.S.A. is responsible for maintaining awareness of the social, political and economic issues affecting women in the United States, recommending a program of action and providing resources to the National Board of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its local associations in support of its program. The committee's charter establishes these purposes and functions and official statements and recommendations from the committee highlight program aspects. In December of 1961 the YWCA of the U.S.A. celebrated fifty years of public affairs programs in a joint celebration with the National Council of Jewish Women. The celebration, with special guest Eleanor Roosevelt, is documented through articles and reports. In addition to the national ceremony, the YWCA of the U.S.A. local associations are encouraged to have their own celebrations over the coming year. A set of guidelines and recommendations for local associations outlines suggested content and events. Also include are the texts of speeches given at the joint celebration in December, 1961. The newsletter of the public affairs committee highlights important program aspects, explores a relevant topic of the public affairs program and offers resources for local associations. Some newsletters also include supporting documents such as handbooks and articles. One newsletter from 1963 includes a copy of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham City Jail." 

Minutes and reports of the general assemblies of the National Student Christian Federation and documents concerning their structure, organization, purpose and relationship to the National Student YWCA. The National Student Christian Federation is a federation of student Christian Movements. Among the purposes of the federation is the organization of conferences and workshops, sharing of resources, and issuing educational materials and facilitating special projects. 

Document concerning the purpose, functions and history of the National Student YWCA and the College and University Division of the YWCA of the U.S.A. Bylaws establish their functions and relationship to the YWCA of the U.S.A. and suggested constitutions for local student associations establish the governing documents for the individual associations. Updated and amended bylaws allow the reader to follow administrative changes of the unit. Documents concerning finances in the National Student YWCA include discussion of national support structures and a handbook for fundraising in student associations. Additional materials include an annual report and speech from the Greater New York Council for Foreign Students, Inc. and a historical overview of the National Student YWCA with special attention to its structure and organization. 

Documents concerning the 1963 and 1967 World YWCA Council meetings. These quadrennial meetings bring together delegates representing national YWCA's to discuss the issues affecting women globally and in their communities, make policy and recommendations concerning the World YWCA for the following four years and exchange skills and ideas. Council reports summarize the proceedings of the council meetings and discussions as well as resolutions and recommendations passed. In addition to the official report documents concerning the 1963 meeting include minutes, speeches and correspondence. 

Documents concerning issues of race, civil rights and racism internal and external to the YWCA of the U.S.A. including black power, Apartheid in South Africa, a consultation on black leadership in the YWCA of the U.S.A., and integration and desegregation. In the 1960's the YWCA of the U.S.A. increases its push towards an integrated movement and public affairs platforms concerning civil rights through programming, education and activism. Though civil rights and racism have long been a part of their program, the sixties brings a renewed effort in part due to the social and political climate of the United States and from within the organization. One issue of global importance is the Apartheid in South Africa, an issue of particular concern to the National Student YWCA. Resolutions, letters of concern to organizations and leaders, clippings and correspondence from the National Student YWCA explain their concerns and goals, and seek to educate others about the issue. Domestically, the YWCA of the U.S.A. grapples with the Black Power movement and its role. The topic is explored here through papers, lectures, addresses and articles. Within the national movement and local associations the YWCA of the U.S.A. is focused on a fully integrated movement. This means representation in leadership, desegregated associations and understanding across all members. Minutes, reports and notes from the YWCA of the U.S.A. Consultation of Black Leadership document this gathering of leaders to explore the role and status of African American leadership in the organization, the need for further development and their role in the full integration of the national and local associations. In order to achieve local desegregation of associations, the YWCA of the U.S.A. issues a self audit guide, guiding principles and resolutions. Also included is the text of a speech by Dorothy Height titled, "Responsibility of YWCA for Desegregation, Integration and Civil Rights." To address interpersonal relationships during this time, dialogue groups are introduced to programs across the nation. These small group sessions encourage frank discussion in a safe space with the hope that intimate and real conversations will help ease racial divides and racism. The program is further explained in a handbook for leaders. Following these documents is a series of correspondence and reports concerning a situation with the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York and the company's ultimate agreement and plan to stimulate small business and economic growth in the town. 

YWCA of the U.S.A. subject files related to food issues, communications from the YWCA of the U.S.A. General Secretary, and political activity with the United States Government. Documents concerning food in the YWCA of the U.S.A. include a statement concerning the free and reduced lunch program for public school students and a list of resources for local associations considering a food service function. Additional information on hunger, poverty and food security as an issue affecting women and girls can be found in the subject file for economics. The General Secretary of the YWCA of the U.S.A., as the top executive for the national organization, represents the national organization through speeches and communication as part of their duties. The correspondence and speeches found here concern addresses given at national and regional conventions. The bulk of the materials on this microdex fall under the subject file for the United States Government. The YWCA of the U.S.A. sees the government as an important part of social change and advocates for issues of social, political, spiritual and economic importance through statements of position, sending letters of support and disagreement to politicians and creating organizational policy reflecting their interests. The subject file is arranged into four parts, congress, State Department, White House and miscellaneous. Letters and position statements make up most of the content concerning congress and the White House and reflect the public affairs platform of the organization. State Department documents concern the work of the YWCA of the U.S.A. in other countries and includes a summary directory of foreign work and the YWCA of the U.S.A. contacts in each nation. Additional documents concern the CIA, Civil Service Commission, Department of Defense, Justice Department, Labor Department, selective service and Veteran's Administration. 

Regional conferences, held in the year prior to a national conference, serve as a forum for delegates to convene, share ideas and discuss the national emphasis and proposals. Conferences invite speakers to address the chosen theme of the conference and host discussion groups around those themes. Materials demonstrate efforts of leaders and the national organization to achieve interracial conferences and to discuss problems of racism and race relations in the YWCA of the U.S.A. International issues are important at the conferences concerning both in YWCA service to immigrants in how the United States relates to the world during and after World War II. In addition, regional conferences assess how the ideas and aims of the National Board are realized in local associations.

Conference documents for YWCA of the U.S.A. Executive Directors conferences, general regional conferences, and general secretaries' conferences. These regional conferences meet to discuss the national YWCA of the U.S.A. emphasis and program directives and assess interpretation to the local associations. In addition, conferences discuss the importance of religion to the organization, discuss problems encountered in specific regions, clarify the relationships to the national organization and summarize conference meetings and addresses. The leadership conferences clarify the jobs of executives and secretaries and discuss the employment and volunteer needs of local associations and regional offices.

Documents concerning YWCA of the U.S.A. Business and Professional Women Department. A cooperative program with the Jewish Welfare Board concerns the problems faced by married women in the workforce. Following this material are various reports analyzing the program and mission of the department's work with employed woman including work with the rising white collar worker. Other materials include program guides and ideas, pamphlets and other planning materials. In addition, documents include bulletins concerning the international celebration of YWCA Business and Professional Departments, the World Wide Observance.

Regional conferences, held in the year prior to a national conference, serve as a forum for delegates to convene, share ideas, and discuss the national emphasis and proposals. Conferences invite speakers to address the chosen theme of the conference and host discussion groups around those themes. Reports and minutes may contain updates from local associations or recommendations to YWCA communities. Materials also address the planning of conferences, additions or changes to governing documents, lists of delegates and budgets and finance. Program and discussion emphasis focus on unity throughout the organization from the national level to local associations, the role of religion in the organization and its work, matters of race and racism and international relations. In addition, regional conferences address service to communities, cooperation with other organizations, cooperation throughout the YWCA of the U.S.A. and expanding programs to meet the needs of its members.

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and proceedings of the 1957 YWCA of the U.S.A. southeastern, southwestern and western regional conferences and documents concerning workshops on buildings at each regional conference. Regional conferences are an opportunity for delegates from local associations to gather together and discuss matters of national, regional and international importance in between national conventions. Conferences include addresses from leaders of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as well as prominent members of the community and visitors. Conference topics include role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as a Christian movement, in the women's movement and in the community. Discussion and workgroups facilitate discussion of key topics among smaller groups of attendees allowing for individual input. Documents include conference reports and statistics, conference planning documents, summaries of addresses and discussion sessions, bulletins and programs. Documents are arranged by regional conference with an index to the materials at the beginning of each section. In 1957 regional conferences also hosted an optional workshop on buildings either preceding or following the regional conference. Building workshops address and seek input on decision making in building and remodeling, facility standards, health and physical education facilities and the relationship between program and buildings. Building workshop documents are grouped by regional conference. 

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and proceedings of the 1957 YWCA of the U.S.A. central and eastern regional conferences. Regional conferences are an opportunity for delegates from local associations to gather together and discuss matters of national, regional and international importance in between national conventions. Conferences include addresses from leaders of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as well as prominent members of the community and visitors. Conference topics include role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as a Christian Movement, in the women's movement and in the community. Discussion and workgroups facilitate discussion of key topics among smaller groups of attendees allowing for individual input. Documents include conference reports and statistics, conference planning documents, summaries of addresses and discussion sessions, bulletins and programs. Documents are arranged by topic as indicated in the index at the beginning of the microdex. 

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and proceedings of the 1960 YWCA of the U.S.A. southwestern and western regional conferences. Regional conferences are an opportunity for delegates from local associations to gather together and discuss matters of national, regional and international importance in between national conventions. Conferences include addresses from leaders of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as well as prominent members of the community and visitors. Conference topics include role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as a Christian Movement, the role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. in the women's movement, refugees and international cooperation, community representation and the role of the local association in their community. Discussion and workgroups facilitate discussion of key topics among smaller groups of attendees allowing for individual input. Documents include conference reports and statistics, conference planning documents, summaries of addresses and discussion sessions, bulletins and programs. Documents are arranged by topic as indicated in the index at the beginning of the microdex. 

Stenotype proceedings for the Twenty-first National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. The detailed proceedings taken by a stenographer follow the general convention sessions from opening remarks to final adjournment. The YWCA of the U.S.A. in 1958 is focusing on strengthening community work and local associations and using those strengths to serve women of the world as part of the international movement. In addition, addresses and discussions concern the social, political, economic, and technological implications of living in the space and nuclear ages. Reports and presentations are given by YWCA departments, committees, and special interest groups. Resolutions and actions regarding public affairs, program emphases and organizational structure are adopted following the YWCA of the U.S.A.'s parliamentary process. 

Volume three of the official proceedings of the Sixteenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America and volume three of the stenotype proceedings. The official proceedings follow general convention sessions. Special addresses are not published in the official proceedings but are represented in other documents including the stenotype proceedings. The special remarks by Queen Elizabeth, however, are included in the international celebration section of the published proceedings. Convention business includes adopting revisions to the constitution, accepting reports from YWCA departments, electing officers and board members and discussion and voting on political and social stances. This convention votes to change from a biennial convention to a triennial convention starting with the next convention cycle. The three emphases of the convention are religion, world citizenship, and democracy as the war in Europe and Asia influences much of the discussion and international updates and relationships take center stage. 

Stenotype proceedings of the Twenty-second National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. The detailed proceedings follow the general convention sessions from opening remarks to final adjournment. The addresses, remarks, and discussions concern the role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and the women's movement in the sixties. Responding to social and demographic changes, new technologies, world politics and space exploration, the women discuss their roles and duties while adopting resolutions and public affairs programs to ensure social and economic justice for everyone. In addition, time is spent discussing the inclusive role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its local associations, and their efforts to end racism. The convention is also a time to conduct business at a national level including revisions to the constitution, electing officials and adopting programs and emphases. An index of actions lists those actions taken at the convention. Twenty-second Convention materials are continued from reel 42, microdex 2 and continue through reel 42, microdex 5 of the YWCA of the U.S.A. records.

Documents concerning the international aspects, news and reports, worship services and program of the Fifteenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. As part of the YWCA of the U.S.A.'s strong ties to work in China and in response to the tensions between China and Japan, Madam Chiang Kai-Shek gives an address to the convention via radio. In addition there is a formal note of appreciation and greetings from the YWCA in China. Newsletters from the Convention Committee update associations and delegates on preparations for the convention and a report from committee evaluates administration of the convention. Miscellaneous materials include extensive coverage of the convention from the "Womans Press." 

Reports, skits, speeches, and vesper services of the Eighteenth National Convention of Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. After the convention has ended reports are prepared to summarize the events of the convention and update members who may not have attended on what occurred. Included in this section is the April 1949 issue of "Womans Press" dedicated to convention coverage. Much of the focus of the convention concerns international relationships and cooperation due to the political climate and post war considerations. Speeches and convention sessions analyze the changing role of women, the role of a Christian organization, and social and political movements. 

Due to government restrictions on conventions and other effects of World War II, the Seventeenth National Convention is cancelled in 1945. In lieu of having a convention, the National Board and committees compile the work that went into preparing for the convention into printed materials and a workbook for local associations to meet and discuss the topics provided and report back. The results are then analyzed and compiled into a report and the charter for the years 1945-1948 is developed. The theme for the nationwide discussion is "The Times Demand" and the influence of the war and international relations is seen throughout as education, intercultural and interracial practices, and work in other countries are discussed at length. Materials include reports on work in other countries, suggestions for implementing the discussion, and preparatory materials. 

Official proceedings and digest of the Seventeenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. As the first national convention since 1940 and since the end of World War II, the discussion and debate of the convention sessions look at work that was done during the war years and look ahead to what the post war world and nation will bring. Throughout these discussions the role of the organization and of Christian women is examined through the theme, "One world under god." Special addresses by guest speakers cover topics such as the implications of atomic warfare, education opportunities, and world politics as there is a continued interest in YWCA work in foreign countries and National Board work internationally. Representatives from several countries are invited to speak and report on conditions around the world. The adoption of resolutions and actions is conducted in business sessions throughout the convention and include the adoption of reports and constitutional amendments and voting on official stances on political and social matters. As with past conventions, the study of racism and interracial cooperation and efforts to implement recommendations is important and after discussions and reports from members, the Interracial Charter is adopted. Presentations and reports from groups including student, business and professional, industrial, Girl Reserve, health education and rural share with the convention delegates work being done in regards to their special interests. Convention actions are outlined in the appendix of the published proceedings. Special addresses and speeches are found in the convention digest following the proceedings. 

Documents concerning the National Employed Women's Coordinating Assembly, Business and Professional Assembly, and Industrial Assembly at the Nineteenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Implemented at the previous convention, the National Employed Women's Coordinating Assembly unites all employed women under common cause and emphases. The Industrial Assembly and Business and Professional Assembly continue to meet independently to discuss matters unique to their groups. For 1952 the united program concerns peace, justice, and freedom. The employed women have a national and international focus on human rights and peace including fair labor practices, international cooperation via the "kits and kitties for Korea" project, and freedom and democracy. The Business and Professional Assembly meetings concerns the changing role of the white collar female worker, the cost and standard of living, and personal development. At the Industrial Assembly meetings, labor unions and the labor movement is discussed in addition to reports on their projects and programs. All assemblies discuss the structure and relationship between the three assemblies, as well as cooperation with other parts of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and outside organizations. 

Addresses, worship services, and reports for the Nineteenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Addresses from YWCA delegates as well as special guests reflect an interest in international affairs, peace, and freedoms and include a presentation on the international implications of the "Interracial Charter" passed at a previous convention. In addition to addresses, the convention features small discussion groups of special interests as a chance to meet and talk in a smaller setting. Discussion groups include leaders of district YWCA's, Y-Teen leaders, and YW-Wives. They evaluate their progress in addition to discussing the relationship with the national YWCA movement and outside organizations. Following these materials is a report concerning YWCA work with the U.S.O. and United Community Defense Services.