WAURadicalWomen6291.xml Guide to the Radical Women National Office (Seattle) Records 1976-1998 Radical Women National Office Records Full processing supported by the Labor Archives Fund and the Labor Archives of Washington State Budget Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries © 2019 (Last modified: 8/11/2022)

Allen Library BOX 352900 Seattle, Washington 98195-2900 Business Number: 206-543-1929 speccoll@uw.edu http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcollections/

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-03-28. Description is written in: Undetermined, Code for undetermined script script. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries Radical Women National Office (Seattle) records Radical Women 6291 1.28 cubic feet 1 box 1976-1998 Records of the national office of Radical Women, a socialist, feminist worker's organization based in Seattle, Washington, collected and maintained by Clara Fraser, the co-founder and officer of Radical Women and the Freedom Socialist Party Collection materials are in English.

Radical Women (RW) is a socialist feminist organization. RW sought to become the socialist wing of the feminist movement. The organization was founded in Seattle in 1967 when Freedom Socialist Party co-founder Clara Fraser and her close colleague, Gloria Martin, joined with young women from Students for a Democratic Society to build women's leadership in the left and anti-war movements. In 1973, RW formally affiliated with the Freedom Socialist Party, and the party gained a sister organization. Other founding members include Melba Windoffer and Susan Stern.

RW is active in intersectional feminist socialist organizing against racism, sexism, homophobia, fascism, and labor exploitation. Their political analysis sees women's political action as essential in creating social change and trains women to lead these campaigns. They have been especially active in pressuring other feminist organizations into better representing women of color and the LBGTQ+ community.

Arranged in 5 series: Series 1, Administrative Meetings, Finances, and Correspondence, 1976-1996 Series 2, Conferences and Conventions, 1976-1998 Series 3, Mass Work, Coalitions, and Events, 1977-1998 Series 4, Publications, Literature, and Media, 1979-1997 Series 5, Local Chapters, 1977-1996 Subseries A, Seattle, Washington Radical Women Chapter, 1977-1996 Subseries B, Grays Harbor, Washington Radical Women Chapter, 1982 Subseries C, Portland, Oregon Radical Women Chapter, 1982-1992 Subseries D, Los Angeles, California Radical Women Chapter, 1982-1994 Subseries E, San Francisco, California Radical Women Chapter, 1979-1990 Subseries F, Juneau, Alaska Radical Women Chapter, 1979-1982 Subseries G, Mankato, Minnesota Radical Women Chapter, 1992 Subseries H, Melbourne, Australia Radical Women Chapter, 1990

The Radical Women National Office records (1976-1998) documents the activities of the national office of the organization, based in Seattle, Washington. They were collected and maintained by Clara Fraser, the co-founder and officer of Radical Women and the Freedom Socialist Party. This collection documents the evolution and collective actions of nationally recognized socialist feminist leaders from 1976-1998. The perspectives from leaders of the national office provides context to how RW has worked and grown their organization via the aid and creation of local offices. The records are especially valuable for researchers seeking to understand how radical organizations and movements evolve and shift through decades of adversity and pushback from the mainstream media and an inhospitable political environment.

This collection provides access to communication among the local and national RW organizers as well as materials concerning mass work such as the protection of Roe vs. Wade, the Seattle City Light fight for affirmative action for tradeswomen electrical workers, the collaborative 1997 Feminist Brigade to Cuba, the landmark Freeway Hall Case, and drafts of RW literature such as the Radical Women Manifesto.

Materials include correspondence, articles, newspaper clippings, press release materials, fliers, event programs, edited drafts and speeches, itineraries, legal documents, conference/event planning, and official newsletters. The content of the materials concern the organization's planned events, recruitment, and opening communication channels that are centered on social activism, intersectional feminism, and providing a platform for feminist speakers.

The collection is arranged into the following series which contain:

SERIES 1: ADMINISTRATIVE MEETINGS, FINANCES, AND CORRESPONDENCE, 1976-1996: RW's National Executive Committee papers, including correspondence, records on public relations, membership, and finances.

SERIES 2: CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS, 1976-1998: Records documenting RW's involvement, including statements and positions, press releases, and communication in international and regional conferences and conventions.

SERIES 3: MASS WORK, COALITIONS, AND EVENTS, 1977-1998: Materials concerning RW organized events and activism in civil rights and labor movements.

SERIES 4: PUBLICATIONS, LITERATURE, AND MEDIA, 1979-1997: Position statements, speeches, bulletins, newsletters, media coverage, and political literature related to RW.

SERIES 5: LOCAL CHAPTERS, 1977-1996: Correspondence, finances, and event materials concerning the growth and participation of local RW chapters. Despite being local chapters, they include correspondence with national leaders such as Clara Fraser and Betty Friedan. The records of the Seattle chapter especially overlaps with that of the National Office.

No restrictions on access.

Request at UW

Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.

Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, Radical Women National Office Records, 6291-001, Box number, Folder number

Labor Archives Curatorial Assistant Chelsea Davies processed and arranged the collection during the 2019/2020 academic year.

The collection was rehoused and refoldered using acid-free folders and 1 full sized records box. Preservation issues addressed include newspaper clippings buffered with acid free paper, stapled materials, rust stains and discolorations, rusty paper clips replaced with plastiklips, and thermofax documents photocopied and replaced.

The arrangement and description involved an analysis of the major themes within the collection by mapping and researching the connections among notable people, events, literature, language, and organizations. A processing plan incorporated these themes in the arrangement and description of the series and folders so that researchers could identify the potential value and relevance of the collection. The Freedom Socialist Party National Office records provided substantial context for the description and arrangement of the Radical Women National Office records due to being closely related organizations that share leadership and agendas.

Forms part of the Labor Archives of Washington.

Donated by Helen Gilbert, who was custodian of Clara Fraser's RW records.

Radical Women Seattle Office records

Clara Fraser papers

Megan Cornish papers

Heidi Durham papers

Freedom Socialist Party Seattle Branch records

Freedom Socialist Party National Office (Seattle) records

The Radical Women website has been regularly captured by the Internet Archive Wayback Machine since 2019. The snapshots can be viewed here: https://wayback.archive-it.org/3988/*/https://www.radicalwomen.org/seattle.shtml Wikidata is available for this collection

Labor Archives of Washington (University of Washington) Seattle Washington (State) Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington) Feminism--Washington (State) Women--Washington (State)--Societies and clubs Women and socialism--Washington (State) Radicalism--Washington (State) Women's rights--United States Socialism--Washington (State) Socialism--Societies, etc Feminism--Societies, etc Women and socialism--Societies, etc Radicalism--Societies, etc Labor History Women Newsletters Series 1, Administrative Meetings, Finances, and Correspondence, 1976-1996 SERIES 1 Nominating Committee 1976 1976-1977 6291-001 Box 1 1 Jaan Laaman International Women's Day Greeting to Freedom Socialist Party on Behalf of All Ohio Seven 1977 6291-001 Box 1 2 FBI File on Radical Women 1978 6291-001 Box 1 3 Funding and Sales 1979 1979 6291-001 Box 1 4 National Executive Committee Correspondence 1979 - Constance Scott 1979 6291-001 Box 1 5 Correspondence with Attached Schedule for Freedom Socialist Party Forum Series and Membership Drive Proposal 1979 6291-001 Box 1 6 Response to Myra T. Weiss Letter 1979-1980 6291-001 Box 1 7 Membership Recruiting 1979-1980 6291-001 Box 1 8 Seattle - Clara Fraser and Max Reigel Memos 1979-1980 6291-001 Box 1 9 Membership Correspondence 1979-1982 6291-001 Box 1 10 Committee and Branch Reports 1979-1983 6291-001 Box 1 11 Clara Fraser and Betty Maloney Memos 1980-1983 6291-001 Box 1 12 Correspondence on Finances and Fundraising 1980-1983 6291-001 Box 1 13 Sharman Haley Legal Victory Memo 1981 6291-001 Box 1 14 Report to Freedom Socialist Party 1987 6291-001 Box 1 15 Conference Coordination and National Identity 1987-1989 6291-001 Box 1 16 National Executive Committee Meeting Materials - New York City 1989 1989 6291-001 Box 1 17 Clara Fraser and Luma Nichol Correspondence 1990 6291-001 Box 1 18 Constance Scott and Guerry Hoddersen - San Francisco Meeting Correspondence 1990 6291-001 Box 1 19 Ann O'Connell [?] and Clara Fraser Correspondence - Photographing Activism 1990 6291-001 Box 1 20 Internal Conflict - Nancy Reiko Kato and Adrienne Weller 1990 6291-001 Box 1 21 Fund Drive 1990-1991 6291-001 Box 1 22 Happy International Women's Day from Clara Fraser to Merle Woo 1991 6291-001 Box 1 23 Correspondence About Finances 1991 6291-001 Box 1 24 Nancy Reiko Kato - Internal Conflicts and Political Priorities 1991-1992 6291-001 Box 1 25 Correspondence About 1991-92 Financial Reports 1992 6291-001 Box 1 26 Fund Drive Donation Allocation 1993 6291-001 Box 1 27 Correspondence Regarding Financial Reports and Fund Drive 1994 6291-001 Box 1 28 Graphic Identity Program 1995 6291-001 Box 1 29 Nancy Reiko Kato Schedules and Work Contact Information 1995 6291-001 Box 1 30 Recruitment Campaign and Finances 1995 - Nancy Reiko Kato 1995 6291-001 Box 1 31 Correspondence With National Organizer Nancy Reiko Kato 1995-1996 6291-001 Box 1 32 1980 National Radical Women Seattle Public Relations 1977-1981 6291-001 Box 1 134 Series 2, Conferences and Conventions, 1976-1998 SERIES 2 Annual Conference 1976 - Laura Teague Draft Report "A New Era for Women Workers, Minority Women, and Lesbians." 1976 6291-001 Box 1 33 10th Anniversary Conference - Port Ludlow 1978 (1 of 2) 1977-1978 6291-001 Box 1 34 10th Anniversary Conference - Port Ludlow 1978 (2 of 2) 1977-1978 6291-001 Box 1 34 International Meeting of Women 1977 Paris - Sandy Nelson on The American Feminist Movement 1977 6291-001 Box 1 35 National Radical Women -Washington State Conference for Women - Constance Scott Analysis 1977 6291-001 Box 1 36 Women's Studies National Conference 1981 Correspondence and Report - Constance Scott 1981 6291-001 Box 1 37 Proposal for Participation In Yellow Springs Socialist Feminist Conference - Chicago 1985 - Guerry Hoddersen Memo to Constance Scott 1985 6291-001 Box 1 38 Democratic Socialist of America Socialist Feminist Conference - Memo from Constance Scott 1985 6291-001 Box 1 39 Conference 1990 - "The Third Wave of Feminism: A Candidly Revolutionary Approach" - Santa Monica, California 1990 6291-001 Box 1 40 Conference Public Relations 1990 1990 6291-001 Box 1 41 Conference Finances 1990 1990 6291-001 Box 1 42 Proposal for Participation In Yellow Springs Socialist Feminist Conference - Chicago 1985 - Guerry Hoddersen Memo to Constance Scott 1990 6291-001 Box 1 43 1990 National Organization for Women Convention In San Francisco 1990 6291-001 Box 1 44 University of Natal Invitation - Women and Gender In Southern Africa Conference 1991 1990 6291-001 Box 1 45 First International Asian Lesbian Conference Outreach - Joanne Oligario 1991 6291-001 Box 1 46 Marxist Scholars Conference 1991 - Temple University, Philadelphia 1991 6291-001 Box 1 47 21st Century Party Convention - Washington, D.C. 1992 6291-001 Box 1 48 National Radical Women - Greetings to The World Conference - Nancy Reiko Kato and Yolanda Alaniz 1994 6291-001 Box 1 49 Gabriela Invitation - Women's International Solidarity Affair In The Philippines Conference 1994 1994 6291-001 Box 1 50 Greetings to The United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women and Non-governmental Organizations Forum 1995 1995 6291-001 Box 1 51 Stephen Durham Taller Internacional (International Workshop) At The Cuban Communist Party "Socialism Towards The 21st Century" Havana Conference 1997 1997-1998 6291-001 Box 1 52 Series 3, Mass Work, Coalitions, and Events, 1977-1998 SERIES 3 Events - Seattle 1977 1977 6291-001 Box 1 53 Sexual Politics Column - Radical Women Support Palestinian Rights - The Daily of The University of Washington 1970s 1977 6291-001 Box 1 54 Women's Rights At Crossroads - Public Forum 1977 6291-001 Box 1 55 Events 1978 1978 6291-001 Box 1 56 Greetings to The World Conference - Nancy Reiko Kato and Yolanda Alaniz 1979 6291-001 Box 1 57 Abortion and Reproductive Rights 1979-1981 6291-001 Box 1 58 Constance Scott - Mccarthyite-like Attacks on The Chico Feminist Women's Health Center 1981 6291-001 Box 1 59 Campus Radical Women Events 1981-83 - University of Washington 1981-1983 6291-001 Box 1 60 Events 1981-83 1981-1983 6291-001 Box 1 61 Ad Hoc Coalition of Women Event 1982 1982 6291-001 Box 1 62 International Women's Day 1982 1982 6291-001 Box 1 63 Coalition Fight - Seattle Reproductive Rights Alliance and National Organization for Women Censors Women of Color 1983 6291-001 Box 1 64 "National Radical Women Day" Work Party 1983 6291-001 Box 1 65 Roe Versus Wade and "FBI Versus Women" 1984-1985 6291-001 Box 1 66 Constance Scott on Women's Rights 1986-1987 6291-001 Box 1 67 Freedom Socialist Party - Freeway Hall Case Defense Committee 1990 6291-001 Box 1 68 Campus Radical Women Activity on International Women's Day 1990 1990 6291-001 Box 1 69 Petition for A Labor Party to National Organization for Women 1990 6291-001 Box 1 70 Nellie Wong Lecture on Racism, Sexism, and War - The Daily of The University of Washington 1991 6291-001 Box 1 71 International and East European Speaking Tour 1991-1994 6291-001 Box 1 72 March to Fight The Right - National Organization for Women Correspondence 1991-1996 6291-001 Box 1 73 Supreme Court Ruling In The Pennsylvania Abortion Case - Valencia Hall 1992 6291-001 Box 1 74 Socialist Feminist Study Group In Vancouver, Canada 1992 6291-001 Box 1 75 International Feminist Brigade Proposal Edits and Cuban Mission Planning 1994-1996 6291-001 Box 1 76 International Feminist Brigade, Cuba 1997 (1 of 3) 1994-1997 6291-001 Box 1 77 International Feminist Brigade, Cuba 1997 (2 of 3) 1996-1997 6291-001 Box 1 77 International Feminist Brigade, Cuba 1997 (3 of 3) 1996-1998 6291-001 Box 1 77 Freedom Socialist Party - Defense of Affirmative Action on University of California Campuses 1995 6291-001 Box 1 78 Demand to Unionize Prostitutes - Guerry Hoddersen to Clara Fraser 1995 6291-001 Box 1 79 International Feminist Brigade to Cuba Proposal - Marian Larkin Correspondence With The Federación De Mujeres Cubanas 1996 6291-001 Box 1 80 Atlanta, Georgia Abortion Clinic Bombings Statement - Anne Slater 1997 6291-001 Box 1 81 Series 4, Publications, Literature, and Media, 1979-1997 SERIES 4 Executive Committee Drafts and Manifesto - Monica Hill, Constance Scott, Marcia Cutler, and Sharman Haley 1979 6291-001 Box 1 82 Publications - Newsletter and Bulletin 1980-1981 6291-001 Box 1 83 Publications 1980-1983 6291-001 Box 1 84 Constance Scott's Review of Betty Friedan "The Second Stage" 1981 6291-001 Box 1 85 Womanews Erarticle - Constance Scott 1982-1983 6291-001 Box 1 86 Fireweed Magazine Issue on Feminist Theory, Practice, and Vision 1983 6291-001 Box 1 87 Joanna Russ - Published and Upcoming Literature 1983 6291-001 Box 1 88 Manifesto 1983-1990 6291-001 Box 1 89 Article on Pornography for The Guardian 1984 6291-001 Box 1 90 Bulletin of The Centro De Documentación Sobre La Mujer - Lima, Peru 1986 6291-001 Box 1 91 Participation on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Chicago 1987 - Emily Woo Yamasaki and Karen Brodine 1986-1987 6291-001 Box 1 92 Article Submission for Spanish Feminist Party Magazine 1990 6291-001 Box 1 93 Sparkplugs of Labor - Heidi Durham and Megan Cornish 1990-1991 6291-001 Box 1 94 National Radical Women Publications - Nancy Reiko Kato - Women of Color: Frontrunners for Freedom 1990-1995 6291-001 Box 1 95 Northwest Nikkei Newspaper Article December 1995 on Nancy Reiko Kato - Sandee Taniguchi 1995 Merle Woo - Is National Organization for Women The Right Group for Lesbians? - The Advocate 1991 6291-001 Box 1 96 National Radical Women Publications - Women of Color: Frontrunners for Freedom 1991 6291-001 Box 1 97 What Have We Got to Lose? - Mary Ann Curtis of Campus Radical Women 1991-1992 6291-001 Box 1 98 Nancy Reiko Kato - Freedom Socialist Subscription Sale Story 1992 6291-001 Box 1 99 Sojourner: The Women's Forum July 1995 Page 20-21 Shared By Debra O'GARA 1995 6291-001 Box 1 100 Creative Pieces and Articles By Women Including Toni Medinicino, Clara Fraser, and Michele Wallace 1995 6291-001 Box 1 101 Listed In Emerge Magazine - March 1997 Correspondence 1997 6291-001 Box 1 102 Series 5, Local Chapters, 1977-1996 SERIES 5 Subseries A, Seattle, Washington Radical Women Chapter Subseries A 1977-1996 1977-78 Records 1977-1978 6291-001 Box 1 103 Events 1978 - Bush Mama 1978 6291-001 Box 1 104 Memos Between Clara Fraser and Mary Reeves 1978-1979 6291-001 Box 1 105 Events 1979 1979 6291-001 Box 1 106 Fundraising 1979-80 1979 6291-001 Box 1 107 Events 1979-80 - Women's Superiority 1979-1980 6291-001 Box 1 108 In The Media 1979-1981 6291-001 Box 1 109 Events 1980 1980 6291-001 Box 1 110 Events 1981 1981 6291-001 Box 1 111 Invitation from Washington Women Lawyers - Judicial Candidate Forum Night 1981 6291-001 Box 1 112 Memo Between Clara Fraser and Betty Maloney - Clique Fight 1981 1981 6291-001 Box 1 113 Seattle Radical Women Organizer Betty Maloney Correspondence 1981-1983 6291-001 Box 1 114 Events 1982 - Women In The Trades Public Forum 1982 6291-001 Box 1 115 Finances 1982 - Feminist Mobilization Fund and Memos 1982 6291-001 Box 1 116 Seattle Radical Women 1983 1982-1983 6291-001 Box 1 117 Gloria Martin Correspondence 1990 6291-001 Box 1 118 Anne Slater to Nancy Kato - New South African Canadian Member 1995 6291-001 Box 1 119 Events 1996 - Sandy Nelson Case, Same-sex Marriage, and Gay Pride 1996 6291-001 Box 1 120 Subseries B, Grays Harbor, Washington Radical Women Chapter Subseries B 1982 The Daily World - "Peace Bishop" Sparks Reaction By Sandy Nelson - February 1982 1982 6291-001 Box 1 121 Subseries C, Portland, Oregon Radical Women Chapter Subseries C 1982-1992 Correspondence from Branch Organizer Adrienne Weller to National Organizer Constance Scott 1982 6291-001 Box 1 122 Correspondence from Branch Organizer Adrienne Weller to Workers Vanguard 1992 6291-001 Box 1 123 Events 1979 1979 6291-001 Box 1 124 Subseries D, Los Angeles, California Radical Women Chapter Subseries D 1982-1994 Correspondence from Branch Organizer Monica Hill to National Organizer Constance Scott 1982 6291-001 Box 1 125 Correspondence from Mary Ann Curtis on New Branch Organizer Donna Ramirez and Finance Director Christine Browning 1994 6291-001 Box 1 126 Subseries E, San Francisco, California Radical Women Chapter Subseries E 1979-1990 San Francisco Committee for A Revolutionary Socialist Party Member Mike Delacour - People's Park 10th Anniversary 1979 6291-001 Box 1 127 Women Writers Union Partnership - Events and Membership 1979-1980 6291-001 Box 1 128 Membership 1990 1990 6291-001 Box 1 129 Subseries F, Juneau, Alaska Radical Women Chapter Subseries F 1979-1982 Letter to Sharman Haley Regarding Participation In Common Ground 1979-1982 6291-001 Box 1 130 Subseries G, Mankato, Minnesota Radical Women Chapter Subseries G 1993 Midwest Adventures, Outreach, and Prospects - Carolyn Kanyusik[?] 1993 6291-001 Box 1 131 Subseries H, Melbourne, Australia Radical Women Chapter Subseries H 1990 Report on Garage Sale - Alison Thorne 1990 6291-001 Box 1 132 Melbourne Radical Women Study Group- Woman Workers: Sparkplugs of Labor 1990 6291-001 Box 1 133