Records of an advocacy and research organization, founded by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in 1971, including general administrative records, minutes of staff and board meetings, newsletters and other publications, and files on specific issues or programs such as corporate responsibility, integration, legislative action, and welfare. The center closed in 1982.

Gift of the Justice and Peace Center, 1980.

 

Historical Note

The Milwaukee-based Justice and Peace Center was founded in 1971 by friars of the Capuchin Franciscan Order, Province of St. Joseph, as the World Justice and Peace Office. It's name changed in 1973 to reflect the collaboration of four other orders. Nine religious congregations were participating by decade's end. Staff turnover and conflicts took a toll, however, and members of the sponsoring communities didn't always see eye-to-eye with JPC personnel over their approach, or the causes they espoused. In addition, establishment of an Office of Human Concerns by the Milwaukee Archdiocese raised questions about a possible duplication of efforts. The Center closed its doors in 1982, its achievements affirmed, but still searching for the "new vision" that would allow its work to continue.

 

Scope and Content

 

Series 1, Board of Directors and Staff Meetings Files, 1973-1983, contains meeting minutes and related memoranda and reports of the board, its personnel and program committees, and the JPC staff.

Series 2, Program and Project Files, 1972-1981, consists of correspondence, reports, and related records concerning the JPC's programs and their projects, notably those promoting corporate responsibility and socially just legislation.

Series 3, Administration and Subject Files, 1971-1982, contains correspondence, reports, newspaper clippings, and other records documenting the JPC's founding and operation, and its positions on various issues.

Series 4, Publications, 1971-1982, includes newsletters and other publications issued by the center, arranged by title.