[Identification of item], San Antonio Chapter of the National Organization for Women Records, 1970-1998, MS 10, Archives and Special Collections, Library, University of Texas at San Antonio.
The San Antonio chapter of the National Organization for Women (SANOW) was formed in 1970 and chartered on February 3, 1971. The governing structure of SANOW consists of a council of elected officials including the chapter President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Membership in SANOW is open to anyone subscribing to NOW's purpose. As it states in its by-laws, the purpose of SANOW is to promote the role and rights of women in the mainstream American society with the freedom from discrimination based on marital status, parenthood, and sexual preference. SANOW works towards this mission through a variety of political and educational activities.
Like most of the local chapters of NOW, SANOW has organized the Education, Labor Union, and Welfare Rights task forces to approach the wide range of issues effecting women. In 1972 SANOW was involved with the foundation of the Bexar County Woman's Political Caucus -- a group that achieved equal delegate representation for women in Bexar County. Other highlights from SANOW's history include lobbying for AFL/CIO support of ERA, working extensively with TV stations to produce a monthly program, and developing an educational display table to promote NOW's activities. As of May 1996, SANOW is still actively promoting equal rights for women.
The records of the San Antonio chapter of The National Organization for Women (SANOW), 1970-1998, document the varied activities and concerns of its members. The Charter Documents contain correspondence and petitions relating to the founding of the chapter and a copy of the chapter's by-laws. The Newsletters comprise the bulk of the collection and provide an extensive overview of two decades of the organization's interests, events, and activities. Newspaper Clippings also provide insight into topical events and issues that concerned the chapter. While this collection provides very little administrative records, it does contain small series of Correspondence from the President and Vice President's Offices, and Financial Records. The Printed Material is varied and includes announcements, flyers, and programs from SANOW events. The final series, Ephemera contains two banners that were probably part of a display table referred to in the records.
Records were donated in 1994, 2000, 2008 (Acc. 1994-011, 2000-001, 0000-009).
Researchers are required to wear gloves provided by the Archives when reviewing photographic materials.
Permission to publish material from the Records must be obtained from the Archives and Special Collections, University of Texas at San Antonio Library.
Processed by Katie Salzmann, Processing Archivist, June 1996.
Processed by Tatina Wulzer, Collections Assistant, March 2009.
Founding documents establishing the San Antonio chapter of the National Organization for Women. Includes by-laws, correspondence and the original charter.
Arranged chronologically.
A near-complete run of the chapter's monthly newsletters offers insight into the activities of the chapter and its members. The newsletter began in 1973 as
Arranged chronologically.
The bulk of this series consists of clippings from the
Arranged by title and organized chronologically.
Incoming letters to the President's and Vice President's offices regarding the organization of an ERA rally in San Antonio June 30, 1981. All of the letters to the President, Ann Miller, are in response to an invitation to attend the rally. Of note are a letter from Governor William H. Hobby and a telegram from Barbara Jordan offering support for SANOW's efforts. The two letters to the Vice President, Karen A. Parker, are from the City of San Antonio and relate to the arrangements for rally space.
Arranged by office and organized chronologically.
One document. The SANOW Quarterly Financial Report; 1 April-30 June 1976.
Flyers, press releases, announcements and brochures reflect the varied interests and concerns of the San Antonio chapter of NOW. Of note is a 1974 proclamation signed by Charles L. Becker, Mayor of San Antonio, announcing "National Women's Week."
Arranged chronologically.
Two banners: "NOW San Antonio Texas" and "Ratify the ERA: Texas was 8th in 1972."