Abstract The AFSCME Program Development Department was created in January of 1973 to deal with matters such as health care, the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, employee protections, career development, and sex discrimination. It was funded by federal grant money until 1975 when the funds ran out, the department was disbanded, and its several functions were taken over by other AFSCME departments. The records in Part I reflect the Department's concerns with women's issues, sex...

Abstract Ann Shafer has lobbied in support of women's issues, including equal pay, sex and employment discrimination, reproductive freedom, and pregnancy disability benefits throughout her career. She began working in 1946 for W.K. Kellogg Company and was active in the American Federation of Grainmillers, retiring in 1983. She has been involved with the Michigan Democratic Party politics, co-founded a chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW), and was one of the founding members of the...

Abstract Labor and women’s rights activist Edith Van Horn began her career in the labor movement during World War II, when she left graduate school to join the war effort as an assembly line laborer for Goodyear Aircraft, where she joined United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 856. Ms. Horn later held posts as chief steward of Douglas Aircraft UAW Local 17, chief steward of Chrysler’s Dodge Main Local 3, where she was the first woman to serve on Local 3’s executive board, as a delegate to the UAW...

Abstract The International Socialists existed from 1968 -1986 in the U.S. with national headquarters in Detroit, and branches in 14 other cities. It was preceded by the Independent Socialist Club, established in Berkley in 1964, which then formed an International Socialist Committee. The International Socialist Club appealed to radical student and Maoist groups. Kim Moody, contributor of several pivotal writings to the socialist cause, helped to establish a branch of the Independent Socialist Club in...

Abstract Marjorie Stern worked as on organizer for the American Federation of Teachers in various cities, served seven consecutive terms as secretary to the San Francisco Federation of Teachers Local 61, and played an instrumental role in the creation of the AFT Women’s Rights Committee. Ms. Stern served as coordinator of the National Organization for Women’s (NOW) Task Force on Union Women, and served as a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). Ms. Stern’s papers relate to her...

Abstract Mildred Jeffrey worked as an organizer for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, as Educational Director of the Pennsylvania Joint Board of Shirt Workers, as a consultant to the War Labor Board, as Director of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Women’s Bureau, and as Director for UAW Community Relations and Consumer Affairs Departments. Ms. Jeffrey was also active in the Democratic Party and was a founding member and chair of the National Organization of Women’s (NOW) political arm, the...

Abstract An active advocate for child welfare, social justice, and the labor movement, Muriel Tuteur held a variety of posts, including Director of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU) Day Care and Health Center, and Assistant Director of Education and Political Action for the Chicago and Central States Joint Board of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). Ms. Tuteur's papers include personal subject files and speeches, documenting her interests and involvement in a broad range...

Abstract A member of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 50, Olga Madar served as director of recreation programs, social services and women's activities, and as director of the International Union's Recreational Department. Ms. Madar was the first woman to hold a position on the UAW International Executive Board, and the first woman to serve as UAW International Vice-President. Ms. Madar's papers reflect her career with the UAW and her commitment to advocacy for women, minorities and senior citizens.

Abstract In 1973, Pat Ford, then a clerical worker at Alameda County Hospital, aided in the creation of Local 616 by affiliating the 4000-member association with SEIU. Ford held various leadership positions in Local 616, including president (the Local’s first African-American woman president), and Executive Director. In addition to Ford’s service to Local 616, in 1996 she was elected as SEIU Executive Vice President, and reelected in 2000. During her tenure with SEIU, Ford helped to found the Caucus of...