Argentina, circa 1915-1949

Documents concerning young women's Christian association development and programs in Argentina. YWCA activities begin in Buenos Aires in 1890 with English and North American women organizing meetings of English speaking girls. Activities expand growing into a lively organization serving women and girls in need, employed women, students and women at home. Activities include physical education and recreation, skills training, camps, conferences, social services and advocacy for women's rights. As the association in Buenos Aires grows, new facilities are needed. By the mid 1930's the association finds themselves in debt and continuing to operate in deficit due to the depression, increased demand for services and lack of funds. Appeals are made to the YWCA of the U.S.A. Foreign Division for financial assistance and special grants are made following presentations and discussions in the United States. The aim of work in other countries is to assist an organization in becoming autonomous and self supporting but special aid is given when deemed necessary to the continuance of needed YWCA activity. Correspondence and reports from Argentina provide outlines and narrative accounts of the YWCA activities in Argentina and keep the YWCA of the U.S.A. informed of their progress, needs and challenges. Materials also include reports and pamphlets in spanish often accompanied by an English translation.