urn:taro:utsa.00109 A Guide to the Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County Records, 1970-2002 April 11, 2007Encoded in XMetal 3 by Mathew C. Martin according to instructions in TARO 2 EAD 2002 Editing Instructions. June 18, 2008 Revised in XMetal Author by Angela McClendon to standardize format, standardize subject headings, and fix minor coding errors. March 17, 2009 Revised in XMetal Author by Nikki Lynn Thomas to change name. Descriptive Summary Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County Records 1970-2002Materials are in English. MS 150 7.2 linear feet (about 5,400 items) University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections The Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County is a multi-partisan organization committed to electing greater numbers of women to public office. The WPCBC endorses candidates and publicly addresses issues relevant to women in Bexar County and San Antonio. The WPCBCCaucus was formed in 1971, shortly after the forming of the National Women's Political Caucus and the Texas Women's Political Caucus, and is affiliated with both groups. They host conferences, organize political workshops, and hold fundraising events for candidates and for themselves. The collection spans the years 1974 through 2002 and reflects the organization's work to educate local voters about women's issues and the candidacy of politicians who share their ideals. The records consist of bylaws, correspondence, financial documents, membership lists, meeting minutes, newsclippings, and scrapbooks related to their efforts to raise money for candidates and programs, educate local voters, and campaign for and promote particular candidates sympathetic to the WPCBC's causes. Historical Note

The Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County (WPCBC), a multi-partisan organization, is committed to electing greater numbers of women to public office. The Caucus endorses candidates and publicly addresses issues relevant to women in Bexar County and San Antonio. The Caucus networks and cooperates with other women's groups in an effort to improve the status and condition of women. One focus of the WPCBC is the legislative process as an important means for women to gain full participation and equality in society. The Caucus also works to recruit and train qualified women candidates, campaign managers, and workers to raise funds for candidates and encourage voter participation.

The WPCBC formed in 1971, shortly after the forming of the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) and the Texas Women's Political Caucus (TWPC). The WPCBC is affiliated with both groups. The WPCBC (and all levels of the Caucus) recruits a diversified membership and is open to all women and interested men.

In addition to supporting local female candidates, the WPCBC supports women's issues such as adequate and affordable healthcare; the right to reproductive freedom; political, legal and economic equality for women; and protection against spousal abuse or other crimes of violence. They also host conferences, organize political workshops, and hold fundraising events for candidates and for themselves.

 Scope and Content Note

The collection spans the years 1974 through 2002 and reflects the organization's work to educate local voters about women's issues and the candidacy of politicians who share their ideals. The records consist of bylaws, correspondence, financial documents, membership lists, meeting minutes, newsclippings, and scrapbooks related to their efforts to raise money for candidates and programs, educate local voters, and campaign for and promote particular candidates sympathetic to WPCBC's causes. The collection has been organized into five series: Administration, Committees, Events, History, and Officers.

bylaws, biographical information (for some members), correspondence, directories and standing rules can be found in the Administration series. The correspondence (1975-2001) reflects relationships and communication between the WPCBC and other branches of the Women's Political Caucus, local and state organizations, and local newspapers. The correspondence also provides insight into the day to day running of the group through letters between individual members, officers, and committees. Directories (1994-2001) include information about the hierarchy of officers and committees, as well as members and program information about the club year.

The Committees series provides information about the activities of a variety of interest groups committees including Affirmative Action, Equal Rights Amendment, Internal Communications, Political Action Committee, and Public Relations. The most intensely documented committee is the Internal Communications Committee with newsletters published between 1974 and 2002 (an incomplete run with the exception of 1988-1994). The Public Relations committee, is also fairly well documented through press releases (1978-1990) and newsclippings (1976-1996, undated) about WPCBC members, issues, and events.

The Events series provides information about the group's social, educational, and fundraising activities throughout the years. While many of the activities were sponsored by the WPCBC alone, they also participated in events that were co-sponsored with other groups and organizations. The most documented event is the annual Holiday Party and Auction (1978-1994), and includes invitations, financial reports, and silent auction lists. Other sponsored or co-sponsored events of note are a Gloria Steinem visit to San Antonio in the 1970s, the National Women's Political Caucus convention held in San Antonio in 1983, and the various workshops and programs related to local governance/government issues, how to campaign, and the Legislative Brunch. The brunch allows women interested in politics and running for office to network and share ideas.

The History series includes a folder with a several documents that provide information about the history of the WPCBC (1982, 1987, 1993, undated) and provides a bit of background information about its mother caucuses, the Texas Women's Political Caucus and the National Women's Political Caucus. Three scrapbooks (1978-1980, 1981-1982, 1983-1992) reveal the yearly activities of the organization through newsclippings, flyers, photographs, and other documents. These scrapbooks showcase the work, members, and interests of the group.

The Officers series details the responsibilities of the officers of the WPCBC through correspondence, financial information and meeting minutes, and is the richest resource for learning about WPCBC. The President's Books (1993-1999) are notebooks kept by the president that contain information related to their work and activities throughout their year in office. Within the President's Books are agendas and minutes for the Executive Committee, General Membership meetings, and other WPCBC committee meetings; fundraising efforts and event planning by the WPCBC; flyers and invitations for events of interest to the WPCBC at the local, state, and national level; and correspondence between the WPCBC and politicians, various organizations, and other Caucus groups. The many short but informative letters shared between the WPCBC and local, state, and federal politicians (1975-2001) represent political issues important to the WPCBC, their efforts to make politicians aware of their interests, and, in some cases, praise for (or censure of) the politicians' decisions in regard to lawmaking.

Also within the Officers series are materials related to the work of the Vice President for Membership including an extensive run of membership lists (1974-1994, 2001, undated), applications, correspondence, and participation questionnaires. Under the office of the Recorder are minutes and agendas for Executive Committee meetings (1976-2001) and General Membership meetings (1976-1999). Important materials created and kept by the office of Treasurer include Treasurer's reports (1976-1995, 2000-2001) and budgets (1978-1979, 1985-1989, and 1993-1995). This series also includes information about the Scholarship Committee (1st Vice President) and descriptions of yearly programs planned by the Vice President for Programs (1977-1980, 1984-1993, undated).

Access Restrictions

This collection is housed at UTSA's Main Campus and must be accessed via the John Peace Library Special Collections reading room. To request access, please use the Collections Request Form.

 Usage Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County Records must be obtained from University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections or the appropriate copyright holder.

 Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County Records, 1970-2002, MS 150, University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

 Acquisition Information

Received from the Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County in 1998, 1999 and 2002 (Acc. 1998-032, 1999-023, 2002-066).

 Processing Information

Processed by Traci Drummond, Archivist, January 2007.

 Note to Researchers

According to a letter sent to WPCBC members in 1993, many of the group's records were destroyed in a house fire (no date given), which may account for gaps of information in the collection.

 Index Terms Organizations Women's Political Caucus of Bexar County. Subjects Women--Texas--Societies and clubs--History--20th century. Women in public life--Texas--San Antonio. Women in politics. Feminism--Texas. Women--Politics and government.Women in politics--Texas--History--20th century. Locations Bexar County (Tex.)--Politics and government. San Antonio (Tex.)--Politics and government. Genres/Formats Bylaws (administrative records). Correspondence. Minutes. Scrapbooks. Clippings (information artifacts). Local Subjects Clubs and Organizations Politics/Politicians San Antonio History Women's Groups Detailed Description of the Collection Administrative

Includes bylaws, biographical information (for some members), correspondence, directories, and standing rules. The correspondence (1975-2001) reflects relationships and communication between the WPCBC and other branches of the Women's Political Caucus, local and state organizations, and local newspapers. The correspondence also provides insight into the day to day running of the group through letters between individual members, officers, and committees. Directories (1994-2001) include information about the hierarchy of officers and committees, as well as members and program information about the club year.

Arranged alphabetically.

 1 1 Annual report, 1983-1984, [1987] 1 2 Biennial report, 1994 1 3 Biographical information (San Antonio women), 1977-1984, 1992-1995, undated 1 Bylaws 1 4 1974, 1975, 1997-1978 1 5 1983, 1988 1 6 1990, 1992-1993 1 7 Proposed amendments & changes, 1974-1978, 1991, 1993, 1998, undated 1 Correspondence 1 8 WPCBC business, 1975-1993, 2001, undated 1 9 Letters to the editor/newspapers, 1977-1979, 1984-1992 1 10 Local & state organizations, 1975-1994, undated 1 11 Other caucus branches, 1975-1979, 1984-1993, undated 1 12 Recommendations, 1977-1978, 1990, 1994, undated 1 13 Thank yous, 1976-1978, 1986-1994, undated 1 Directories 1 14 1994-2001, undated 1 15 Information gathering, 1993 1 16 News clippings ( Women's issues), 1977-1997 2 Nominations 2 1 Correspondence, 1984, 1990-1992 2 2 Nomination forms (completed), 1980, 1984-1994, undated 2 3 Notes & background information, 1991, undated 2 4 Phone tree and related information, 1989, undated 2 Photographs 2 5 Color 2 6 Black and White 2 7 Proposed goals and plan, 1975 2 8 Recognition 1986-1988, 1994 2 9 Resolution on prostitution, 1981 2 10 Sales tax and use permit, 1978 2 11 Standing rules, circa 1976 2 12 Stationery, undated Committees

This series provides information about the group's social, educational, and fundraising activities throughout the years. While many of the activities were sponsored by the WPCBC alone, they also participated in events that were co-sponsored with other groups and organizations. The most documented event is the annual Holiday Party and Auction (1978-1994), and includes invitations, financial reports, and silent auction lists. Other sponsored or co-sponsored events of note are a Gloria Steinem visit to San Antonio in the 1970s, the National Women's Political Caucus convention held in San Antonio in 1983, and the various workshops and programs related to local governance/government issues, how to campaign, and the Legislative Brunch. The brunch allows women interested in politics and running for office to network and share ideas.

Arranged alphabetically.

 2 13 Ad hoc committee on policy for caucus financial contributions, 1987 2 14 Affirmative Action report, 1976-1977, undated 2 15 Charter Review Committee, 1985, 1989, 1991-1992, undated 2 16 Appointments Committee, 1990 2 17 Committee to establish a policy regarding organizations the WPCBC should join or support, 1990 2 18 Democratic task force, 1978-1980 2 ERA 2 19 Ad hoc ERA committee (minutes), 1979 2 20 Background information, 1970-1976, undated 2 21 Governmental Affairs Committee, 1989 2 22 Internal Communications Committee, undated 2 WPCBC newsletter 2 23 1974-1977 3 1 1978-1979 3 2 1980-1984 3 3 1985-1987 3 4 1988-1989 3 5 1990-1992 4 1 1993-1994 4 2 1995-1998 4 3 Bexar Facts, May 1999-January 2002 4 Newsletter preparation and planning 4 4 September-December 1992 4 5 January 1993 4 6 4 6 March-April 1993 4 7 May-June 1993 5 1 September-October 1993 5 2 January-May 1994 5 3 June-August 1994 5 4 Legislative Committee, 1979, 1985 5 5 Policy Council, 1978 5 Political Action Committee 5 6 Bylaws , 1987 5 7 Community assessment task force, 1985 5 8 Endorsements, 1982, 1986-1987, 1992-1994 5 9 Events, 1977, 1981-1982, 1991, undated 5 10 Finances, 1988 5 11 Members, 1993 5 12 Minutes, 1980, 1986-1989, 1993 5 13 Pledge, undated 5 14 Questionnaires, 1977, 1991 5 15 Standing rules, 1985-1988 5 16 Political Planning Committee, 1993 5 17 Priorities Committee, 1979 5 Public Relations Committee 5 18 Budget Request, 1979 5 19 Newsclippings, WPCBC, 1976-1996, undated 5 20 Press releases, 1978-1990, undated Events

This series provides information about the group's social, educational, and fundraising activities throughout the years. While many of the activities were sponsored by the WPCBC alone, they also participated in events that were co-sponsored with other groups and organizations. The most documented event is the annual Holiday Party and Auction (1978-1994), and includes invitations, financial reports, and silent auction lists. Other sponsored or co-sponsored events of note are a Gloria Steinem visit to San Antonio in the 1970s, the National Women's Political Caucus convention held in San Antonio in 1983, and the various workshops and programs related to local governance/government issues, how to campaign, and the Legislative Brunch. The brunch allows women interested in politics and running for office to network and share ideas.

Arranged into two subseries: WPCBC Sponsored Events and Co-sponsored Events, and alphabetically thereafter.

 5 WPCBC Sponsored Events 5 21 Art expo and auction, 1984-1987 5 22 Brunch to promote the election of women candidates, 1977 5 23 Candidate receptions and fundraisers, 1977, 1982, undated 5 24 Fiesta dinner, 1983, undated 5 25 Gloria Steinem in San Antonio, 1975-1977 5 26 Holiday auction and party, 1978 5 27 Holiday auction and party, 1981 6 1 Holiday auction and party, 1982 6 2 Holiday auction and party, 1983 6 3 Holiday auction and party, 1985 6 4 Holiday auction and party, 1987 6 5 Holiday auction and party, 1988 6 6 Holiday auction and party, 1989 6 7 Holiday auction and party, 1990 6 8 Holiday auction and party, 1991 6 9 Holiday auction and party, 1992 6 10 Holiday auction and party, 1993 6 11 Holiday auction and party, 1994 6 12 Holiday auction and party, undated 6 13 Jeanette Rankin Day, 1982-1983 6 14 Legislative Brunch, 1984-2000 6 15 “Letters to the editor” program, 1988 6 16 Mark Russell performance, 1989 6 17 National Women's Political Caucus meeting in San Antonio, 1981, undated 6 18 National Women's Political Caucus convention, reception, 1983 19 National Women's Political Caucus Convention at San Antonio, scrapbook, 1983 6 19 Political, 1979, 1992-1993 6 20 Receptions for honorees, 1977-1983, 1990, 1995 6 21 Texas Women's Political Caucus convention, reception and fundraiser, 1990 6 22 Workshop on campaign techniques, 1978 6 23 Workshop on local governance, undated 6 24 Other, 1977, 1991, undated 6 Co-sponsored Events 6 25 Ann Richards Bexar County campaign, 1991 6 26 A Day at the City, 1974 6 27 Can We Talk, 1991-1994 6 28 Heart Strings, 1986, 1989 6 29 Lecture series at Trinity, 1983, 1985, 1988 6 30 Legal, 1979, 1985, 1992 7 1 Network Power Luncheon, 1984 7 2 Political, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1991, 1994 7 3 Political Cartoon events, 1982-1983 7 4 San Antonio Women's History Month, 1989, 1992 7 5 Social/educational, 1979-1980, 1991, 1997, 2001, undated 7 6 Women's Fair forum, 1986 History

This series includes a folder with a several documents that provide information about the history of the WPCBC (1982, 1987, 1993, undated) and provides a bit of background information about its mother caucuses, the Texas Women's Political Caucus and the National Women's Political Caucus. Three scrapbooks (1978-1980, 1981-1982, 1983-1992) reveal the yearly activities of the organization through newsclippings, flyers, photographs, and other documents. These scrapbooks showcase the work, members, and interests of the group.

Arranged alphabetically.

 7 7 History and background information, 1982, 1987, 1993, undated 17 Scrapbook, 1978-1980 18 Scrapbook, 1981-1982 7 8-9 Scrapbook, 1983-1992 Officers

This series details the responsibilities of the officers of the WPCBC through correspondence, financial information and meeting minutes, and is the richest resource for learning about WPCBC. The President's Books (1993-1999) are notebooks kept by the president that contain information related to their work and activities throughout their year in office. Within the President's Books are agendas and minutes for the Executive Committee, General Membership meetings, and other WPCBC committee meetings; fundraising efforts and event planning by the WPCBC; flyers and invitations for events of interest to the WPCBC at the local, state, and national level; and correspondence between the WPCBC and politicians, various organizations, and other Caucus groups. The many short but informative letters shared between the WPCBC and local, state, and federal politicians (1975-2001) represent political issues important to the WPCBC, their efforts to make politicians aware of their interests, and, in some cases, praise for (or censure of) the politicians' decisions in regard to lawmaking.

Also within the Officers series are materials related to the work of the Vice President for Membership including an extensive run of membership lists (1974-1994, 2001, undated), applications, correspondence, and participation questionnaires. Under the office of the Recorder are minutes and agendas for Executive Committee meetings (1976-2001) and General Membership meetings (1976-1999). Important materials created and kept by the office of Treasurer include Treasurer's reports (1976-1995, 2000-2001) and budgets (1978-1979, 1985-1989, and 1993-1995). This series also includes information about the Scholarship Committee (1st Vice President) and descriptions of yearly programs planned by the Vice President for Programs (1977-1980, 1984-1993, undated).

Arranged hierarchically by officer's position, and alphabetically thereafter.

 7 President 7 10 President's book 1993-1994 7 11 President's book 1993-1994 (continued) 8 1-5 President's book 1994-1995 (continued) 9 1 President's book 1994-1995 (continued) 9 2-4 President's book 1995-1996 10 1-2 President's book 1995-1996 (continued) 10 3-5 President's book 1996-1997 11 1-4 President's book 1997-1998 12 1-2 President's book 1998-1999 12 1st Vice President 12 Scholarship Committee 12 3 Correspondence, 1990, 1994, undated 12 4 Guidelines and background information, 1987-1988, 1990, undated 12 5 Minutes and reports, 1992-1994 12 Vice President Legislation 12 6 Legislation correspondence, A-K, 1975-1993, 1997, undated 12 7 Legislation correspondence, L-Z, 1975-1994, 2001, undated 13 1 Legislation issues, 1975,1977, 1979-1980, 1985-1986, undated 13 Vice President Membership 13 2 Membership applications, 1975, 1977, 1986, 1993, undated 13 3-4 Membership cards, undated 13 5 Membership correspondence, 1976, 1978, 1984, 1989, 1991-1993, undated 13 6 Membership forms, 1988-1994, 2001, undated 13 Membership lists 13 7 1974-1979 13 8 1980-1986 14 1 1987-1989 14 2 1990 14 3 1991 14 4 1992 14 5 1993 14 6 1994, 2001 14 7 undated 14 8 Participation questionnaires, 1977, 1983-1992, undated 15 1 Proposed budget, 1978 15 2 Task force on membership and retention, 1976 15 Vice President Programs 15 3 Annual program for BWPC, 1977-1980, 1984-1993, undated 15 Vice President Financial Planning 15 4 Finance committee – standing rules, 1988, 1992, undated 15 5 Fundraising, Financial information, 1984 15 6 Fundraising, T-shirt and button sales, 1978 15 Recorder 15 7 Business meetings, minutes, 1977-1978 15 8 Executive committee meetings, minutes and agendas, 1976-1988 15 9 Executive committee meetings, minutes and agendas, 1989-2001, undated 15 10 General membership meetings, minutes and agendas, 1976-1988 15 11 General membership meetings, minutes and agendas, 1989-1999, undated 15 12 Meeting rosters, 1979-1993 15 13 Unidentified meeting minutes, 1977-1979, 1982, 1990-1992, undated 15 Treasurer 15 14 Audit report of treasurers records for the year ending, August 31, 1987 15 15 Budgets, 1978-1979, 1985-1989, 1993-1995 15 16 Cash disbursements, 1982 16 1 Financial and statistical report, 1979 16 2 Financial statements, 1989 16 3 Officer and function expenses, 1977, 1993 16 4 Statement of financial position, 1996 16 5 Treasurer's reports, 1976-1995, 2000-2001 16 6 Officers lists, 1975-1993, undated