Student, circa 1951-1960

Documents concerning membership policy and procedure in the National Student YWCA, National Student Assembly reports and documents concerning the purpose and functions of the United States National Student Associations. Membership in the YWCA of the U.S.A. changes and evolves as the drive towards a more inclusive organization increases. In the National Student YWCA the desire for open and inclusive membership drives discussion and study of a revised membership basis. Notes and reports, including those from a national consultation on membership, follow the decision making process and summarize the concerns of all sides of the issue. Excerpts from original and revised constitutions and bylaws provide examples as to how the governing documents would be affected. The central issue revolves around the meaning of openness and inclusivity in a Christian organization and the role of membership. The National Student Assembly is the legislative body of the National Student YWCA discussing matters of policy and procedure such as the membership basis, budget proposals and basic standards. Reports summarize assembly discussions and highlight resulting actions. As part of a larger national and international student movement, the National Student YWCA maintains an awareness of other student organizations including the United States National Student Association (USNSA). Created as a national organizations for the exchange of ideas and to influence political and social change, the USNSA discusses social, economic and political issues affecting students, develops a program of emphases and cooperates with national and international student organizations. Included are a pamphlet on the formation, purpose and function of the organization, reports of discussion and resolutions, a report of a study of student governments and a statement on the possible membership of Ole Miss in the USNSA.