National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter Records, 1925-1996,, bulk bulk 1978-1989

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Title:
National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter records
Dates:
1925-1996,, bulk bulk 1978-1989
Creators:
National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter
Abstract:
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), California Chapter records provide early background information, dating from the 1930s to 1950s, for various professional associations and also includes materials of NASW Golden Gate Chapter, NASW Los Angeles Chapter, and California Council of NASW Chapters. These chapters preceded the founding of the NASW California Chapter in 1976. The records include correspondence; bylaws; organization structure; policy statements; procedures; Board of Directors, Executive, and other committee meetings; conference and Chapter activity materials; reports; proposals; financial information; and publications. Also contained in the collection is an extensive subject file, including such broad topics as adoption, federal issues, health, legislative activities, mental health, social services, and welfare.
Extent:
Number of containers: 44 cartons Linear feet: 55
Language:
Collection materials are in English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter Records, BANC MSS 83/132c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Background

Scope and content:

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), California Chapter records provide early background information, dating from the 1930s to 1950s, for various professional associations and also includes materials of NASW Golden Gate Chapter, NASW Los Angeles Chapter, and California Council of NASW Chapters. These chapters preceded the founding of the NASW California Chapter in 1976. The records include correspondence; bylaws; organization structure; policy statements; procedures; Board of Directors, Executive, and other committee meetings; conference and Chapter activity materials; reports; proposals; financial information; and publications. Also contained in the collection is an extensive subject file, including such broad topics as adoption, federal issues, health, legislative activities, mental health, social services, and welfare.

The American Association of Medical Social Workers (AAMSW), the American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers (AAPSW), and the American Association of Social Workers (AASW) are some of the professional organizations represented in the collection. Besides chapter records, the NASW Golden Gate Chapter and Los Angeles Chapter files both include correspondence and legal documents relating to the 21st Century Investment case. The California Council of NASW Chapters' correspondence focuses on legislative issues concerning the social work profession and social services.

The majority of the California Chapter records date from 1978 to 1989 and consist primarily of officers' correspondence and committee meeting minutes and materials, particularly the Legislative Committee. Almost half of the collection contains the subject files with the bulk of these relating to legislative activities, including lobbying information, press releases, correspondence in support of bills, and background materials on bills and amendments. The House of Representatives and Senate bills are filed in numerical order. There is also a large section on Welfare which includes subheadings relating to Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).

Biographical / historical:

When the NASW was founded in 1955 by the merger of five existing professional social work organizations, it was set up so the basic unit of participation was the local chapter. Chapters were organized wherever there were a significant number of interested social workers in California. Over the years, sixteen chapters developed, each operating on its own. This lack of cohesiveness limited effectiveness with state legislators and uncoordinated input from many chapters prevented social workers' professional views from being considered seriously. As a step toward correcting this situation, the sixteen chapters formed a State Council, composed of one delegate from each chapter. This provided a vehicle for developing positions on key issues, but proved to be an inadequate instrument for dealing with the rapidly changing circumstances in Sacramento and lack of permanent funding. From 1968 to 1974 several attempts at reorganization were developed by the Council and rejected by the chapters. Finally, in 1974, the Council took the approved new plan for national reorganization from the 1973 Delegate's Assembly with the State as a basic unit, and applied it on the statewide basis. Thirteen of the sixteen chapters voted to merge and form the Greater California Chapter with more effective organizational structure, policies, and procedures. By 1976, all regions had joined to form the California Chapter.

Acquisition information:
The National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter records was given to The Bancroft Library by The National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter in 1982. Additions were made in 1983, 1989, and 1994.
Processing information:

Processed by Janice Otani in 2009.

Arrangement:

Arranged to the folder level.

Accruals:

Additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding Aid written by Janice Otani
Sponsor:
Funding for processing this collection was provided by National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter
Date Prepared:
© 2007
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid generated by Finding Aid author(s) via EAD XPress; markup validated by The Bancroft Library staff using OAC validation tools; Date of source: October 2009

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.

Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter Records, BANC MSS 83/132c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
Website