Description
The Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles records document the business functions, fundraising operations, and outreach
programs of the political action committee during its existence from 1977-1991. The bulk of the collection comprises board
meeting minutes, agendas, and financial reports, as well as correspondence to and from political figures lobbying for support
of gay and lesbian rights.
Background
Established in 1977 by members of the Orion gay men's consciousness raising group, the Municipal Elections Committee of Los
Angeles (MECLA) was a political action committee supporting and contributing funds to political candidates in favor of human
rights and, in particular, gay and lesbian rights. Although there were some administrative changes over the years, MECLA's
executive structure consisted of two co-chairs, up to 16 members of the board of directors, and numerous ex-officio directors
forming a board of governors. The directors were broken down by pairs into committees that controlled the day-to-day and long
range functions of the business. As a show of their support of both gay and lesbian rights, the constituency of these groups
was split evenly by males and females.
Extent
2.5 linear feet.
1 archival box + 3 archival cartons
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.