Public affairs, 1961-1970

The National Public Affairs Committee of the YWCA of the U.S.A. is responsible for maintaining awareness of the social, political and economic issues affecting women in the United States, recommending a program of action and providing resources to the National Board of the YWCA of the U.S.A. and its local associations in support of its program. The committee's charter establishes these purposes and functions and official statements and recommendations from the committee highlight program aspects. In December of 1961 the YWCA of the U.S.A. celebrated fifty years of public affairs programs in a joint celebration with the National Council of Jewish Women. The celebration, with special guest Eleanor Roosevelt, is documented through articles and reports. In addition to the national ceremony, the YWCA of the U.S.A. local associations are encouraged to have their own celebrations over the coming year. A set of guidelines and recommendations for local associations outlines suggested content and events. Also include are the texts of speeches given at the joint celebration in December, 1961. The newsletter of the public affairs committee highlights important program aspects, explores a relevant topic of the public affairs program and offers resources for local associations. Some newsletters also include supporting documents such as handbooks and articles. One newsletter from 1963 includes a copy of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham City Jail."