Finding aid for the Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU) collection LSC.1851

Finding aid prepared by Tiffany-Kay Sangwand from February to July 2008 under the auspices of UCLA Center for the Study of Women; revised by Octavio Olvera, 2014; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.
UCLA Library Special Collections
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Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
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Contributing Institution: UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU) collection
Creator: Southern California Women for Understanding
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.1851
Physical Description: 10.5 linear feet (14 boxes, 1 shoe box, and 1 oversize box)
Date (inclusive): 1975-1999
Abstract: The Southern California Women for Understanding Collection contains the operational records of Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU), one of the earliest lesbian non-profit educational organizations in Los Angeles, California.
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.

Restrictions on Access

Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.

Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Property rights to the objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

CONTAINS UNPROCESSED DIGITAL MATERIALS: Digital materials are not currently available for access and will require further processing and assessment. If you have questions about this material please email spec-coll@library.ucla.edu.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU) collection (Collection 1851). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

UCLA Catalog Record ID

UCLA Catalog Record ID: 9966506723606533 

Processing History

The Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU) Collection was processed by Tiffany-Kay Sangwand from February to July 2008 under the auspices of UCLA Center for the Study of Women.
Collections are processed to a variety of levels depending on the work necessary to make them usable, their perceived user interest and research value, availability of staff and resources, and competing priorities. Library Special Collections provides a standard level of preservation and access for all collections and, when time and resources permit, conducts more intensive processing. These materials have been arranged and described according to national and local standards and best practices.
We are committed to providing ethical, inclusive, and anti-racist description of the materials we steward, and to remediating existing description of our materials that contains language that may be offensive or cause harm. We invite you to submit feedback about how our collections are described, and how they could be described more accurately, by filling out the form located on our website: Report Potentially Offensive Description in Library Special Collections. 

History

Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU), an educational non-profit organization, formed in 1976 and dedicated itself to "enhancing the quality of life for [the lesbian] community and for lesbians nationwide, creative and positive exchange about homosexuality, [and] changing stereotypical images of lesbians." SCWU emerged in the midst of the civil rights, gay rights, and women's movements when many marginalized social groups organized en masse to demand recognition and rights. SCWU was one of the earliest known lesbian organizations. At its height, SCWU reached membership of 1,100 and in 1982, Lesbian News hailed it as the "largest lesbian support group in the country."
SCWU originated as a "support group" of the Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation (WRF), a San Francisco based gay rights organization that strove to educate the public on homosexuality. In 1976, Betty Berzon, one of the few female board members, invited twenty women to form the Southern California Women for Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation. After forming a steering committee and electing officers, the women planned a series of "Special Interest Raps" which would allow lesbian women to come together and informally discuss a variety of topics. Founder Betty Berzon led SCWU's first Special Interest Rap, "Disclosing Your Gayness to Family and Friends." Berzon was a licensed psychotherapist who was one of the first to work with gay and lesbian clients.
In 1978, SCWU and WRF mutually severed its ties as WRF decided to exclusively focus their efforts on itself as an alcoholism treatment center for the gay population in San Francisco. SCWU flourished and focused its efforts on educational and social events, fundraising, legislative lobbying, and fostering projects for the lesbian community (i.e. Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres). In addition to its grassroots efforts in building a social space for the lesbian community in Los Angeles, SCWU strove to work with high profile figures. In 1977, SCWU Chair, Myra Riddell, travels to the White House as part of the National Gay Task Force which was invited by Margaret "Midge" Costanza, Presidential Assistant for Public Liaison. Its annual Lesbian Rights Award Dinner would honor a lesbian woman whose work benefited lesbians on a large scale. Honorees include Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon (Daughters of Bilitis founders), Elsa Gidlow (poet), Dianne Abbit and Roberta Bennett (attorneys, founders of first Sexuality and Lesbian Task Forces of the Los Angeles National Organization of Women chapter), Virginia Uribe (Project 10 founders), Adrienne Rich (writer), Gloria Anzaldua (writer), Cherrie Moraga (writer), and Jackie Goldberg (Los Angeles City Councilmember).
Being an educational organization, SCWU hosted a variety of educational programs from informal "rap" groups, theater productions (Welcome to Our Lesbian World), and guest speakers. Additionally, SCWU's research committee designed and executed studies on Los Angeles lesbian lifestyles. In 1977, SCWU surveyed its membership via the "Personal Profile Questionnaires" with questions on family, religious, educational, professional, health background as well as experiences with social and employment discrimination. The committee received 1,000 responses; the results were published in the SCWU newsletter.
In addition to the projects planned and executed by the central organization, SCWU had numerous area chapters that would plan and execute their own projects and events tailored to its respective constituency. The majority of the area chapters were located in California – Long Beach/Orange County, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles/Valley, Inland Empire, Palm Springs and desert areas, San Diego, Santa Monica and nearby beach cities, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. The only out-of-state chapter was located in Wilmington, Delaware. According to the Board of Directors minutes, there was some discussion about contacting lesbian groups in the southwest but there is no indication that area chapters formed in said region.
As evidenced by expensive fundraising dinners and other events that often charged a cover fee, it is evident that SCWU catered to a membership that consisted primarily of professional, middle and upper-class women, the majority of whom were white. In response to criticisms of being elitist, the Board of Directors began an internal dialogue on diversity in 1989.
Despite its internal conflicts, SCWU existed until ????.

Chronology

Missing Title

May 15, 1976 Betty Berzon sends a letter to twenty women inviting them to her home to discuss the formation of a steering committee for the Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation.
June 4, 1976 Berzon and twelve women meet to discuss WRF and a women's group.
June 14, 1976 Seven women meet again to elect committee officers: Myra Riddell (Chairperson), Terry DeCresenzo (Vic-Chairperson), Sue Philbrick (Secretary), Karen Weiss (Treasurer), Betty Berzon (Ex-Officio, Liaison to the Board). Pat Berlly, Gloria Muetzel, Irene Robertson, Jane Patterson, and Barbara Colby comprised the remaining committee members.
July 25, 1976 First membership appeal meeting held and attended by fifty women.
October 8, 1976 SCW-WRF hosts first Special Interest Rap, "Disclosing Your Gayness to Family and Friends." Speaker is Betty Berzon, a licensed psychologist.
January 30, 1977 Pat Denslow presents new by-laws to SCW-WRF.
February 25, 1977 SCW-WRF hosts Jean O'Leary, ex-nun, Co-Executive Director of National Gay Task Force, and openly gay delegate to the Democratic National Convention as well as Grace Davis Montanez, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles.
March 26, 1977 Myra Riddell travels to the White House as part of the National Gay Task Force invited by Margaret "Midge" Costanza (Presidential Assistant for Public Liaison).
Fall 1977 SCW/WRF sends out Personal Profile Questionnaires aimed to find out more about lesbians' social conditions in Los Angeles. Report of results published in March/April 1978 newsletter.
September 10, 1977 SCW/WRF members present a workshop on various lesbian issues at USC. Workshop features keynote speaker Olga Broumas, first openly gay woman to win the Yale Younger Poets Prize.
July/August 1978 SCW-WRF announces its disassociation from the WRF and become known as SCW.
August/September 1978 SCW starts hosting Receptions for Understanding in which members could informally meet with potential allies in the non-gay community. The first Reception on August 24 was covered by NBC News.
September/October 1978 SCW becomes Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU).
December 4, 1978 Forty women meet in Long Beach to discuss the formation of a Southern Committee of the SCWU.
January 6, 1979 Judi Doyle is named Chair of the Southern Committee.
September 15, 1979 SCWU holds first Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Del Martin and Pyllis Lyon, founders of first lesbian organization, Daughters of Bilitis.
October 19, 1979 The Ventura Committee hosts its first Special Interest Program, "Women and the Law."
January 10, 1980 The Advocate features Myra Riddell and SCWU in a two page spread.
March 7, 1980 The San Gabriel Valley Committee holds its first Special Interest Program, "Orientation Rap" and is attended by sixteen women. Ret informally acts as Chair.
March 31, 1980 SCWU open its first office on 13719 Ventura Avenue, Suite D in Sherman Oaks.
August 1980 SCWU Board of Directors announces its re-structuring due to the growth of the organization.
September 5, 1980 Fifty women meet to discuss the formation of a Los Angeles/Valley committee.
February 14, 1981 SCWU hosts a Weekend of Lesbian Culture which features the second Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors lesbian poet Elsa Gidlow.
February 26, 1981 SCWU is granted tax-exempt status as a non-profit organization.
August 22, 1981 SCWU receives the National Organization of Women's Alice Paul Certificate of Feminist Achievement for Advancement of Feminist Goals.
October 29, 1981 Los Angeles/Valley committee becomes the second official chapter of SCWU.
January 1982 Judi Doyle begins tenure as the second Chair of SCWU.
August 1982 SCWU moves into new office with ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Chapter at 633 Shatto Place in Los Angeles.
May 7, 1983 SCWU holds its third Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors attorney activists and couple Dianne Abbit and Roberta Bennett, founders of the first Sexuality and Lesbian Task Force of the Los Angeles chapter of N.O.W.
June 28, 1984 SCWU announces its endorsement of Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres, a woman's center for Los Angeles.
December 9, 1984 A group of women in San Diego host a social to attract potential members for a San Diego SCWU chapter.
February 1985 SCWU moves to its third office on 9054 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 103 in West Hollywood.



The Ventura committee officially gains chapter status.
April 1985 Beach Cities Committee forms and includes Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Inglewood, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes and Rancho Palos Verdes.
June 1985 Jean Conger is appointed by the Board of Directors for the new position of Executive Director.
January 1986 Margo Strik begins tenure as the third Chair of SCWU.
January 18, 1986 SCWU holds its fourth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors first Chair Myra Riddell.
September 1986 Inland Empire announced as a Formation Group.
February 1987 Beach Cities Steering Committee decides to disband due to lack of member participation.
March 7, 1987 SCWU holds its fifth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors musicians Margie Adam, Meg Christian, Holly Near, Linda Tillery and Cris Williamson.
March 12, 1988 SCWU holds its sixth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors lesbian comedian and activist, Robin Tyler.
July 24, 1988 Inland group gains chapter status.
January 1989 Cultural Diversity Task Force formed to facilitate discussion on cultural diversity and SCWU membership.
March 4, 1989 SCWU holds its seventh Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Virginia Uribe, founder of Project 10.
August 31, 1989 Jean Conger resigns from Executive Director position.
March 17, 1990 SCWU holds its eighth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Karen Thompson, lesbian and human rights activist.
March 16, 1991 SCWU holds its ninth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors lesbian writers May Sarton, Adrienne Rich, Rita Mae Brown, Charlotte Bunche, Katherine Forrest, Paula Gunn Allen, Gloria Anzaldua, and Cherrie Moraga.
July 7, 1991 SCWU sponsors the IMRU radio program on KPFK 90.7 with Theresa Erreca and Dr. Woolbridge.
July 28, 1991 A Wilmington, Delaware group and Desert Women's Association gain chapter status.



Board decides on the "dba" (doing business as) name of "National Association of Women for Understanding" to reflect the national nature of SCWU.
August 1991 Santa Barbara group holds preliminary meetings.
September 1, 1991 Santa Maria group holds first meeting.
November 3, 1991 Santa Barbara group gains chapter status.
March 14, 1992 SCWU holds its tenth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Roberta Achtenberg, Member of the Board of Supervisors for the City and County of San Francisco.
April 17, 1993 SCWU holds its eleventh Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, Captain Dusty Pruitt, and attorney Mary Newcombe.
April 23, 1994 SCWU holds its twelfth Lesbian Rights Award Banquet and honors Jackie Goldberg, Los Angeles City Council Member.

Related Material

This collection forms part of the The June L. Mazer Archive   at UCLA.
See Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres Collection  which originated as a project under the non-profit auspices of SCWU.

Online Items Available

Portions of this collection have been digitized and are available online: Southern California Women for Understanding (SCWU) collection (915 items) .

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Southern California Women for Understanding

 

Board of directors Series 1. 1975-1993

Physical Description: 87 folders

Scope and Contents note

Material relates to functions of the board such as policy making, meetings, and fundraising. Contains print materials (minutes, policy drafts, correspondence, newsletters, subject files) as well as audio cassettes and photographs.

Arrangement note

Sub-series are arranged in chronological order.
 

Founding papers Subseries 1. 1975-1986

Physical Description: 5 folders

Arrangement note

Documents were originally contained in a three-ring-binder separated by dividers labeled by year. Each folder contains a divider section of the original binder.

Scope and Contents note

The "Founding Papers" sub-series encompasses the early documentation of SCWU when it was a "support group" of the Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation (WRF). Folders include notes and correspondence from founder Betty Berzon, WRF newsletters, SCW's correspondence with WRF and early correspondence with supporters and members. See folder scope/content notes for a more detailed inventory.
box 1, folder 1

1976 1975-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains Betty Berzon's original invitational letter for the WRF women's "support group," sign-in sheet (with blank spaces left to preserve women's anonymity), timeline of WRF women's support group, correspondence regarding the internal conflict and future of WRF, WRF board and SCWU meeting minutes, WRF newsletter, Berzon's notes for educational programs and projects, SCW's proposal to the WRF board regarding their official relationship, and letters of endorsement, support and outrage to public officials and business and media executives. "Notes for Aron and Claudia re SCWU 'first documents' as BG to 10th anniv NL article SCWU NEWSLETTER" by Bunny MacCulloch (1986) details the origins of SCWU as a "support group" of the Whitman-Radclyffe Foundation (WRF) started by Betty Berzon. MacCulloch briefly outlines SCWU's initial challenges and learning process of working together, by-law and policy making, official severance from WRF, estrangement from original members Terry DeCrescenzo and Betty Berzon, and the resignation/firing of June Mazer as newsletter co-editor.



Folder also contains famous "Closet ad" (1975) by WRF that appeared in major publications such as Times, Newsweek, Harpers, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and The Advocate.
box 1, folder 2

1977 1977-1978

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Photocopied handwritten notes on steering committees' responsibilities and by-laws by Pat Denslow. SCW correspondence to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Margaret "Midge" Costanza at the White House. WRF newsletter (Winter/Spring 1977) detailing SCW/WRF members' "Ten Gays in the White House" trip and January 1978 issue. Minutes of WRF Board of Directors meeting (May 5, 1978)
box 1, folder 3

1978 1978

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence (handwritten and typed drafts) to members, WRF personnel, legislators, and SCW members from Dianne Crocker (Communications Secretary) and Myra Riddell (Chairperson). Memorandum and letters of resignation from WRF board members and WRF Board of Directors meeting agenda (July 6, 1978).
box 1, folder 4

1979 1979

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence regarding board members' resignations, member appreciation, organization endorsement. Recipients include members, National Organization for Women (NOW), ACLU, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon (Daughters of Bilitis founders), from Myra Riddell (Chairperson), Bunny MacCulloch, June Mazer.
box 1, folder 5

1980 1980

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence with the IRS, ally organizations, thank you letters to presenters at Special Interest Programs (SIP), resigning board members, letters of acceptance to new board members, and memorandum by Bunny MacCulloch and Maribeth Kelly (Corresponding Secretary), Myra Riddell (Chairperson), and other board members.
 

By-laws, procedures, and structure Subseries 2. 1976-1989

Physical Description: 26 folders

Arrangement note

Documents were originally contained in three-ring-binders separated by labeled dividers. The original order was maintained by labeling folders according to the dividers. The sub-series is arranged by a loose chronological order as there is some overlap on the years.

Scope and Contents note

Contains drafts and final versions of by-laws, procedures and organizational structure.
box 1, folder 6 - 9

Board structure 1976-1989

General Physical Description note: 4 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 6: Member lists (1976-1989)

Folder 7: Ballots and elections (1977-1993)

Folder 8: Guidelines (1980-1986)

Folder 9: Functions (1979-1984)

General note

Material was originally contained in a three-ring-binder entitled "Board structure." Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 1, folder 10 - 11

By-laws and standing rules 1977-1983

General Physical Description note: 2 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 10: By-laws (1977-1983)

Folder 11: Standing rules (1977)

General note

Material was originally contained in a three-ring-binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 1, folder 12 - 20

Procedures 1979-1986

General Physical Description note: 9 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 12: Review (1979)

Folder 13: Procedures committee report (1980)

Folder 14: Summaries (1982)

Folder 15: Board of directors (1985)

Folder 16: Financial (1985)

Folder 17: Newsletter (1985)

Folder 18: Committees (1985)

Folder 19: Personnel, formation of chapters, miscellaneous (1985)

Folder 20: General and board of directors procedures

General note

Material was originally contained in a three-ring binder entitled "Procedures." Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers. See also Box 2, Folders 31-35 for more procedures documents.
box 1,15, folder 21 - 24

Organization re-structure of 1980 1980-1982

General Physical Description note: 4 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 21: Beginning the process (1980)

Folder 22: Retreat reading materials (1980)

Folder 23: Retreat (1980)

Folder 24: Results (1981-1982)



BOX 15

One audio cassette labeled "June 6th SCWU 1981."
box 1, folder 25 - 31

Five year plan 1982-1985

General Physical Description note: 7 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 25: Directions (1982)

Folder 26: Retreat (1983)

Folder 27: Follow-up (1983)

Folder 28: Consolidation (1983)

Folder 29: Consolidation (1984)

Folder 30: Membership interaction (1984)

Folder 31: Second decade plan for progress (1985)

General note

Materials originally contained in three-ring binder labeled "5 Year Goals." Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 1, folder 42

Elections 1984-1994

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Minutes, correspondence Subseries 3. 1976-1993

Physical Description: 23 folders

Arrangement note

Minutes are arranged in chronological order by year.

Scope and Contents note

Minutes are from Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings. Contains two audio cassettes of the January 23, 1983 board meeting.
box 1 - 2, 15, folder 32 - 41, 1 - 8

Minutes (Board of Directors and Executive Committee) 1976-1993

General Physical Description note: 18 folders

Scope and Contents note

BOX 1

Folder 32: June, August-December (1976)

Folder 33: January-October, December (1977)

Folder 34: January-December (1978)

Folder 35: January-December (1979)

Folder 36: January-December (1980)

Folder 37: January-December (1981)

Folder 38: January-December (1982)

Folder 39: January-October, December (1983)

Folder 40: January-November (1984)

Folder 41: January-December (1985)



BOX 2

Folder 1: January-December (1986)

Folder 2: January-August (1987)

Folder 3: February, December (1988)

Folder 4: January, March-April, June-August, November-December (1989)

Folder 5: January-September (1990)

Folder 6: January, March-August, November (1991)

Folder 7: January (1992)

Folder 8: June (1993)



BOX 15



Contains two audio cassettes labeled "Board brainstorm Jan 23 1983."
box 2, folder 53

Correspondence 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Judi Doyle papers Subseries 4. 1978-1987

Physical Description: 33 folders

Arrangement note

The papers were originally contained in a box labeled "Judi Doyle papers to break down and put in notebooks" and were not arranged in any particular order. Instead of integrating the documents into the rest of the collection, the processor decided to keep them separate as they reflected the breadth of responsibilities and activities in which Doyle was involved as a chapter founder, board member, and SCWU chair. The organizational schema of her papers roughly mirror the arrangement of the Central administrative files with folders in alphabetical order by subject.

Scope and Contents note

Judi Doyle was one of the founders of the SCWU Southern chapter and later served as Chairperson and board member of SCWU. Her papers relate to various aspects of her tenure in leadership positions at SCWU. This sub-series also contains three photographs.
box 2, folder 9

Award, Vicky Awards Committee 1980

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Certificate of Nomination for Supporting Organization (1980) presented to SCWU by Vicky Awards Committee
box 2, folder 10

Circular letters 1986-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Circular letters from gay and lesbian focused and/or friendly organizations, including SCWU.
box 2, folder 11

Clippings 1982-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Two copies of clippings from The News featuring a letter to the editor from June Mazer.
box 2, folder 12

Committees 1982-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Documents produced by the Central Communications, Education, Membership and Research Committees as well as proposals for committee structure.
box 2, folder 13

Connexxus 1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 14

Correspondence 1980-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 15

Events 1979-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 16

Financial records 1982-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 17

Forms undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 18

Founding papers 1978

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 19

Handbook 1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 20

Insurance undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 21

Meetings 1979-1984

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 22

Miscellaneous documents 1982

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Maps, directions, and information on the Woman's Building in downtown Los Angeles.
box 2, folder 23

Newsletter 1979-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Includes handwritten drafts of newsletter copy by Judi Doyle.
box 2, folder 24 - 28

Personnel 1980-1985

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 24: Applicants (1980-1985)

Folder 25: Forms and procedures (1980-1982)

Folder 26: Executive Director applicants (1985)

Folder 27: Fundraising Chair applicants (1982)

Folder 28: Managing Editor applicants (1985)
box 2, folder 29

Nominations for the Board 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 30

Photographs 1984

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Three 5x7 black and white photographs. No people are identified. One is labeled "Board doing newsletter assembly (1984)."
box 2, folder 31 - 35

Procedures 1980-1987

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 31: 1980-1984

Folder 32: 1985

Folder 33: 1986

Folder 34: 1987

Folder 35: undated

General note

See also Box 1, Folders 12-20 for more procedures documents.
box 2, folder 36

Proposals to the board 1985-1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 37

Rosters, board members 1980-1984

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 2, folder 38 - 42

Treasurer's reports 1981-1987

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 38: 1981-1982

Folder 39: 1983-1984

Folder 40: 1985-1986

Folder 41: 1987

Folder 42: undated
 

Administrative files Series 2. 1979-1994

Physical Description: 18 folders

Scope and Contents note

Contains human resources files, correspondence, clippings, beta video cassettes, audio cassettes, photographs, and promotional print materials and objects.

Arrangement note

Documents are arranged by format.
box 2, folder 43 - 49

Central administrative records 1979-1994

General Physical Description note: 7 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 43: Personnel committee (1980-1994)

Folder 44: Personnel instructions (1979-1982)

Folder 45: Employees (1980-1985)

Folder 46: Contracting members and participating accounts (1979-1980)

Folder 47: Volunteer task force (1980)

Folder 48: Facilities (1980-1985)

Folder 49: Letterhead (1979-1982)

General note

Folder 45 includes two 3x5 black and white photographs of Jean Conger, Executive Director, and one 8x11 print of unidentified employee. Folder 48 contains ten black and white 3x5 photographs of the West Hollywood SCWU office and staff, four color 3x5 photographs of members during the moving process, and four 8x11 black and white photographs of SCWU meeting locations.
box 2 - 3, 16, folder 50 - 52, 1 - 5

Correspondence 1981-1989

General Physical Description note: 8 folders

Scope and Contents note

BOX 2

Folder 50: 1981

Folder 51: 1982

Folder 52: 1983



BOX 3

Folder 1: 1984

Folder 2: 1985

Folder 3: 1986

Folder 4: 1988

Folder 5: 1989



BOX 16

Folder 3: Correspondence, oversized card from LGRC Board of Directors (1982)

General note

Materials originally contained in two three-ring binders labeled "Correspondence." Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 3, folder 35

Clippings 1986-1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3,15, folder 36

Miscellaneous 1984-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains a Project 10 leaflet, an SCWU leaflet on "Lesbians: Low risk for AIDS, a leaflet of the SCWU song, handwritten notes on businesses, event details, and SCWU members.



BOX 15

One Betamax videocassette labeled "SCWU 9/22/85 TAM/CLAUD Tape 3."

One audio cassette labeled "Feb 6 includes 1st tape and reconstruction of 2nd tape."

One audio cassette labeled "Sophia's song (2 min)."
box 14,16, folder 1

Promotional materials undated

General Physical Description note: 1 visor, 1 multimedia collage

Scope and Contents note





BOX 14

Folder 1: One plastic lavendar SCWU visor printed with SCWU logo and feet design with black and white cloth band.



BOX 16

Folder 4: One collage poster with original SCWU newsletter clippings on the 1981 Christopher Street gay pride parade and photographs of SCWU members, one 4.25x10" black and white photograph of SCWU members holding banner in the parade and one color polaroid print of Judi Doyle, Robbi Simon, Renee Scarnagi Audrey Prosser, Peggy Hargrove, and Marty Ruby.
 

Financial records Series 3. 1975-1990

Physical Description: 34 folders

Scope and Contents note

Contains bank statements, budgets, invoices, documentation on membership dues, financial procedures, Internal Revenue Service paperwork, and treasurer's reports.

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.
box 3, folder 6 - 8

Bank statements 1978-1980

General Physical Description note: 3 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 6: 1978

Folder 7: 1979

Folder 8: 1980
box 3, folder 9 - 21, 30

Budgets 1975-1990

General Physical Description note: 14 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 9: 1975-1976

Folder 10: 1977

Folder 11: 1978

Folder 12: 1979

Folder 13: 1980

Folder 14: 1981

Folder 15: 1982

Folder 16: 1983-1984

Folder 17: 1985

Folder 18: 1986

Folder 30: 1988

Folder 19: 1989

Folder 20: 1990

Folder 21: undated
box 3, folder 22

Insurance 1980-1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 23

Invoices 1979, 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 24

Lease 1980

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 25

Memberships 1979

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 26

Miscellaneous 1979-1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Receipts (advertisements in The Lesbian Tide and Alcoholism Center for Women), handwritten notes, letter from Impressions Gallery, and Articles of Incorporation certified by the California Secretary of State.
box 3, folder 27

Procedures 1980-1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 28

Receipts 1979

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 29

Tax exempt status 1980-1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 3, folder 31 - 34

Treasurer's reports 1977-1985

General Physical Description note: 4 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 31: 1977-1978

Folder 32: 1980

Folder 33: 1981-1982

Folder 34: 1984-1985
 

Committees Series 4. 1976-1994

Physical Description: 107 folders

Scope and Contents note

SCWU was largely sustained through the work of its various committees - activities, communications, education, fundraising, membership, and research. These committees planned, publicized, funded, fueled membership and research that powered the social and educational activities that furthered the educational mission of SCWU. The material contained in this series gives insight to the inner workings of these committees and the events and projects produced under their auspices.

Arrangement note

Sub-series are arranged in alphabetical order.
 

Activities Subseries 1. 1977-1994

Physical Description: 5 folders

Arrangement note

Documents were originally contained in a three-ring-binder separated by dividers labeled by event type. Each folder contains a divider section of the original binder with the exception of "Political and cultural events." This folder contains flyers found in other parts of the collection that did not fit into the event types found in the three ring binder.

Scope and Contents note

Contains the minutes and planning notes of the Activities Committee as well as event flyers.
box 4, folder 1

Reports, rosters, memorandum 1977-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

General note

Material arranged in a three ring binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 4, folder 2

Parties and dances 1977-1994

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

General note

Material arranged in a three ring binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 4, folder 3

Mountain, park, beach, pool events 1978-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

General note

Material arranged in a three ring binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 4, folder 4

Weekend retreats 1979-1992

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

General note

Material arranged in a three ring binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 4, folder 5

Political and cultural events 1983-1993

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Communications Subseries 2. 1977-1991

Physical Description: 13 folders

Arrangement note

The documents in the first seven folders were originally contained in a three-ring-binder separated by dividers labeled by subject. Each folder contains a divider section of the original binder. <br><br>The "Circular letters" and "Flyers non-SCWU" contain material found in other parts of the collection that did not fit into the categories in the three ring binder.

Scope and Contents note

Contains a list of media resources (people and organizations), publicity materials protocol, circular letters, and flyers sent by SCWU on behalf of ally organizations.
box 4, folder 6

Resources 1979-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 7

Forms 1977-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 8

Gay/lesbian media 1977-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 9

Other media 1978-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 10

Procedures 1980-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 11

Advertisements and press releases 1979-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 12

Lesbian yellow pages undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 18

Circular letters 1989-1994

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 17

Flyers, non-SCWU 1984-1991

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 14

Mailing list manager backups undated

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Two 5.25 inch floppy discs.
Special equipment or further processing may be required for viewing. To access digital materials you must notify the reference desk in advance of your visit.
 

Education Subseries 3. 1976-1994

Physical Description: 55 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order and chronological order, where possible.

Scope and Contents note

This series contains materials related to the events and projects executed by the Education Committee. Some of the most notable events include the Receptions for Understanding, Special Interest Programs, and the annual Lesbian Rights Award Dinners which honored luminary lesbian artists, writers, activists, and politicians. "Achieving Educational Objectives" highlights the early educational events of SCWU. This series also contains photographs, audio cassettes, and a beta video cassette.
box 5, folder 3 - 13

Achieving educational objectives 1976-1985

General Physical Description note: 11 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 3: 1976-1977

Folder 4: 1979-1980

Folder 5: 1981-1982

Folder 6: 1983-1984

Folder 7: Major educational events (1977)

Folder 8: Major educational events (1978)

Folder 9: Major educational events (1979)

Folder 10: Major educational events (1981)

Folder 11: Major educational events (1982)

Folder 12: Major educational events (1983)

Folder 13: Events with other organizations (1981-1985)

General note

Material was originally contained in a three-ring-binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 9,14, folder 7 - 37

Lesbian rights award dinners 1979-1994

General Physical Description note: 31 folders, 1 1/2" open reel

Scope and Contents note





BOX 9 Folder 7: Awardees Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon (1979)

Folder 8: Publicity (1979-1980)

Folder 9: Planning (1979-1980)

Folder 10: Invitations (1979)

Folder 33 : Photographs (1979)

Folder 34: Publicity (1983)

Folder 11: Planning (1983)

Folder 12: Invitations and program (1983)

Folder 35: Photographs

Folder 13: Publicity (1986)

Folder 14: Planning (1985-1986)

Folder 15: Program (1986)

Folder 16: Photographs (1986)

Folder 17: Publicity (1987)

Folder 18: Planning (1987)

Folder 19: Invitations (1987)

Folder 20: Publicity

folder 21 Program (1988)

Folder 22: Publicity (1989)

Folder 23: Program (1989)

Folder 24: Publicity (1990)

Folder 25: Program (1990)

Folder 26: Publicity (1991)

Folder 27: Program (1991)

Folder 36: Display materials (undated)

Folder 37: Correspondence (1991)

Folder 28: Publicity (1992)

Folder 29: Program (1992)

Folder 30: Publicity (1993)

Folder 31: Program (1993)

Folder 32: Publicity (1994)



BOX 14 One betamax video cassette labeled "Interview with Del and Phyllis by Myra Riddell (September 1979)." Recorded on Sony Video Tape V-30H. Box is labeled as "copied to VHS Jul 82." Unknown if tape is CV or AV format.

General note

For information on the Lesbian Rights Dinner (1981), see Boxes 10, 11, 15, and 16.
box 5, folder 14

Minutes 1983-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Minutes and notes collected by June Mazer.
box 5, folder 15

National Organization of Women Certificate of Achievement 1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Alice Paul Certificate of Feminist Achievement presented to Southern California Women for Understanding for Advancement of Feminist Goals (August 22, 1981)
box 5, folder 16

Receptions for understanding 1978

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 10,15, folder 1 - 6

Slide show on healthcare 1979-1980

General Physical Description note: 6 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 10

Folder 1: Minutes (1980)

Folder 2: Stories (1980)

Folder 3: Proposal outlines (undated)

Folder 4: Scripts (1980)

Folder 5: Grant (1981)

Folder 6: Resources (1979-1983)



BOX 15

One audio cassette labeled "Slide comm. 3rd mtg 4/80"

General note

Material was originally contained in a three-ring-binder. Folders have been divided and labeled according to the binder dividers.
box 10, folder 7

Special interest groups 1980-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 10, folder 8

Special interest programs 1980-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

General note

Bound red volume labeled "S.I.P.'s"
box 10 - 11, 15, 16, folder 9 - 12, 1 - 3

Weekend of Lesbian Culture 1980-1981

General Physical Description note: 4 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 10

Folder 9: Elsa Gidlow (1980-1981)

Folder 10: Film - Word Is Out (1980-1981)

Folder 11: Poetry reading (1980)

Folder 12: Lesbian rights award dinner (1980-1981)



BOX 11

Folder 1: Reception - lesbian history (1980-1981)



BOX 15

One audio cassette labeled "Elsa Gidlow - reading from Sapphic songs" over KPFA, Interviewed by Padraigin McGillicuddy, Drama and Literature, September 20, 1982."



BOX 16

Folder 1: Exhibit materials - 3 pins SCWU, SCWU pamphlets, Lesbian Low Risk for AIDS High Risk for Discrimination Conference Packet (1977), 5 display boards about SCWU, and rubber stamp with SCWU 13719 Ventura Bl. ste. D

Folder 2: SCWU t-shirt

Folder 3: Correspondence (1982)
 

Fundraising Subseries 4. 1976-1990

Physical Description: 3 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains material related to the events and planning by the Fundraising Committee.
box 4, folder 13

Circular letters and flyers 1976-1990

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 14

Correspondence 1979-1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 15

Reports and memorandum 1976-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Membership Subseries 5. 1976-1994

Physical Description: 3 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains member rosters as well as material related to the events and planning by the Membership Committee.
box 5, folder 1

Circular letters and flyers 1977-1994

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 5, folder 2

Membership lists 1977-1994

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 4, folder 16

Minutes and memorandum 1976-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Research Subseries 6. 1977-1988

Physical Description: 28 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged by alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains material related to the early research projects of the Research Committee. One of the most notable projects was the "Personal profile questionnaires" by which SCWU members were surveyed on their lifestyles. The "Data" folders contains the original surveys. The "Lesbian profile manuscript review contains the data analysis by members of the Research Committee. The sub-series also contains minutes, grant applications, flyers, notes, and materials on other research projects.
box 11, folder 2 - 3

Correspondence 1982-1988

General Physical Description note: 2 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 2: General (1982-1988)

Folder 3: Personal profile questionnaires (undated)
box 11, folder 4 - 12, box 12, folder 1 - 3

Data 1977-1988

General Physical Description note: 12 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 11

Folder 4: Computer run (undated)

Folder 5: Correlations to consider (undated)

Folder 6: Personal profile questionnaires, #1-20 (1977-1978)

Folder 7: Personal profile questionnaires, #21-40 (1977-1978)

Folder 8: Personal profile questionnaires, #41-60 (1977-1978)

Folder 9: Personal profile questionnaires, #61-80 (1977-1978)

Folder 10: Personal profile questionnaires, #81-101 (1977-1978)

Folder 11: Personal profile questionnaires, unnumbered (1977-1978)

Folder 12: Profile reports data (1977-1978)



BOX 12

Folder 1: Data analysis by Judy Tupac (1984)

Folder 2: Data dissemination (1981-1988)

Folder 3: Dictionary data - Medical diagnoses and cause of death (undated)

Folder 13: Preliminary analyses (1982)

Folder 17: Raw data, interim version (undated)

Folder 18: Raw data, correct version (undated)
box 12, folder 4

Flyers 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 5

Future research ideas 1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 6

Grant applications 1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 7

Lesbian montage: health and stress presentation 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 8

Lesbian profile manuscript review 1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 9

Literature reviews 1981-1982

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 10

Los Angeles Lesbians: A Survey manuscript 1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 11

Math 1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 12

Minutes and memoranda 1978-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 14

Publicity 1982

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains a comparative analysis of SCWU's research data with other studies.
box 12, folder 15 - 16

Questionnaires undated

General Physical Description note: 2 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 15: Blank (undated)

Folder 16: Drafts (undated)
box 12, folder 20

Resources 1983-1984

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 21

Serious health problems, question #74 undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 19

Standard measures undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 14

Research discs 1980-1988

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

13 5.25 inch floppy disks.
Special equipment or further processing may be required for viewing. To access digital materials you must notify the reference desk in advance of your visit.
 

Newsletters Series 5. 1976-1999

Physical Description: 58 folders

Scope and Contents note

The Newsletters series primarily consists of an incomplete run of the SCWU newsletter. Volumes 1-13, 15, and 19 are complete (1977-1989, 1991, 1995). With the exception of volumes 15 and 19, the newspaper collection wanes in the 1990s. The newsletter covers the life and activities of the organization and its members. The "Herstories" column which begins in the March 1979 issue of the newsletter highlights the life history of a lesbian woman. With some exception, most featured women are SCWU members. Part one of the research data from the personal profile questionnaires was published in the December/January 1981-82 issue; the remainer of the research findings were published in subsequent issues. The newsletters also contain event listings and a short update from each area chapter chair. The bound copies of the newsletter that were donated by June Mazer, former newsletter editor, are meticulously organized and annotated. The "Newsletter retrospective" was originally a three ring binder compiled by June Mazer which highlights the challenges and evolution of the newsletter through her notes and annotations. <br><br> The series also contains clippings, logo design, galleys, and the planning materials for the tenth anniversary issue which includes an audio cassette tape of the planning meeting.

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order. Newsletters and galleys are arranged in chronological order.
box 9, folder 5

Clippings 1981-1989

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Clippings from SCWU newsletters
box 8, folder 1 - 22

Galleys 1981-1985

General Physical Description note: 22 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 1: Volume 5 Number 6 (December 1981-January 1982)

Folder 2: Volume 6 Number 1 (February-March 1982)

Folder 3: Volume 6 Number 2 (April-May 1982)

Folder 4: Volume 6 Number 4 (August-September 1982)

Folder 5: Volume 6 Number 5 (October-November 1982)

Folder 6: Volume 6 Number 6 (December 1982-January 1983)

Folder 7: Volume 7 Number 1 (February-March 1983)

Folder 8: Volume 7 Number 2 (April-May 1983)

Folder 9: 7th Anniversary Issue (May 1983)

Folder 10: Volume 7 Number 3 (June-July 1983)

Folder 11: Volume 8 Number 2 (April-May 1984)

Folder 12: Volume 8 Number 3 (June-July 1984)

Folder 13: Volume 8 Number 4 (August-September 1984)

Folder 14: Volume 8 Number 5 (October-November 1984)

Folder 15: Volume 8 Number 6 (December 1984-January 1985)

Folder 16: Volume 9 Number 1 (February-March 1985)

Folder 17: Volume 9 Number 2 (April-May 1985)

Folder 18: Volume 9 Number 3 (June-July 1985)

Folder 19: Volume 9 Number 4 (August-September 1985)

Folder 20: Volume 9 Number 5 (October-November 1985)

Folder 21: undated (January-April 1983?)

Folder 22: undated (June-July 1983?)
box 9, folder 6

Logo 1979

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Logo design for SCWU's newsletter's "Letter to the Editor" by Carol Porter, Southern Chapter.

General note

Originally in black frame which was discarded during processing due to space considerations. Frame contained no evidential value.
box 6, folder 1 - 23

Newsletters 1977-1999

General Physical Description note: 23 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 1: Volume 1 Number 6 (1977)

Folder 2: Volume 2 Numbers 3-6 (1978)

Folder 3: Volume 3 (1979)

Folder 4: Volume 4 (1980)

Folder 5: Volume 5 (1981)

Folder 6: Volume 6 (1982)

Folder 7: Volume 7 (1983)

Folder 8: Volume 8 (1984)

Folder 9: Volume 9 (1985)

Folder 10: Volume 10 (1986)

Folder 11: Volume 11 (1987)

Folder 12: Volume 12 (1988)

Folder 13: Volume 13 (1989)

Folder 14: Volume 14 Numbers 1-2, 4-5 (1990)

Folder 15: Volume 15 (1991)

Folder 16: Volume 16 Numbers 1-2, 4-6 (1992)

Folder 17: Volume 17 Numbers 3-5 (1993)

Folder 18: Volume 18 Numbers 1-5 (1994)

Folder 19: Volume 19 (1995)

Folder 20: Volume 20 Numbers 2-5 (1996)

Folder 21: Volume 21 Number 6 (1997)

Folder 22: Volume 22 Number 9 (1998)

Folder 23: November/December (1999)

General note

There are six issues to each newsletter volume. Unless otherwise listed, folders contain a complete volume for the year. Many folders also include duplicates of some issues.
box 6, folder 24 - 25, box 7, folder 1 - 3

Newsletters, bound 1976-1987

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 6

Folder 24: Volumes 1-5 (1976-1981)

Folder 25: Volume 1-Volume 7 Number 3, includes 7th Anniversary Issue, donated by June Mazer (1976-1983)



BOX 7

Folder 1: Volume 1-Volume 7 Number 3, includes 7th Anniversary issue, archival set (1976-1983)

Folder 2: Volumes 6-9 (1982-1985)

Folder 3: Volume 7 Number 4-Volume 11 Number 3, includes 10th Anniversary Issue (1983-1987)
box 8, folder 22 - 23, box 9, folder 1 - 3

Newsletter retrospective 1976-1986

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 8

Folder 23: Landmarks and crises, first crisis (1976)

Folder 24: Procedures evolution (1980-1986)



BOX 9

Folder 1: Distribution and circulation (1983)

Folder 2: Budgets and finances (1980-1985)

Folder 3: Advertising (1979-1985)

General note

Documents were originally compiled in a three-ring-binder labeled "Newsletter 1976-1986" by June Mazer.
box 9,15, folder 4

Newsletter, tenth anniversary issue 1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

BOX 9

Contains newsletter, galleys, and photographs.



BOX 15

Contains three audio cassettes labeled "SCWU NL Brunch Founders 4/86 Tape 1," "SCWU NL Brunch Tape 2 4/86," and "NL Brunch Tape 3 4/86 Side one only, half."

General note

Material was originally compiled in a 3-ring-binder labeled "Newsletter: 10 year anniversary."
 

Area chapters Series 6. 1979-1997

Physical Description: 123 folders

Scope and Contents note

During the 1980s, <i>Lesbian News</i> hailed SCWU as the "largest lesbian organization in the country." The majority of its membership was concentrated in the southern California area between San Diego to Santa Barbara. In order to become a chapter, each group underwent a three step process from a formation group to steering committee to an area chapter. Each group functioned as a mini-SCWU in its area with its own committees, events, newsletter, and leadership; however, each group reported to the central Board of Directors and participated in organization-wide events. Each sub-series documents various aspects of area chapters' activities through committee minutes, flyers, newsletters, photographs, and other material on projects and events.

Arrangement note

Sub-series are arranged in alphabetical order.
 

Beach Cities Subseries 1. 1985-1987

Physical Description: 2 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains event flyers and a SCWU newsletter clipping on the founding of the Beach Cities chapter.
box 12, folder 59

Clipping 1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 22

Flyers 1982-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Desert Subseries 2. 1992

Physical Description: 1 folders

Arrangement note

The folder is arranged in chronological order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains an event flyer.
box 12, folder 60

Flyers 1992

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Inland Subseries 3. 1986-1989

Physical Description: 3 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains flyers, newsletters and a clipping from the SCWU newsletter on the founding of the Inland chapter.
box 12, folder 23

Clipping 1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 24

Flyers undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 25

Newsletters 1986-1989

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

Los Angeles/Valley Subseries 4. 1979-1994

Physical Description: 58 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains minutes and other materials from the education, election, and steering committees, correspondence (including circular letters), flyers, newsletters, photographs, and membership and employment information. The bulk of this sub-series consists of materials from two of the Education Committee's theater productions, "Lesbian Odyssey" and "Welcome to our Lesbian World." In addition to the script and other print materials for "Welcome to our Lesbian World," there is a beta video cassette of the production as well as two audio cassettes of the live performance.
box 12, folder 26

Circular letters 1979-1989

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 12, folder 55 - 57

Committees 1980-1993

General Physical Description note: 3 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX12

Folder 55: Election (1984-1993)

Folder 56: Miscellaneous (1981-1990), contains outline of committees' functions, retreat information, November 1983 membership meeting flyer, expense and income statements for March and May 1990, respectively.

Folder 57: Steering (1980-1985)
box 12, folder 35 - 52, 61 - 62

Committee: Education - Welcome to our Lesbian World printed materials 1982-1983

General Physical Description note: 18 folders

Scope and Contents note





BOX 12

Folder 61: Correspondence (1983)

Folder 62: LA/Valley Chapter- Education Committee- Welcome to Our Lesbian World: Photographs

Folder 35: Minutes (undated)

Folder 36: Production planning (1982)

Folder 37: Stage manager notes (undated)

Folder 38: Scripts (undated)

Folder 39: Scripts - Curtain raiser (undated)

Folder 40: Scripts - Het truth (undated)

Folder 41: Scripts - Therapy scene (undated)

Folder 42: Scripts - Trilogy (undated)

Folder 43: Scripts - Family blinders (undated)

Folder 44: Scripts - Retirement village (undated)

Folder 45: Scripts - Susan's song (undated)

Folder 46: Scripts - Coming out to mom (undated)

Folder 47: Scripts - Party lines (undated)

Folder 48: Scripts - Gay truth (undated)

Folder 49: Scripts - Finale (undated)

Folder 51: Ephemera (1983)

Folder 52: Press and photographs (1983)

Folder 50: Video (1983)
box 15

Committee: Education - Welcome to our Lesbian World audiovisual materials 1983

General Physical Description note: 1 betamax videocassette, 2 audio cassettes

Scope and Contents note

AUDIO

One audio cassette labeled "Welcome to our World Lesbian Odyssey"

One audio cassette "Welcome - 2nd Perf. (From Bar Area)" and "Sara's Birthday Song from Cast & Cheers."



VISUAL

One betamax videocassette labeled "Welcome to our Lesbian World SCWU 1983"
box 12,15, folder 27 - 34, 53 - 54

Committee: Education 1980-1986

Scope and Contents note





BOX 12

Folder 27: Events, formerly entitled "LA/Valley's Educational Blockbusters (1982-1984)

Folder 28: Lesbian Odyssey - Production materials, 1 of 2 (1985)

Folder 29: Lesbian Odyssey - Production materials, 2 of 2 (1985)

Folder 30: Lesbian Odyssey - Slides (1985)

Folder 31: Lesbian Odyssey - Publicity and ephemera (1985-1986)

Folder 32: Lesbian Odyssey - Applications (1985)

Folder 33: Lesbian Odyssey - Correspondence (1984-1985)

Folder 34: Lesbian Odyssey - Planning (1984-1985)

Folder 53: Photographs (1980-1984)

Folder 54: Miscellaneous (1982-1983), contains Education Committee roster, notes from theater productions, Central Education Committee minutes (April-May 1982), a folder from "A Women's Conference on Crime Prevention" with notes from Education meeting (June 7, 1982).
box 12, folder 58

Correspondence 1979-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 1

Flyers 1979-1990

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 2

Membership and employment 1985-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 3 - 16

Newsletter 1981-1994

General Physical Description note: 14 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 3: 1981

Folder 4: 1982

Folder 5: 1983

Folder 6: 1984

Folder 7: 1985

Folder 8: 1986

Folder 9: 1987

Folder 10: 1988

Folder 11: 1989

Folder 12: 1990

Folder 13: 1991

Folder 14: 1992

Folder 15: 1993

Folder 16: 1994
box 13, folder 17

Photograph 1982

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains one 3x5 inch color photograph labeled "Sally and Judy, 1982"
box 13, folder 18

Research undated

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
 

San Diego Subseries 5. 1981-1989

Physical Description: 7 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains flyers, newsletters, and miscellaneous material pertaining to the SCWU organization.
box 13, folder 19

Flyers 1985-1989

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 20

Miscellaneous 1981-1987

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains a clipping from the Lesbian News (September 1985) with an announcement of the San Diego chapter's meeting dates, order forms for SCWU watches, flyers for 1987 Camp SCWU and 1983 membership meeting.
box 13, folder 21 - 25

Newsletter 1986-1989

General Physical Description note: 5 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 21: 1986

Folder 22: 1987

Folder 23: 1988

Folder 24: 1989

Folder 25: undated
 

San Gabriel Valley Subseries 6. 1980-1994

Physical Description: 21 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains committees' materials, flyers, newsletters, photographs, and miscellaneous materials related to the SCWU organization.
box 13, folder 26 - 29

Committees 1981-1982

General Physical Description note: 4 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 26: Elections (1981-1988)

Folder 27: Miscellaneous (1981-1982), contains drafts of committees' responsibilities

Folder 28: Special interest programs (undated)

Folder 29: Social (undated)

Folder 30: Steering 1980-1986
box 13, folder 31

Flyers 1980-1989

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 32

Miscellaneous 1980-1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains Bunny MacCulloch's membership card, received correspondence, Certificate of Appreciation from the San Gabriel Chapter of SCWU (1983), poetry, program from "The Sound of Music," sexuality questionnaire, activity questionnaire, clippings from the Lesbian News and the SCWU Newsletter, and San Gabriel Valley telephone tree.
box 13, folder 33 - 46

Newsletter 1981-1994

General Physical Description note: 14 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 33: 1981-1982

Folder 34: 1983

Folder 35: 1984

Folder 36: 1985

Folder 37: 1986

Folder 38: 1987

Folder 39: 1988

Folder 40: 1989

Folder 41: 1990

Folder 42: 1991

Folder 43: 1992

Folder 44: 1993

Folder 45: 1994

Folder 46: undated
box 13, folder 47

Photographs 1982

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains one 5x5.5" color photograph and one 3x5" black and white photograph. Subjects and exact dates unknown.
 

Southern Subseries 7. 1979-1997

Physical Description: 21 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains newsletters, flyers, material from the Steering Committee, clippings, a photograph, and miscellaneous materials related to the chapter and the larger SCWU organization.
box 13, folder 67

Committee: Steering 1979-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 48

Clippings 1979-1981

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Includes one 3x5" black and white photograph of Judi Doyle, Bobbi Simon, and Judi's son, Brennan.
box 13, folder 49

Flyers 1979-1988

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 68

Miscellaneous 1979-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder

Scope and Contents note

Contains agenda of general membership meeting (November 13, 1983), "Let's Sleep on It" program, facilitator training packet, and "Southern Chapter Herstory" placard.
box 13, folder 50 - 65

Newsletters 1981-1997

General Physical Description note: 16 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 50: 1981

Folder 51: 1982

Folder 52: 1983

Folder 53: 1984

Folder 54: 1985

Folder 55: 1986

Folder 56: 1987

Folder 57: 1988

Folder 58: 1989

Folder 59: 1990

Folder 60: 1991

Folder 61: 1992

Folder 62: 1993

Folder 63: 1995

Folder 64: 1996

Folder 65: 1997
 

Ventura/Santa Barbara Subseries 8. 1979-1992

Physical Description: 10 folders

Arrangement note

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Scope and Contents note

Contains newsletters, flyers, Steering Committee documents, and clippings.
box 13, folder 69

Clippings 1979-1985

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 70

Committee: Steering 1980-1983

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 71

Flyers 1979-1986

General Physical Description note: 1 folder
box 13, folder 72 - 78

Newsletter 1980-1992

General Physical Description note: 7 folders

Scope and Contents note

Folder 72: 1980

Folder 73: 1986

Folder 74: 1987

Folder 75: 1989

Folder 76: 1990

Folder 77: 1992

Folder 78: undated