The AIDS Legislative Committee Records, a collection documenting the work of a Maryland grass-roots advocacy non-profit, was recently processed and is available for research at the UB Special Collections & Archives.
The ALC steering committee included volunteers with expertise in varying fields including healthcare and law, and they also employed a part-time lobbyist and a community coordinator to assist with their work. According to the ALC 1994 Annual Report (from the archival collection), the group advocated for state legislation and policies and provided education in order to address the healthcare, legal, and other needs of all people living with HIV/AIDS [1]. Throughout the collection, researchers will find bill tracking documentation for the Maryland legislature, testimony provided by the ALC members, documentation of the positions taken by the ALC on issues related to HIV/AIDS, administrative files, brochures, stickers, and more.
This collection offers insight into the administration and partnerships of the non-profit organization and a window into the kinds of legislation the ALC advocated for and against. From healthcare issues regarding reporting and exposure to HIV, to issues related to health insurance, healthcare access, and discrimination, this collection documents the extensive work of the ALC in Maryland.
The UB Special Collections & Archives provides access to numerous collections from community organizing groups, organizations, and non-profits. Several of our collections contain materials relating specifically to healthcare, the LGBTQ+ community, and the advocacy work of grass-roots non-profits in Baltimore and Maryland. A list of a few of these collections is below:
The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland Records include materials documenting issues related to civil rights, healthcare, and many other topics.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland Records document the history of the Center and include materials relating to the Center’s programming such as the Stop AIDS Campaign.
The NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Records document the outreach efforts, research projects, and organizing work this non-profit has completed over the years regarding reproductive health rights.
The Planned Parenthood of Maryland Records document the work and health services provided by the organization since its founding in 1927 through 1966.
If you would like to view and/or use archival collections, please contact the Special Collections & Archives. Please note that due to public health concerns with the spread of COVID-19, the Special Collections & Archives Research Room is currently closed (as of this blog post in June 2020). Onsite research appointments and walk-in services are unavailable during the closure. However, remote reference and research assistance is available. Please visit our website for further information.
___________________________________________________________
References:
[1] ALC Annual Reports, 1994-1995. AIDS Legislative Committee Records, R0173-ALC, Box 4 Folder 9, Special Collections & Archives, University of Baltimore.