Finding Aid of the Women-In-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes, Inc., Durham Chapter Records, 1968 - 1973, ORG.195
Abstract
Women-In-Action for the Prevention of Violence and Its Causes, Inc. was founded by Elna B. Spaulding on September 4, 1968, shortly after a public appeal was made to women of the Durham community to form a civic coalition of African-American and white women from all levels of society to work toward the prevention of violence.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Women-In-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes, Inc. Records
- Call Number
- ORG.195
- Creator
- Women-in-Action for the Prevention of Violence and Its Causes, Inc. Durham Chapter (Durham, N.C.)
- Date
- 1968-1973
- Extent
- 2.00 boxes
- Language
- English
- Repository
- State Archives of North Carolina
Restrictions on Access & Use
Access Restrictions
Available for research.
Use Restrictions
Copyright is retained by the authors of these materials, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law (Title 17 US Code). Individual researchers are responsible for using these materials in conformance with copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Org.195, Women-In-Action for the Prevention of Violence and its Causes, Inc., Durham Chapter Records, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, USA.
Collection Overview
This group of general records of Women-In-Action dates from 1968 to 1973. Materials relate to the organization's work to prevent violence in the Durham, N.C., area during the 1960s and 1970s including boycotts, school desegregation, providing a problem clearinghouse to serve as an independent ombudsman for Durham citizens and serving as a rumor control center investigating complaints, rumors, and problems dealing with unemployment, drug abuse, medical care, substandard housing, consumer affairs, and other issues. Includes records of subcommittees dealing with problems in the areas of civic improvement, education, communications, housing, human relations, police-community relations, and welfare. Principal groups involved with the group during the boycott include Black Solidarity Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Bureau. There are also clippings and material relating to the Raleigh chapter of the organization. Persons represented include Elna B. Spaulding, founder and president.
Arrangement Note
Finding Aid prepared by: Ellen Z. McGrew on 12 November 1974.
Historical Note
Women-In-Action for the Prevention of Violence and Its Causes, Inc. was founded by Elna B. Spaulding on September 4, 1968, shortly after a public appeal was made to women of the Durham community to form a civic coalition of African-American and white women from all levels of society to work toward the prevention of violence. At that time, Durham was in the throes of a and tensions were mounting.
The new organization worked with the principal groups involved (Black Solidarity Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Bureau), held open forums on the grievances, and contributed to a settlement which was effected in February, 1969. Anticipating public unrest over the court-ordered school desegregation plan, Women-In-Action opened a Center for School Support on July 29, 1970. The role Women-In-Action played in helping to foster a healthy climate for the transition was cited by state and local officials.
As an outgrowth of the school support center, Women-In-Action established a Problem Clearinghouse in October, 1970, to serve as an independent ombudsman for Durham citizens. The program was expanded the following year to encompass a branch of the national Call for Action program. Activities in 1970 and beyond reflected the group's involvement in a variety of issues in the Durham community and beyond. These areas included civic improvement, education, communications, housing, human relations, police-community relations, and welfare.
The organization's first affiliate was founded in Raleigh in September, 1971, stemming from a two-day statewide workshop for women's organizations held in Durham in April, 1971.
Contents of the Collection
1. Administrative and Miscellaneous Records,1969
scopecontent:
Women-in-Action was registered on June 19, 1969 as a non-profit corporation through the office of the North Carolina Secretary of State. This series reflects the following activities during that period: establishment of by-laws, guidelines, etc., and formation of an executive committee and a number of sub-committees. These sub-committees began to explore problems in areas of education, civil improvement, communications, housing, human relations, police-community relations, welfare, etc. The series also contains some correspondence, workshop material, clippings, material concerning its first anniversary celebration, along with miscellaneous and non Women-In-Action materials.
2. Administrative and Miscellaneous Records,1970
scopecontent:
This series includes agendas, minutes, program information, some correspondence. The records of 1970 reflect the addition of a board of advisors, board of directors, and standing committee. Sub-committees continued to explore problems in areas of education, civil improvement, communications, housing, human relations, police-community relations, welfare, etc.
3. Administrative and Miscellaneous Records,1971
scopecontent:
This series includes a president's report on ; minutes and agendas of the main organization and executive committee, with amendments to by-laws; some correspondence, financial, workshop, and Clearinghouse material; clippings. Also, there is an awards folder, with a National Volunteer Award citation. A folder is devoted to the formation of the organization's first affiliate, founded in Raleigh in September, 1971. The series ends with the president's third anniversary report.
4. Administrative, Biographical, and Miscellaneous Records,1972
scopecontent:
This series includes minutes and agendas of the main organization and its executive committee; some correspondence and Clearinghouse material; newsletters; clippings, and related, but non-Women-In-Action materials. Special projects include a workshop with the PTA and a concern with Christmas toys with violent themes. A folder on Special Projects, 1970-72 provides some biographical information on Mrs. Spaulding.
5. Women-In-Action Conference,1973
6. News Articles,1968
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
Placed on loan by Elna Bridgeforth Spaulding (Mrs. Asa Spaulding), president and founder of the organization, Durham, N.C., 1974.