Foreign Division, circa 1925-1950

File — Box: 1, Reel: 71, microdex: 8

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Foreign Division of the YWCA of the U.S.A. is responsible for the placement and management of American secretaries in other countries, communication to the YWCA of the U.S.A. regarding work in other countries and fundraising for foreign projects. In addition, the Foreign Division takes an interest in immigration issues and conditions in the United States. When the senate is considering a bill to limit immigration the Foreign Division works with the National Board to issue a statement on their position. Part of the management of work in other countries is financing the activities and paying the salaries of the secretaries working abroad which can be complicated due to changing exchange rates. Careful records and planning is used to ensure fair and timely payment and several options are considered to pay secretaries abroad. The Foreign Division raises funds, in part, by appealing to local associations. Bulletins, newsletters and pamphlets give updates on the YWCA activities around the world, summarize the work of the American secretaries working in these countries and explain the needs of the YWCA associations supported by the YWCA of the U.S.A. Communication is important to expressing the needs in the foreign field and keeping the associations interested in the development of the YWCA globally. Documents also include lists of secretaries that formerly served abroad and the ex-foreign newsletter "XF."

Dates of Materials

Creation: circa 1925-1950

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

From the Record Group:

This collection is open for use without restriction beyond the standard terms and conditions of Smith College Special Collections.

However, by agreement with the YWCA of the U.S.A., microdexes known to contain financial records or personal health information (usually on job applications) were not digitized and/or not published in our online repository as part of the CLIR Digitizing Hidden Collections grant. These microdexes may still be accessed on the original microfilm, and digital files may be made available to individual researchers upon request.