YWCA of the U.S.A. microfilm records

Documents concerning YWCA of the U.S.A. work in Czechoslovakia. Reports and correspondence from YWCA secretaries in Czechoslovakia concern the troubles and conflict faced by Czechoslovakians and foreign workers during the time leading up to Hitler's occupation and through the end of World War II. YWCA centers assist with refugees, continue work with women, and provide other assistance as needed. Speeches made by the mayor of Prague and the President of Czechoslovakia are included in the documents. Prior to Czechoslovakia's occupation, reports and correspondence tell of work with the labor movement and recreation and describe the financial troubles of the newly formed nation. In addition to these reports and correspondence, documents include descriptions of the traditions and folklore of Czechoslovakia's people providing a cultural background to the work of the YWCA including a bibliography from the New York Public Library of books on Czechoslovakia.

Documents concerning the YWCA of the U.S.A. work with unemployed groups and unemployment relief. Included in these documents are reports and data on unemployment in the United States, reports on resident schools and unemployment camps, summaries and examples of local association work, descriptions of proposed relief programs, and discussion of the YWCA's relationship with other relief organizations including Federal relief projects. 

Documents concerning YWCA of the U.S.A. conference sites and reports of studies of conferences. Materials concerning the conference sites address the leasing, purchase and sale of properties, facilities maintenance and design, profit and financial management of properties, policies regarding use and management of properties and the histories of the sites. Conference sites include Asilomar, Blue Ridge Association, Lake Geneva and Silver Bay. Conference studies address the function and role of conferences, constitutions and bylaws of conferences, how to plan and administer a conference and how conferences relate to the overall structure and mission of the YWCA of the U.S.A.

Addresses, conference statistics, Womans Press articles, conference actions and other documents concerning the World YWCA Council conference in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. International conferences of the legislative body of the World YWCA meet periodically to unite under a shared vision and purpose, discuss and agree on positions of political and social action, hear updates from YWCA associations, discuss the relationships within the World YWCA and discuss the role of Christianity and religion in the organization and as it concerns women globally. Addresses from guest speakers address the role of women and the role of Christianity in the modern world and in a time of uncertain global relations. Womans Press articles summarize the conference proceedings and report on the actions and business conducted. Other materials include resumes of conference actions taken regarding peace, international relations and social issues, a pamphlet on the status of women in the Philippines and reports on conference discussions. 

Stenotype proceedings of the Seventh National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. The detailed proceedings follow the convention from opening remarks to the final adjournment. Sessions often begin with a prayer or devotional remark and continue on to business meetings, addresses, presentation of reports or other special services. The theme of the addresses is "The Business of Peace" and the topics include interracial relations, economics and the rural woman and the international situation. In addition, reports presented to the convention include updates from departments, discussions of financing and the organization of the YWCA of the U.S.A., updates of work in foreign countries, a study of standards in city associations and discussion of the basis for membership. Business meetings concern the passing of resolutions, nominations of committee and board members and other matters requiring votes or consensus. 

Documents concerning YWCA of the U.S.A. National Conventions and programs and reports of the First National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. National Conventions are held to discuss matters of national importance, conduct business requiring votes and consensus and to unite under a common cause. Conventions are held every two or three years with a gap during World War II. Materials begin with lists of delegates for conventions through 1964. Following this list are programs, and reports from the first convention. The 1906 National Convention is the first convention of the newly formed YWCA of the U.S.A. from the merger of the American Committee and the International Board. The convention business includes resolutions regarding the formation of the combined organization, nominating officers and board members, passing the constitutions and other matters of administering the newly formed organization. The addresses and themes of the convention revolve around the Christian role in service to the community and to the world, the role and purpose in the organization and work the YWCA has done and will continue to do. A list of charter member associations of the YWCA of the U.S.A. follows the convention materials.

Materials concerning the Tenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Worship service programs from the convention include a program for a memorial service in remembrance of Mabel Cratty, a long serving and well loved general secretary of the YWCA of the U.S.A. Other materials include the foreign policy for supporting YWCA work in other countries, legislative work and the published collection of addresses given by Harold Cooke Phillips throughout the convention titled, "Life that is life indeed." 

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and proceedings of the 1960 YWCA of the U.S.A. eastern region 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 inclusivity across economics and class, YWCA of the U.S.A. health examination policy, the young adult program and the role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. as a Christian Movement. The eastern conference includes "laboratory groups" to study and discuss the role and function of the YWCA of the U.S.A. association in different community types. Delegates are bussed to a location representing the community type they are discussing to enhance discussions. 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 social work in the YWCA of the U.S.A., its role, functions, methods and relationship to other types of work. Case work materials discuss the relationship of case work to group work in the YWCA of the U.S.A., methods of conducting casework, forms for tracking work and suggestions for methods. In addition to individual and groups work with the problems of the girls in clubs, social work in the YWCA of the U.S.A. takes on larger issues affecting the country including juvenile delinquency during World War II, the cost and availability of medical care and white slaves. A report of medical care to minority groups presents and assesses data on the medical care of minority groups(especially African Americans) including pregnancy care and infant mortality. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Documents concerning YWCA of the U.S.A. activity and associations in Illinois. Documents concerning the state of Illinois as a whole include the general not for profit corporation act for Illinois, a report of an interview with Mr. A. L. Foster and Mr. Emer W. Henderson of the Illinois State Commission of the Condition of the Urban Colored Population and a booklet of addresses given by Anna J. B. Lyman during her time as chairman of the state YWCA committee of Illinois. The life, program, history and services of the YWCA of the U.S.A. associations in Alton and Aurora, Illinois are documented in visitation reports, governing documents, lists and directories of leaders and volunteers, correspondence and administrative records. Correspondence with Belleville, Illinois concerns their whishes to organize a YWCA of the U.S.A. 

Official proceedings and actions of the Eighth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Detailed proceedings follow the convention from opening remarks to the final adjournments including devotional exercises, addresses, business meetings and assemblies of special interest groups. The focus of the eighth convention concerns the woman's role in national and international movements and the role of religion in their lives. YWCA of the U.S.A. matters addressed include continued discussion regarding the membership basis, the organization and structure of the YWCA of the U.S.A., funding and finance local associations and the national organization, political activity and the official positions of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and other matters needing national attention and decision by vote. Actions and resolutions passed are detailed at the end of the proceedings. 

Volumes one and two of the stenotype proceedings of the Sixteenth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Proceedings follow the convention from opening remarks through the Monday morning session and include all convention business, presentations, and addresses. Volume three of the stenotype proceedings follows the official proceedings on reel 35, microdex 2. Matters of national importance are discussed and voted on following a prescribed democratic process. These matters include electing board and committee members, adopting revisions to the constitutions, accepting reports and recommendations and adopting a political or social positions. Addresses and remarks include representatives from the World YWCA and experts from outside the organization. The emphases for the convention continues to be religion, democracy, and world citizenship. In response to World War II a lot of focus is on international work, conditions in other countries, and what the YWCA of the U.S.A.'s role as a Christian organization may be. As part of the international focus an address by Queen Elizabeth is broadcast to the convention. In addition to the international focus, the convention addresses the labor movement, student movements, and work with younger girls. 

Official proceedings and actions of the Seventh National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Proceedings follow the convention business meetings, addresses, reports, presentations, and general sessions. Addresses from outside speakers concern peace by remarking on the importance of cooperation with and work in foreign countries, interracial cooperation and economic peace as it affects rural woman and communities. Business meetings address all matters needing voting, discussion and consensus such as electing leaders, adopting programming or deciding on a political position. Presentations at the convention include a report of the results of the study of the basis of membership, presentation the city association standards for affiliation, changes to the World YWCA's constitution and more. Most sessions begin with prayer or devotional exercises and the role of religion in the YWCA of the U.S.A. is discussed throughout. 

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and proceedings of 1954 YWCA of the U.S.A. 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 regional conference with an index to the materials at the beginning of each section. 

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. 

Proceedings and actions from the Sixth National Convention of the Young Women's Christian Associations of the United States of America. Meetings, discussions, addresses, and actions include discussion of the evangelical membership basis, cooperation within the YWCA of the U.S.A. as well as with outside organizations, matters of leadership and the organization national level of the YWCA of the U.S.A., the YWCA around the world and YWCA work with social movements. The proceedings also detail all actions taken during the convention in a report of actions and resolutions at the end of the materials. Board members and other leaders are listed at the beginning of the proceedings. 

Convention materials for the meeting of The National Association of Employed Officers of the YWCA of the U.S.A. (N.A.E.O.). As the employee association for secretaries in the YWCA of the U.S.A., the N.A.E.O. meets to discuss fair labor practices, job evaluation and standards, employee relationships, diversity and job security. Also included are reports and notes from the Professional Standards Committee concerning their efforts to encourage and enable associations to adopt fair professional standards. 

Records of the Geneva area conferences of YWCA of the U.S.A. student associations. The regional conference, often held jointly with the area Student YMCA, convenes to unite students under common purpose, strengthen their commitment to the regional and national associations and share resources and learning. Records vary between conference year but may include lists of attendees, evaluation reports, speeches and session notes, pamphlets and brochures, and planning committee minutes. 

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. 

Documents concerning the joint World YWCA and World Alliance of YMCA's young adult conferences. These conferences bring together young adults from around the world to discuss the problems and concerns that are relevant to them as young people in a changing social, political and spiritual world. Delegates share ideas, learn about young adults from other countries and make resolutions and recommendations to the world organizations based on their discussions. Conference reports provide an overall summary and assessment of the conferences while session notes and speeches give insight into specific topics. Additional documents include bulletins and newsletters sent to prepare delegates for the conferences, lists of delegates, delegate applications for the 1964 conference and additional correspondence. 

Documents concerning the planning, preparations and sessions of the 1966 YWCA of the U.S.A. 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 covering topics such as the role of the YWCA of the U.S.A. in social change and social justice and the role of the local association in meeting the needs of its community. Discussion and workgroups facilitate discussion of key topics among smaller groups of attendees allowing for individual input. Documents include pre-conference bulletins and memos, programs and schedules, post-conference notes and reports, proceedings, lists of delegates and some planning documents. 

Documents concerning the World Conference of Christian Youth held in Amsterdam. The conference considers the role of Christian youth in the world, global politics and circumstances leading up to the conference, how Christianity applies to various aspects of life and what is important in the Christian youth movement going forward to address the changing social and economic culture of the world. In addition documents concerning the planning of the conference and selection of delegates give an overview of the creation of the conference and responses to the conference from delegates provide insight into the experience of the attendees.