Historical March 1981 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
While most neighborhood residents pass by 438 North Skinker frequently, very few know what goes on inside the converted old home now known as the World Community Center.
In a recent interview, Yvonne Logan, the Director, attempted to sort out the recent activities and history of the Center.
The World Community Center began in 1975 with the goal of aiding organizations to increase their effectiveness in working for a just and humane world community.
While that is a rather large agenda, the Center has maintained its existence by working with a variety of organizations.
The Center is now primarily a location for peace and justice groups. Eight organizations are considered founding groups of the World Community Center and one of those groups, the
American Friends Service Committee, still maintains an office there. Other organizations such as the United Nations Association are housed elsewhere. Presently, two neighborhood residents serve on the Board of Directors of the Center. Jean Robert Leguey-Feilleux is Chairman of the Board, and Bill Stone is a member.
While the Center serves as a hub for peace and justice organizations, it is also responsible for its own major program. “Great Decisions” is a nationwide program designed to increase understanding of principal foreign policy issues facing the United States.
The Board Vice-Chairman, Marion Weir, is in charge of “Great Decisions ’81”. Information about the program and a book, which can be used in secondary school classes, is available at the Center for $5.00 per copy.
In 1975, 438 Skinker was purchased from the Committee for Environmental Information.
The Center will retire their mortgage debt in two years.
To meet payments, the Center rents office space to nine organizations.
The building also pays property taxes because it has been unable to receive a tax exempt status. Mrs. Logan said the rent received barely covers the cost of maintaining the building. Supplemental income is raised at the annual Mother’s Day Art Fair where the Center has always had booths. Organizations presently inhabiting the building are:
American Friends Service Committee which promotes peace and justice in the Middle East.
- Freedom of Residence which is concerned about discrimination in housing.
- The National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
- The National Committee for Appropriate Technology which promotes various forms of energy conservation.
The Women’s Credit Union.
Crawdad Alliance which opposes nuclear power.
- The Committee for a Radioactive Waste Policy which supports the development of a coherent waste policy.
- The Tenants Union.
- The Campaign for Human Dignity which supports the re-opening of Homer G. Phillips Hospital.
The converted house itself is in good repair and the Center has installed new storm windows and has recently painted the exterior trim.
The basement has a large room which can be rented for meetings.
The charge is slight.
The basement, first and second floors contain offices.
The third floor, which needs renovation, is not in use presently.
According to Mrs. Logan, the building has been used for office for many years. Prior to the eight year occupancy by the Committee for Environmental Information, the building served as a Hebrew school. Mrs. Logan still receives calls for the school.
The Center is administered by an all volunteer staff, and maintains information about other peace and justice organizations. That information is available to anyone who is interested. Mrs. Logan encourages visits and will be happy to provide visitors with more information about the World Community Center.
Originally published in The Paper, March 1981.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1981_03.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
