29
Council of Negro Women in 1946, and later, in 1954, debated changing the name of their
federation to “National Association of Club Women”—both suggestions, ultimately rejected by
the membership, were made to reflect what leaders hoped was a growing national identity. The
potential power of the NACWC was obvious , on leader agued, “if the energies of its members
are directed as a unit in a modern way.” “We must create a new awareness of the need for
participation of all women in all the processes of government,” a state federation leader agreed,
“constructive programs must be initiated and developed to educate our women for effective
social action.”
74
Like the GFWC, the NACWC became more centralized in the 1950s. They instituted new
financial and personnel systems in their headquarters operations, formed of a Board of Trustees,
and established a centrally coordinated program “to be followed by each club.”
75
They hired two
public relations coordinators over the course of the mid-20
th
century, each an attempt to boost the
Association’s image and to help “increase the level of prestige of the organization.” Additional
changes included strengthening ties with political elites, stabilizing the Association’s treasury,
appointing an observer to the UN, and securing tax-exempt status and a federal charter.
Clubwomen in the NACWC were somewhat more accepting of new political strategies than their
GFWC counterparts. They formed a Legislative Committee shortly after World War II and,
more significantly, answered Moton’s call for “live wire politicians” with the appointment of a
lobbyist “to look after the interests of all women,” “to work for the passage of civil rights
legislation,” and “to make known the opinion of the Negro women” to elected officials.
73
Sally Butler, “Legislation and GFWC Resolutions,” The General Federation Clubwoman 37 (November 1951): 4.
74
“Public Relations” memorandum, July 26, 1957, Northeastern Federation of Women’s Clubs, Rhode Island, Rosa
Slade Gragg Administration, Records of the NACWC, Part 2.
75
1946 Convention Minutes.
Convention