Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) Records
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Abstract
Founded in 1929 as Theta Sigma Phi, Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) was a professional organization for female communications professionals. After becoming the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) in 1996, the New York chapter separated and became the New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI). WICI had members in a variety of communications disciplines, such as journalism, publishing, public relations, and many more; it aimed to support and empower women in the communications field. The Women in Communications, Inc. Records consist of materials created and collected by WICI and NYWICI from 1918-1985. Materials include membership files, board of directors and executive committee meeting minutes and agendas, Matrix Award programs and photographs, conference programs, event flyers, and event audio and video recordings. All of the materials reflect the organization's mission of supporting women at different career stages and providing professional development opportunities.
Historical Note
In 1929, Theta Sigma Phi, the first female branch of the journalism fraternity, was founded in order to obtain equal pay to the males in the profession. In 1972, the organization was renamed Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI); WICI then became the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) in 1996. In 1998, the New York chapter, which had been very active, separated from the national organization and became New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI). New York Women in Communications is a professional organization for female communications professionals with a mission of supporting women at every career stage, fighting for equal pay, and encouraging women to speak up. WICI had a similar mission, to "keep its members prepared to meet the challenges of the rapidly developing communications profession," as noted in a brochure from 1976. WICI had members in a variety of communications disciplines (which NYWICI continues to have) including journalism, broadcasting, publishing, advertising, integrated marketing, photography, public relations, graphic design, and more. Since 1971, first WICI and now NYWICI, has honored leaders in the industry with the Matrix Award, and each year, the organization awards scholarships and grants to high school seniors, college and graduate students, and women looking for career changes.
Source cited:
NYWICI. "Our History." Accessed July 5, 2023. https://nywici.org/about/history/.
Arrangement
The records have been arranged into six series; the series arrangement is as follows:
I. Administrative Materials
II. Events and Programs
III. Governing Bodies
IV. Matrix Awards
V. Membership
VI. Publications
All of the series are arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
The Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) Records consist of materials created and collected by WICI and NYWICI from 1918-1985. Materials cover the organization's inception as the New York chapter of Theta Sigma Phi and its evolution to the Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) in 1972. Materials in this collection encompass the national organization and the New York chapter prior to the formation of NYWICI as a discrete organization. A majority of the collection, however, focuses on the New York chapter of WICI. Materials include administrative matters (general correspondence and financial documents), events and programs (printed matter and correspondence for luncheons, workshops, and conferences), governing bodies (correspondence and memos, meeting agendas and minutes, and elections of members of the board of directors, executive committee, and other committees), the Matrix Awards (photographs, invitations and programs, correspondence, committee materials, and nominations), membership files (mailings and correspondence), and publications such as newsletters and membership directories. Other chapters, such as Boston and Philadelphia, are represented sparsely. All of the materials reflect the organization's mission of supporting women at different career stages and providing professional development opportunities.
Subjects
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use materials in the collection in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) Records; MC.89; box number; folder number or item identifier; New York University Archives, New York University.
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Materials found in collection; provenance is unknown. A deed of gift for this collection was signed in November 2022, by Georgia Galanoudis, President-Elect of the New York Women in Communications Board of Directors.
Audiovisual Access Policies and Procedures
Audiovisual materials have not been preserved and may not be available to researchers. Materials not yet digitized will need to have access copies made before they can be used. To request an access copy, or if you are unsure if an item has been digitized, please contact New York University Archives, special.collections@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596, with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. A staff member will respond to you with further information.
About this Guide
Processing Information
At the time of processing, the collection was arranged and described into series based on the original order and the types of materials. Materials were rehoused in acid-free boxes and folders. Financial materials (bank statements and invoices), duplicate publications and documents, publications available online, and documents with sensitive personal information were removed. Two pins were rehoused.
Repository
Series I. Administrative Materials, 1955-1984, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series consists of administrative materials, such as stationery, award certificates, general correspondence, presidential correspondence, and financial documents (budgets and membership dues), for both WICI and NYWICI. Most of the presidential correspondence is to and from the president of NYWICI, and some of it includes correspondence to and from the national organization. Topics in the correspondence include recruitment of potential members; queries on scholarships; conferences and events by other organizations; and inquiries by the organization asking individuals to participate in events, such as delivering the keynote address at the Matrix Awards.
Stationery, 1955-1980, inclusive
Certificates, 1982-1983, inclusive
Correspondence, 1948-1959, inclusive
Correspondence, 1960-1962, inclusive
Correspondence, 1964-1970, inclusive
Correspondence, 1973-1976, inclusive
Correspondence, 1977
Correspondence, 1978
Correspondence, 1979
Correspondence, 1980
Correspondence, 1981
Correspondence, 1982
Correspondence, 1983-1984, inclusive
Financial Records, 1956-1962, inclusive
Financial Records, 1967-1972, inclusive
Financial Records, 1973-1978, inclusive
Financial Records, 1979-1980, inclusive
Financial Records, 1981
Financial Records, 1982
Financial Records, 1983-1984, inclusive
Series II. Events and Programs, 1951-1985, inclusive
Extent
Extent
Extent
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series consists of materials related to various luncheons, workshops, seminars, and conferences sponsored by WICI and NYWICI. Workshops such as Career Night, conference sessions such as "Opportunities for Women Journalists: Are the Doors Locked?" (from the 1960 National Convention in Colorado Springs), and awards and fellowships that support students and those new to the profession, reflect the organization's goal of providing professional development and networking opportunities. These materials include printed matter (flyers, invitations, and programs), photographs, audio and video recordings, correspondence, news clippings and articles, and planning files (guest lists and service orders). In addition, there are statements on various issues supported by WICI and NYWICI, such as the Equal Rights Amendment and freedom of information. Programs of note include luncheon lectures by Barbara Bush, Diane Sawyer, and Jane Pauley, 1982-1983, among many others.
Resolution on William Oatis, September 1951
First Eastern Regional Convention -- Philadelphia, November 1951
Theta Sigma Phi Travel, 1952-1955, inclusive
Hospitalized Veterans' Writing Project (HVWP), 1952-1980, inclusive
44th National Convention -- Indianapolis, June 1953
Student Loan Fund, 1954-1959, inclusive
Events and Programs -- General, 1955-1956, inclusive
Tax Research Project, 1956-1960, inclusive
Events and Programs -- General, 1957
National Convention -- Des Moines, June 1958
Events and Programs -- General, 1958
50th Anniversary National Convention -- Seattle, August 1959
High School Headliner Award, 1959-1962, inclusive
Career Award (Formerly, Student Loan Fund), 1959-1962, inclusive
Events and Programs -- General, 1959
National Convention -- Colorado Springs, June 1960
Events and Programs -- General, 1960-1961, inclusive
National Convention -- University of Kansas, June 1961
Events and Programs -- General, 1962-1969, inclusive
60th Anniversary Annual National Meeting -- Austin, August 1969
Events and Programs -- General, 1970-1973, inclusive
Annual National Meeting -- Philadelphia, October 1974
Events and Programs -- General, 1974
Events and Programs -- General, 1975
Annual National Meeting -- Milwaukee, 1976
Events and Programs -- General, 1976
New York State Women's Conference -- International Women's Year, 1977
Annual National Meeting -- Honolulu, October 1977
Events and Programs -- General, 1977
Northeastern Regional Meeting -- New York City, April 1978
Clarion Awards, 1978
Annual National Meeting -- Detroit, October 1978
Events and Programs -- General, 1978
Unidentified Events and Programs -- Photographs, circa 1978-1982, inclusive
Northeastern Regional Meeting -- Rochester, New York, April 1979
Annual National Meeting -- Dallas, September 1979
Events and Programs -- General, 1979
Northeast Regional Meeting -- Philadelphia, May 1980
Annual National Meeting -- San Diego, October 1980
Events and Programs -- General, 1980
Freedom of Information (FOI) Programs, 1980-1981, inclusive
Northeast Regional Meeting -- Stamford, Connecticut, April-May 1981
Annual National Meeting, May 1981
Events and Programs -- General, 1981
Northeast Regional Conference -- Boston, May 1982
"Illiteracy in America" -- Luncheon with Barbara Bush, 1982
PRO/CON National Professional Conference -- Denver, September-October 1982
"The New American Woman" Panel Discussion Co-Sponsored by House Beautiful, 1982
Events and Programs -- General, 1982
Career Night, 1983
"Libel and the First Amendment" -- Freedom of Information Panel, 1983
PRO/CON National Professional Conference -- Philadelphia, 1983
Events and Programs -- General, 1983
"60 Outstanding Members" Awards, 1984
Events and Programs -- General, 1984-1985, inclusive
Interviews with Marlene Sanders and Kay Lockridge, undated, inclusive
Series III. Governing Bodies, 1949-1984, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series includes materials from the governing bodies of WICI and NYWICI (Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other committees, such as the Publicity Committee and Membership Committee, among others). Materials consist of meeting minutes and agendas, election materials, and correspondence. Also included are documents related to by-laws revisions and constitutions. Materials from the national organization and the New York chapter are filed together; in a few files, other chapters are represented (for example, materials on the Los Angeles chapter are filed with the 1959 folder). Topics covered include updates and reports on upcoming and past events, committee reports, membership updates, and board and committee nominations.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically, first by Board of Directors and Executive Committee materials, then by committee materials.
Meeting Minutes, 1949
Meeting Minutes, 1953-1956, inclusive
Meeting Minutes and Reports, 1957
Meeting Minutes and Reports, 1958
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, 1959
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1960-1962, inclusive
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1963-1966, inclusive
Meeting Minutes and Correspondence, 1967-1969, inclusive
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1970-1971, inclusive
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, Reports, and Correspondence, 1972-1973, inclusive
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1974-1975, inclusive
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1976
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, Reports, and Correspondence, 1977
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws Revisions, and Correspondence, 1978
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, 1979
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, 1980
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, January-May 1981
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, June 1981
Meeting Minutes and Reports, July 1981
Meeting Minutes and Reports, August 1981
Meeting Minutes and Reports, September 1981
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, October-November 1981
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and By-Laws Revisions, December 1981
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, January 1982
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, February-March 1982
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, April 1982
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, May-June 1982
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, July 1982
Meeting Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence, August 1982
Meeting Minutes and Reports, September 1982
Meeting Minutes and Reports, October 1982
Meeting Minutes and Reports, November 1982
Meeting Minutes and Reports, December 1982
Meeting Minutes and Reports, January 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, February 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, March 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, April 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, May-June 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, July-September 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, October-December 1983
Meeting Minutes and Reports, January-May 1984
Lists of Committee Members, 1977-1983, inclusive
Committee for Journalism Recruitment, 1959-1960, inclusive
Constitution Committee, 1954-1960, inclusive
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Task Force, 1980-1981, inclusive
Financial Advisory Committee, 1981
Hospitality Committee, 1955-1960, inclusive
Jo Caldwell Meyer Research Grant Committee, 1979
Job Information Committee, 1956-1982, inclusive
Juvenile Improvement Committee, 1954-1962, inclusive
Kits for Chapter Presidents, 1976-1979, inclusive
Membership Committee, 1976-1982, inclusive
Nominations Committee, 1954-1978, inclusive
Professional Chair Committee, 1977-1978, inclusive
Programs Committee, 1980-1981, inclusive
Progress of Women in Communication (POWIC) Committee, 1980
Publicity Committee, 1956-1982, inclusive
Regional Meeting Planning Committee (New York Chapter), 1977-1978, inclusive
Special Projects Committee, 1958-1959, inclusive
Series IV. Matrix Awards, 1950-1984, inclusive
Extent
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series consists of materials related to the Matrix Awards, which honor women who have made a difference in the field of communications and are recognized as leaders in the profession. Begun by Theta Sigma Phi as a celebration that bestowed Honor Awards to female leaders in the fields of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, public relations, and advertising, the event became the Matrix Awards in 1970. Materials include photographs, printed matter (invitations and programs), correspondence, committee materials (lists of nominees and correspondence), budgets, an audio recording, press releases, and clippings. Some chapters outside of New York had their own Matrix celebrations, which are included here.
Matrix Table Dinner, 1950-1951, inclusive
Matrix Table Dinner, 1952
Matrix Table Dinner/Tea/Breakfast, 1953-1955, inclusive
Matrix Tea/Celebration, 1956-1957, inclusive
Matrix Celebration, 1958
Matrix Celebration, 1959
Matrix Celebration, 1960
Matrix Celebration, 1961
Matrix Celebration, 1962
Matrix Celebration, 1963
Matrix Celebration -- Invitation Only, 1965
Matrix Celebration -- Invitation Only, 1967
Matrix Awards -- Winners' List, 1970-1981, inclusive
Matrix Awards -- Invitation Only, 1973
Matrix Awards, 1974
Matrix Awards, 1975
Matrix Awards, 1976
Matrix Awards, 1977
Matrix Awards, 1978
Matrix Awards, 1979
Matrix Awards, 1980
Matrix Awards, 1981
Matrix Awards, 1982
Matrix Awards, 1983
Matrix Awards, 1984
Series V. Membership, 1948-1984, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series contains materials related to members of WICI and NYWICI, such as membership questionnaires, handbooks, statistics, membership applications, and correspondence. Also included are materials on the development of student chapters in New York universities and colleges, including New York University.
"Information Kit for Matrix Milestones" -- 39th Anniversary of Theta Sigma Phi, circa 1948
Initiation Service of Theta Sigma Phi, circa 1955-1967, inclusive
Theta Sigma Phi Membership Manuals, 1956-1972, inclusive
Membership Forms and Dues Information, circa 1956-1983, inclusive
New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) Student Chapters, 1976-1980, inclusive
Membership Correspondence, 1958-1983, inclusive
National Membership Professional Manual, 1980-1981, inclusive
NYWICI Membership Questionnaires, 1981
NYWICI Membership Reports, 1981-1984, inclusive
Series VI. Publications, 1918-1985, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
This series contains WICI and NYWICI publications that were a benefit of membership. Publications include Matrix Magazine, national and NYWICI newsletters, PRO/COMM: The Professional Communicator, and Career Forum. National issues of newsletters and membership directories appear before the issues of the New York chapter. Additionally, there are some newsletters from other chapters, such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Not all of the publications, such as Matrix Magazine, include complete runs of issues. Also included are the one-time publication, None But the Best: A History of Theta Sigma Phi (circa 1949); brochures; publications with seemingly shorter life spans, such as Leadership Bulletin and Job Information Bulletin; and publication guidelines from the national office. Newsletters cover such topics as individual spotlights, conference reports, by-laws changes, and award winners. Matrix Magazine includes more scholarly articles, on such subjects as the importance of using oral histories to record the past, the widening wage gap, and new technology.
Arrangement
Arranged first chronologically, then alphabetically beginning with Matrix Magazine.