The records of the Des Moines chapter of NOW measure 2.5 linear inches and date from 1971 to 1987. They consist primarily of newsletters with some correspondence and lists of activities. The bulk of the material dates from 1972 to 1975. The newsletters carry information on items of interest to women, activities of the chapter, calls for action and letter-writing appeals, news of other chapters, announcements of upcoming workshop topics, and contributions from readers which range from poetry to stories of breaking the discrimination barrier in employment situations. The printed material contains such items as a committee membership list, a fund-raising appeal to friends and members, a printed statement before the school board in 1973, the agenda for a "Think Tank Session," and a list of accomplishments in the chapter's first two years. A letter written by Virginia Watkins in 1987 that describes the early history of the Des Moines chapter of NOW has been placed in the collection.

The Task Force on Volunteerism conducted a study of the United Way of Greater Des Moines in 1973-74, finding economic and sex discrimination in the practices of the United Way. The initial report, along with an open letter to the United Way and a report of a meeting between the task force members and the United Way's board of directors are included.