WWII Girls Service Organization
Collections in the Classroom
Grade Level
Elementary, High, Middle
Time Period
1900-1950: Early 20th Century
Theme
WWII
Resource Type
Engagement Activity, Primary Source
Download Collections in the Classroom: WWII Girls Service Organization (GSO)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- What role did women play in supporting the war effort?
- How did life change for people on the homefront during WWII?
CONTEXT
The Girls’ Service Organization (GSO) was a national service group started by the YMCA during WWII to work with the United Service Organization (USO). The purpose of the USO, United Service Organization, was to provide morale, welfare, and entertainment for military personnel. The GSO offered leadership and organizational experience for young women. The Richmond chapter began in April of 1944 as a way for Junior Hostesses at the USO to gain more opportunities. The picture above shows a number of young women and several servicemen folding papers and stuffing envelopes for their GSO Review newsletter.
