From its beginning the YWCA of the USA sought to empower women and advocate on their behalf. This mission of social action, though always present, has its official beginning in 1911 at the third national convention of the YWCA of the USA in Indianapolis, Indiana. YWCA of the USA had been working with girls in industry and saw first hand the conditions they faced. In response to persistent deplorable conditions for working women a vote was taken at convention, on the recommendation of the National Board, to take the fight public. This vote, though it may seem a natural step, was a bold step into the public light. Convention delegates expressed support of the recommendation but concern that their public opinion would take a turn and as a result industry bosses would interfere with their industrial clubs. Nevertheless, the recommendation passed and the YWCA of the USA began a path to social action that has had real impact on the lives of American women and men. You can read an excerpt from the convention proceedings taken from the digitized microfilm records by clicking the following link. Excerpt from convention proceedings

(Text of the recommendation from the National Board of the YWCA of the USA)

Fifty years after that first official vote, the YWCA of the USA celebrated their social action program in a combined ceremony with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) who also began their social action program in 1911. This celebration highlights the importance of cooperation in the YWCA of the USA social action programs. Though they maintained their own identity and mission, the YWCA of the USA recognized the importance of working with other organizations with shared goals. Such cooperative approaches to social action reach more people and through shared resources, monetary or otherwise, boost impact. The images below are a selection of records of the 50th anniversary celebration from the microfilm records, photograph records and publications.

Above: program of the event. Below: Christian Science Monitor article covering the event; letter inviting Eleanor Roosevelt to speak; photograph of Mrs. Persinger, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mrs. Weinstein

Almost every aspect of the YWCA of the USA records reveals important insight into their social action emphases, programs and advocacy. Browsing through the records provides insight into the social, political and economic climate in the United States from first hand accounts of the people working for change. From the labor movement, to racism, to the ERA, and more, the YWCA of the USA has been on the forefront of many important movements.

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