Women in Communications Detroit Chapter Records

Collection

Identifier: UR001733

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Women in Communications Detroit Chapter Records documents the local chapter's activities from 1930s to the 1990s. The chapter’s first several decades as Theta Sigma Phi are represented primarily by several scrapbooks of correspondence, event programs, and news clippings. The organization is particularly well represented in its second iteration of Women in Communications, Inc. from the 1970s to the 1990s. This period contains administrative and governing documents such as bylaws, articles of incorporation, board meeting minutes, and annual reports; printed materials including several periodicals and organizational newsletters; and surveys on membership, salary, and benefits. Audiovisual materials include event photography, event and speaker recordings, and produced video.

Dates

1939-1999
Majority of material found within circa 1970s-1990s

Creator

Detroit Professional Chapter of Women in Communications, Inc. (Organization)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

History

The Detroit chapter of Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) was founded in 1938 as the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Theta Sigma Phi. Theta Sigma Phi was founded in 1909, an honorary society at the University of Washington, Seattle. Additional chapters were founded at universities across the United States, with a national office established in 1934. Theta Sigma Phi was renamed Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) in 1972 at the beginning a period of high political engagement for the organization. Between 1973 and 1993, the national organization and local chapters organized in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment, the Civil Rights Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act; in opposition to changes to the Freedom of Information Act; and helped form the First Amendment Congress. WICI dissolved in 1996 due to financial issues and was reformed as Association of Women in Communications (AWC). In all its forms, the organization has provided networking, programming, and professional development to its members, and has worked to protect women’s workplace rights and First Amendment freedoms of speech and press.

Extent

5.5 Linear Feet (5 SB, 1 MB)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Detroit chapter of Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) was founded in 1938 as the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Theta Sigma Phi. WICI dissolved in 1996 due to financial issues and was reformed as Association of Women in Communications (AWC), a national professional organization for women in the communications field. WICI provided networking, programming, and professional development to its members, and engaged with issues like women’s workplace rights and First Amendment freedoms of speech and press. The Women in Communications Detroit Chapter Records document the local chapter's activities from 1930s to the 1990s, with the 1970s-1990s particularly well-represented. The collection contains administrative and governing documents; periodicals and organizational newsletters; and surveys on membership, salary, and benefits. Audiovisual materials include event photography, event and speaker recordings, and produced video.

Arrangement

Arranged in 3 series – Series 1: Organizational administration (Box 1-3, 6), Series 2: Publications and printed materials (Box 3, 5), and Series 3: Survey results and reports (Box 4). Folders are arranged alphabetically.

Acquisition

The Women in Communications Detroit Chapter Records were donated to the Walter P. Reuther Library in 1999 by RoseAnn Boers Nicolai and Rachel Bagnasco on behalf of Women in Communications of Detroit.