Foreign Division, circa 1912-1944

Documents concerning the policies, post-war leadership, programs, property and printed materials of the YWCA of the U.S.A. Foreign Division. The Foreign Division of the YWCA of the U.S.A. acts as an agent of the National board in cooperation with YWCA's in other countries and the World's YWCA to develop association work in other countries and to manage secretaries serving abroad. Part of the duties of the staff of the Foreign Division is to develop policy for working with other countries and a program of emphasis to define the scope and aim of the program. These policies and programs are discussed in the minutes, reports and include discussion of the relationship between the Foreign Division, the YWCA of the U.S.A. and YWCA's around the world as well as policies concerning budget and management. The recruiting and training of secretaries to serve abroad is also a function of the Foreign Division and following World War II extra staff is recruited and trained to assist with reconstruction efforts. Correspondence, minutes and reports concern the qualifications for a foreign secretaryship, policies regarding hiring and training, job descriptions, and areas of need. Pamphlets, booklets and other printed matter are created and distributed to update members on the activities internationally, communicate needs and developments from around the world, provide information regarding the status of women internationally and to communicate the purpose of the Foreign Division.