Women's Activities Department [Cover title].

Indianapolis 2, Ind. Indiana State AFL-CIO, [1961]. 11” x 9”. Pictorial laminated wrappers, plastic comb-bound. Pp. [131] (rectos) + 3 brochures tipped in. Very good plus: a touch of soil to rear wrap; ink scuffs to front and one page; faint marginal corner creasing; a few soil spots at edge.

This is an unrecorded and immense information packet distributed by the Indiana State AFL-CIO to county council Women's Activities Departments (WADs). Its stated aim was to be “useful in planning programs . . . and in developing a better understanding of the issues and policies” of the group.

Women have been a driving force behind the labor movement from its earliest days. The Indiana affiliate of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations was established in 1955, and per this book, “believing that the women of the Trade Union Movement could do a lot to help promote the principles of organized labor,” formed a WAD soon after.

This monumental guide instructs on organizing “more effective” WADs, offering topics for monthly meeting discussions, methods for recruitment and leadership tips. It lists a WAD's “structure” and “purpose,” not limited to community service, registering voters and working with COPE, the group's Committee on Political Education. There are questionnaires (and answers), pictogram charts and cartoons, along with “a brief history of the labor movement,” tips on “planning effective election day activities” and a “treasure chest of fund raising ideas.” Illustrated brochures urge women to “insist on products that bear the union label” (“TNT in a Purse”) and support the Indiana Association for Mental Health.

A rare and thorough guide advocating women's involvement in the labor movement. No holdings were located in OCLC or online. Very good +. Item #9456

Price: $500.00