Arts YWCA of the U.S.A. records, Record Group 11. Microfilmed headquarters files

The use of arts in the program of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its local associations has been prominent from their beginnings. The YWCA of the U.S.A. encourages its associations to use arts, music and drama to help express ideas, start discussions, interpret their purpose and illustrate social and economic issues. By the 1960's the use of arts in the program of the YWCA of the U.S.A. has expanded to include film, dance, slide shows and television in addition to drama, music and other visual arts. Tool-kits and handbooks from the YWCA of the U.S.A. are designed to help local associations implement the use of creative arts into their program and communication offering suggestions and program guidelines. A history of the role of music in the YWCA of the U.S.A. provides some background information as to the importance of music arts throughout the life of the organization and includes song sheets and programs. Included in the documents concerning the use of drama are materials from the Voices Educational Service, Inc. for using drama to connect with the African American experience. Additional materials include articles and excerpts from YWCA publications concerning the use of arts in the organization, scripts to accompany slide show presentations, planning materials for the 1968 YWCA Dialogue with the Living Arts program in Aspen, Colorado, and scripts for skits used in associations.