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National defense, 1940-4945

 File — Box: 2, Reel: 120, microdex: 2

Scope and Contents

Documents concerning the YWCA of the U.S.A. and national defense during World War II. As World War II begins to have a more direct effect on the United States, the YWCA of the U.S.A. assesses its role in civilian defense. A set of guiding principles addresses the overall role and purpose of the work of the YWCA of the U.S.A. during this time. A committee on YWCA of the U.S.A. volunteers in civilian defense is formed to manage the volunteer program, explore volunteer opportunities, disseminate information about volunteer opportunities to local associations and communicate how YWCA volunteer work contributes to civilian defense. Minutes and reports from the committee meetings provide insight into the needs of the volunteer program and the contributions the volunteers make. In addition, representatives from the YWCA of the U.S.A. participate in the Conference of National Civic Organizations, a conference chaired by Harriet Elliot, Consumer Advisor on the Advisory Commission to the Council of National Defense. The conference proceedings and reports include speeches and discussions concern maintaining social welfare, consumer-buyer problems, public health and how groups can contribute to the "total defense" efforts. 

Dates of Materials

  • Creation: 1940-4945

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.

Extent

200 frames (1 partial reel)