Poster: "Back Our Girls Over There"

World War I Poster of a Woman Operating a Switchboard
World War I poster showing a 'Hello Girl', a female switchboard operator, in army uniform, with soldiers marching in the background. The text "Back our girls over there" and "United War Work Campaign," along with the Y.W.C.A. emblem. Source: Springfield College.

This poster shows the type of work a Hello Girl did. The soldiers marching in the background were supported by their tireless work. The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort by several organizations, including the Y.W.C.A., to raise funds for the war effort. As the sole women's organization in the campaign, the Y.W.C.A. focused on addressing the unique needs of women and girls affected by the war. They raised funds, recruited war workers, expanded their existing "blue triangle houses," and built new facilities. These facilities ranged from camps for soldiers to centers where young women were mobilized for agricultural, industrial, and government work.

Highlighting the importance of communication in warfare, this poster emphasizes the critical role played by the Hello Girls in ensuring effective military operations. It also serves as a tribute to their dedication and service, which was often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of the war.