Administrative Information

Access

Collection is open for use without restrictions

Use Restrictions

None

Preferred Citation

Box-folder, Richmond Urban Institute Archives, M 258, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University

Acquisition Information

Donated to Special Collections and Archives by the Executive Board and Moderator of the Richmond Urban Institute on July 20, 1988.

Processing Information

Accession Number: 87-NOV-54; 89-Feb-9; 89-May-22; 96-Nov-36

Historical Information

The Richmond Urban Institute was created in 1979 to address problems in the city of Richmond. The goals of the original members included education, mediation, cooperation with other organizations, and development of specific programs to bring about a more unified and just city. The Institute affirmed its religious faith and in communal responsibility, drawing its membership from a broad cross-section of business, religious and community interests. Incorporated as a non-profit organization in February, 1980, RUI employed two Urban Missioners and an Administrative Assistant. Funding for these positions and Institute activities came from an extended foundation grant and fund-raising among local churches and businesses. St. Paul's Episcopal Church was instrumental in providing leadership, funds, and office space for the new organization.

An elected Council and Moderator determine RUI policy, but activities originate in standing committees. Historically, the two committees given greatest attention concern disinvestment and racism/racial polarization. Both committees publish reports and organize workshops to involve citizens and government officials in correcting imbalances in Richmond society and economy. More recently, new committees have been formed to address unemployment, transportation, housing, women and poverty, and grassroots development. Significant programs undertaken include a series of Black-Jewish dialogues, a workshop on the impact of the 1981 federal budget, summer camp programs for city children, and a Summer Youth Employment Program.

The organization was dissolved in 1990.

Scope and Content Information

The Archives is composed of correspondence, reports, publications and general office files, excluding most financial and fundraising information, from 1971 through 1988; but the bulk of the material dates from 1979 to 1985. Series and files on specific issues often include notes, articles, and publications gathered to inform individuals and committees which addressed these needs. Other publications follow the major series. The following issues of Revitalization News have been tranferred to the Richmond Revitalization (M253) file: Vol. 1, Numbers 1-7; Vol. 2, Numbers 1, 4, and 5; Vol. 3, Numbers 1 and 2. All materials not directly pertaining to the activities of the Institute have been returned or have been removed and cataloged and added to the library's collection.

Arrangement

All materials are arranged alphabetically within each series.

Series I--History of the Richmond Urban Institute (1979-1986);

Series II--Programs, Projects, and Reports (1979-1986);

Series III-- Proposals for Urban Projects (1978-1985);

Series IV--Housing (1979-1986);

Series V--Women and the Family (1976-1986);

Series VI-- Other Urban Issues (1971-1985);

Series VII--Public Relations (1979-1985);

Series VIII--Other Organizations (1979-1988);

Series IX--Reference (1977-1984)