Letter from Martha Peterson to Catharine Stimpson, November 30, 1971, page 2

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Day Care Centers, and I think we should encourage the establish-
ment of the Day Care Centers even if we cannot undertake to
establish one ourselves. I know of the interest of some of the
committee members in abortion counseling, yet I wonder if we
have either the staff or the energy at this time to participate
in either one of these projects. Should we not concentrate our
energies in the on—going security of the women's studies kinds
of courses, in post-doctoral fellowships, in the lawyer program,
and in a few campus lectures and seminars that give perspective
to the whole women issue, rather than being active in small
worthy and necessary projects, such as the Day Care Centers,
abortion referral, and the political caucus.

I do not mean to imply that the smaller causes are unworthy.
They are fine and I would hope Barnard students might get in-
volved in some of these, but I think the Women's Center ought
to stick to the more academically oriented programs.

This perhaps just reveals a bias of mine, but I do think
my bias is realistic in light of our financial and manpower or
womanpower situation. Your reception went well on November
23rd. I hope also that you will find a way to get more students
actively involved in some of your efforts.

I recognize that most of you are doing this out of your
side pocket and that we must have additional personnel who can
give more time to the Women's Center. On the other hand, I
hope that we don't lose our momentum at this moment by diffusion
of activities.

Cordially,

WP

Martha Peterson
President

Miss Catharine R. Stimpson
Chairman

Executive Committee
Barnard Women's Center

MP: bet
cc: Executive Committee of
Barnard Women's Center