Subseries: Welfare Rights

1966 June 14
Physical Description: Time: Reel 19 - 30 minutes; Reel 20 - 30 minutes; Reel 21 - 15 minutes
:   Format: 7 1/2 IPS; 7-inch reels; full track; mono; acetate; 1.5 mil. Bad splices; very bad condition 
Scope and Content Note: These three reels comprise a radio program on WBAI, New York, dealing with a proposal for radically changing the welfare system. Participants include Dr. Richard Cloward and Dr. Frances Piven, Columbia University School of Social Work, and Wiley, who had recently founded the Poverty Rights Action Center. The panelists discuss the myths and evils of welfare and propose a new system based on income supplements. Wiley talks about how welfare problems are closely related to civil rights. The participants call for a massive campaign to help people get what is rightfully theirs; as a result of this additional pressure on the system the inadequacies will be thrown into sharp relief and this will be a first step toward radical changes. (The first sentence is missing.)

1967 August 26-27
Physical Description: Time: Side 1 - 90 minutes; Side 2 - 90 minutes
:   Format: 3 3/4 IPS; 7-inch reel; 1/2 track; mono ; acetate; 1.0 mil. Fragile 
Scope and Content Note

National Welfare Rights Organization first national convention. The first segment of Side 1 is the afternoon plenary session of August 26. The main controversy is over setting up rules and regulations for the convention. George Wiley introduces Dr. Richard Cloward and Dr. Frances Piven. Dr. Cloward gives a brief address on the national welfare movement and strategy. He calls for aggressive recruitment of those eligible for welfare to create added pressure for change (20 minutes). Questions and answers (10 minutes).

Part 2 of Side 1 and the entire second side is a continuation of the plenary session on August 26-27, including the roll call of delegates and bickering over elected offices to be voted on and formalities in general. Wiley is present but contributes little beyond advice on parliamentary procedure. There is also brief discussion by delegates of Wiley's role at the convention. (continued on next reel)

1967 August 27
Physical Description: Time: Side 1 - 90 minutes; Side 2 - 90 minutes
:   Format: 3 3/4 IPS; 7-inch reel; 1/2 track; mono; acetate; 1.0 mil 
Scope and Content Note

NWRO convention (continued). Side 1: The conclusion of the nominations and speeches for national offices by various candidates. Mrs. Johnnie Tillmon is elected first national president.

Side 2: James Farmer and Dick Gregory address the convention. Farmer remarks on the significance of the welfare rights movement and comments on the U.S. Congress, the philosophy of the NWRO, and pending legislation affecting welfare (15 minutes). Gregory presents a comical but emotional address on American society, touching on the economy, welfare, riots, and black people. End of speech is not recorded. (75 minutes)

1968 May 7
Physical Description: Time: 2 hours, 44 minutes
:   Format: 1 7/8 IPS; 7-inch reel; 1/2 track; mono; polyester; 1.0 mil. (Copied at 3 3/4 on 2 reels) 
Scope and Content Note: A workshop held under the auspices of the National Association of Social Workers. The objective of the workshop is to develop a conceptual model of a multi-purpose neighborhood social service center. Discussion centers around staffing, facilities, and goals. This meeting is one of an undetermined number on the subject. Side 2 is blank.

1969 July 13
Physical Description: Time: 12 minutes
:   Format: 7 1/2 IPS; 7-inch reel; full track; mono; polyester; 1.5 mil 
Scope and Content Note: George Wiley is interviewed about the National Welfare Rights Organization and what it is trying to accomplish. Wiley talks about welfare and the minimum wage and points to the new direction the welfare movement is taking, i.e., seeking a guaranteed annual adequate income for all poor people. Wiley concludes with remarks about live-on-welfare-for-a-week consciousness-raising activities, particularly the experiences of Mrs. Frank Church, wife of Senator Church of Idaho. Interview is for WABC, New York, to be broadcast at 10:42 PM, Sunday, July 13, 1969.