National Conference of Charities and Correction

National Conference of Charities and Correction was a prominent organization in the United States that aimed to address social issues, particularly in the areas of charity and correction. The conference was attended by notable figures such as Jane Addams, Hull House founder, and Jacob Riis, a renowned journalist and social reformer. The organization's efforts were influenced by the works of Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, and Frederick Engels, who wrote about social and economic conditions in England and Europe. The conference also drew inspiration from the Salvation Army and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

● History

The National Conference of Charities and Correction was established in 1874, with the first conference held in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference was organized by Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, a prominent figure in the American Social Science Association, and Samuel Gridley Howe, a renowned Harvard University professor. The conference aimed to bring together experts and professionals in the fields of charity and correction to discuss and address social issues, such as poverty, crime, and mental health. The conference was also influenced by the works of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to graduate from Geneva Medical College, and Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The conference drew attendees from various organizations, including the New York Charity Organization Society and the Boston Children's Aid Society.

● Organization

The National Conference of Charities and Correction was organized into various sections, each focusing on a specific area of charity and correction. The sections included child welfare, public health, and corrections, among others. The conference was led by a board of directors, which included notable figures such as Lillian Wald, the founder of the Henry Street Settlement, and Julia Lathrop, the first chief of the United States Children's Bureau. The conference also had a strong connection with the University of Chicago, where many of its attendees and organizers were affiliated. The organization's structure was influenced by the National Association of Social Workers and the American Sociological Association.

● Objectives

The primary objectives of the National Conference of Charities and Correction were to improve the lives of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. The conference aimed to achieve this through the promotion of social justice, human rights, and community development. The conference also sought to address issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and crime prevention. The organization's objectives were influenced by the works of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx, who wrote about social and economic conditions in Europe. The conference drew inspiration from the Settlement movement and the Progressive Era.

● Notable Conferences

The National Conference of Charities and Correction held several notable conferences throughout its history. One of the most notable conferences was the 1893 conference, which was held in Chicago and attended by Theodore Roosevelt, the future President of the United States. The conference also featured a speech by Jane Addams, who discussed the importance of social work and community development. Another notable conference was the 1909 conference, which was held in Buffalo, New York, and featured a speech by W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent African American scholar and activist. The conference also drew attendees from the National Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

● Impact and Legacy

The National Conference of Charities and Correction had a significant impact on the development of social work and corrections in the United States. The conference helped to establish the field of social work as a profession and promoted the importance of community development and social justice. The conference also influenced the development of public policy and legislation related to charity and correction. The organization's legacy can be seen in the work of organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the United Way. The conference also drew inspiration from the New Deal and the Great Society programs.

● Key Figures

The National Conference of Charities and Correction was led by several key figures, including Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, Samuel Gridley Howe, and Dorothea Dix. Other notable figures who attended the conference included Jane Addams, Jacob Riis, and Theodore Roosevelt. The conference also drew attendees from various organizations, including the New York Charity Organization Society and the Boston Children's Aid Society. The organization's key figures were influenced by the works of Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, and Frederick Engels, who wrote about social and economic conditions in England and Europe. The conference also had a strong connection with the University of Chicago and the Harvard University.

Category:Social work