What She Said

Part II, Case 5: Community Citizens

When the government does not appear to be investing in a local community, women-led organizations often step in to fill that gap between community and government. Comisión Femenil Mexicana Nacional (CFMN) was founded in the 1970s to raise awareness of political and social issues affecting Latina women. Madres del Este de Los Angeles (MELA) began in 1986 when a group of local women were concerned about the impact a proposed East LA state prison would have on their children's safety. MELA members successfully blocked prison construction and continued to advocate on behalf of their community, especially in relation to environmental hazards. By the close of the 20th century, earlier unpaid philanthropic labor had transformed into the idea of women as citizen experts on everything from childrearing to the environment.

While leisure time remains for some women, it has become an increasingly precious commodity, as American households often require more than one breadwinner to maintain a household. Contemporary women frequently manage households as well as work schedules, making it harder for some voluntary organizations to maintain robust membership rolls.

In more recent years, organizations previously segregated by gender or other factors have begun demonstrating an interest in greater inclusivity. In youth organizations like the Girl and Boy Scouts, there is a movement towards looking past gender binaries. Throughout the challenges and changes of the 20th century, and the advent of new organizations to meet community needs, many of the early women's organizations remain active today and dedicated to the causes of their choice.

This concludes Part 2. Part 3, Issue Spotlights, begins behind you, in the tall case opposite the exhibit's title wall.

• 1

  Membership Form, Madres Del Este De Los AngelesJuana Beatriz Gutiérrez Mothers of East Los Angeles Collection

• 2

  Photograph, Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley Officer Installation, from left to right: Karin Duran, Maria Reza, and six scholarship winners with their certificates, 1999Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley Collection

• 3

  Photograph, Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley members at Latina Action Day in Sacramento, May 6-7, 1997Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley Collection

• 4

  Recruiting Fact Sheet, Junior League of Los Angeles, Inc., 1992Junior League of Los Angeles, Inc. Collection

• 5

  Flyer, "Where We Stand on Issues Affecting Women," circa 1979-1989Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Los Angeles Collection

• 6

  Scrapbook Page, Junior League of Los Angeles Causes, 1976Junior League of Los Angeles, Inc. Collection

• 7

  Scrapbook Page, Junior League of Los Angeles Public Relations Clippings, 1976Junior League of Los Angeles, Inc. Collection