Division of Women’s War Work

This division was established November 1, 1917, under the direction of Clara Sears Taylor, for the purpose of informing and energizing the women of the country, keeping in touch with the various women's groups, sending out material, and giving impetus to all movements connected with the work of American women in the war. During its existence about 1,000 news stories and feature articles concerning the work of women were sent out to 19,471 newspapers and organization publications. These releases included a wire and mail service and were made up of news stories and feature articles. They were sent daily to 2,861 papers in columns containing from 12 to 20 stories each. These stories were short and were used by the papers on their editorial pages, in the magazine sections, and by many women column writers. The absorption was remarkable, the material being used by publications in every section of the country.

Two hundred and fifty pictures were furnished, showing women actively engaged in war work.

Attempt was also made to cover every phase of women's work through seven daily columns :

First, work being done in national organizations.

Second, in Government departments.

Third, decentralized organizations of women's work througout the United States.

Fourth, schools and colleges.

Fifth, churches. This column has been widely copied.

Sixth, foreign column.

Seventh, work being done by organizations of colored women.

Two college brochures were issued. It is impossible to estimate the number of these pamphlets which were distributed, because in a number of cases they were reprinted locally. The colleges cooperated with the Women's Division in response to these brochures in a remarkable manner.

Among the special feature releases sent out by the department a four-column clip sheet on wage-earning woman in winning the war, a munition workers' uniform release, and one telling how Uncle Sam cares for the families of his soldiers met with unusual response.