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| Search Collections | Exhibits and Education | Seattle Facts | About the Archives |
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Guide to the Archives of the City of Seattle Record Group 8400 The Office for Women's Rights was originally established in 1970 as the Women's Division of the Office of Human Resources in the Executive Department. Its mission was the promotion of equality for women in Seattle and the monitoring and enforcement of ordinances relating to equal employment and housing, and to provide staffing to the Seattle Women's Commission. In 1980, OWR was reorganized and its enforcement function was transferred to the Human Rights Department. OWR then assumed a broader role in advocacy, education and outreach, and policy development regarding women's issues. In 1997, OWR was abolished and its functions were incorporated into the Office of Civil Rights. 8401-01 Correspondence, memoranda, briefings, surveys, reports, research materials and legislation relating to OWR projects as well as issues of concern to OWR. Topics include non-traditional careers for women (including firefighting and blue-collar trades), women and minority business enterprises (WMBE), affirmative action, sex discrimination and issues involving pregnant employees. Other topics include child care, domestic violence, chemical and alcohol dependency, and juvenile prostitution. Also addressed are issues of concern to the lesbian/gay community, particularly domestic partnerships, discrimination and bias/hate crime. OWR's participation in fairs and celebrations is also documented, including Women in the Trades Fair and Take Our Daughters to Work Day. SMA 8401-02 The records include history of employment discrimination in Seattle and drafts of the 1972 executive order on affirmative action as well as the 1978 Affirmative Action Plan. Also included is information about apprenticeship programs, federal contracting, and goal setting. The largest volume of records are monitoring reports, quarterly reports by department on the number of women in the department, and analysis regarding how affirmative action goals were being met. The series is organized into four functional categories: Research and Background documents, Reports and plans, Administrative Records, and Monitoring files. SMA 8401-03 Correspondence, reports, applications, and case files of three-year pilot project designed to assist female heads of households living in Yesler Terrace to achieve a greater degree of stability and self-sufficiency. Components of Project YES included training, individual case management, support groups, resource information and referrals, and child care. The project was funded by a community development block grant. SMA 8401-04 Annual reports for the Office of Women’s Rights, documenting each year’s activities. The report for 1976 is missing from the series. SMA 8401-05 Newsletters and brochures published by the Office for Women's Rights, the Seattle Women's Commission, and the Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays. SMA 8402-01 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and studies concerning comparable worth. Materials were compiled while OWR studied comparable worth, especially its implementation at the State level. SMA 8402-02 Materials relating to monitoring of Seattle Fire Department's pre-recruit training program for prospective women fire fighters. Includes background material on SFD/women relations, copies of the Doolittle Reports on strength and endurance training, and the SFD's recruiting program. SMA 8404-01 Monthly reports, case logbooks, policies, and correspondence relating to OWR's monitoring and enforcement of City ordinances pertaining to sexual discrimination. This function was consolidated with the Human Rights Department in 1980. SMA 8405-00: Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays The Seattle Commission for Lesbians and Gays was first established in 1985 as the Mayor's Lesbian/Gay Task Force. In 1989, the Task Force became a full city commission with 15 volunteer members. When the Office for Women's Rights was abolished in 1987, the Commission was absorbed into the new Office of Civil Rights, and its name was changed to the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities. The Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and other City departments on issues of concern to sexual minorities. It also recommends policies and legislation in matters affecting the sexual minority community. 8405-01 Completed anonymous survey forms designed to gauge discrimination against members of the gay/lesbian community. The series consists of 1361 data forms that include demographic questions regarding age, gender, race, education, employment, residence, income, and religion. The survey also gathered information related to experiences with child rearing services, loans and credit, housing, and the work place. Several quality of life questions are included addressing how respondents cope with discrimination and regarding alienation from the non-gay/lesbian community. A brief report based on the data is also included. SMA 8405-02 Correspondence, reports, surveys, and news clippings related to the activities of the task force. Materials deal primarily with the passage and monitoring of legislation extending benefits to domestic partners of City officials and employees. SMA 8405-03 Agendas and minutes of the Seattle Commission on Lesbians and Gays. Issues covered include domestic partnership, pride week, hate crimes, and community relations. SMA 8405-04 Correspondence, reports, memoranda, notes, research and news clippings related to the activities of the Commission. Topics include: Health issues (including AIDS), discrimination based on sexual orientation, domestic partnership, homosexuality in the black community, and police issues. SMA 8406-01 Correspondence, memoranda, minutes, and reports of the Task Force formed to advocate for appropriate, affordable, gender-specific services for chemically dependent women. Among its activities were lobbying for pre-treatment programs to bring women into treatment, lobbying to expand outreach services to chemically dependent pregnant women, and to increase social services and housing for its constituents. SMA 8410-00: Seattle Women's Commission The Seattle Women's Commission was established in 1970 to provide advice to the Mayor, City Council, and other departments regarding women's issues. The Commission's mission is to establish goals, priorities, and immediate action objectives in alleviating discrimination against women. The Commission originally gave direction to the Seattle Women's Division of the Office of Human Resources in the Executive Department. A reorganization in 1973 created the Office of Women's Rights which provided staff support for the Commission. In 1996, OWR was merged into the Office for Civil Rights which now provides staff and support to the Commission. 8410-01 Minutes and agendas of the Seattle Women's Commission and its committees. The records have a gap between 1994 and 2000. SMA 8410-02 Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the SWC. Arranged chronologically. SMA 8410-03 Reports, resumes, appointments, by-laws, mailing lists, training materials, and newspaper clippings related to the Seattle Women's Commission. Topics include: Women with Disabilities, Women's Shelters, Women in the Sex Industry, Violence Against Women, Discrimination and Child Care. Also included are materials related to the nomination, appointment and administration of the Commission and its Sub-Committees. 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