Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers, 2001/2004

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers, Ms2005-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.25 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract:
The collection includes materials about the founding and organization of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge (FCAVBR), FCAVBR Cemetery and Funeral Home Surveys for 2003 and 2004, Checklist for Survivors, Pre-Planning Form for an individual's wishes and final arrangements, and the packet "Before I Go, You Should Know: My Funeral and Final Plans." The collection also includes a number of brochures prepared by the FCAVBR, including "How to Plan a Memorial Service," "Beat the High Cost of Funerals," "Recycle Your Medical Devices," and other topics related to death, grief, and funeral decisions.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers, Ms2005-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers include materials helpful to individuals and families of individuals wishing to make their own choices related to death, funerals, and final plans. Materials have been prepared by the FCAVBR, which is concerned with helping individuals do their own end-of-life planning. It includes a Checklist for Survivors as well as "A Guide for My Survivors." The collection also contains a packet which individuals may prepare to let their individual funeral and final plans be known. It includes survey results for 2003 and 2004 FCAVBR surveys relating to costs for services of over 30 cemeteries and 27 funeral homes in the Virginia Blue Ridge area. The collection also contains over 30 brochures dealing with various topics associated with death and dying and funeral plans, such as "How to Plan a Memorial Service, "A Guide to Funeral Planning," "Organ & Body Donation," Viewing and Visitation," and "What You Should Know About Embalming. The brochures endeavor to help individuals make informed decisions regarding their final and funeral plans.

Biographical / historical:

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge began in January 2001 with six members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Blacksburg, Virginia. The organization made a conscious effort to branch out and not be associated with any denomination. The group is committed to providing information about end-of-life planning to anyone who requests it. The FCAVBR is a volunteer group. It is committed to fostering a cooperative working relationship with the community, including businesses dealing with end-of-live.

Acquisition information:
The Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers were donated to Special Collections in 2004.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge Papers commenced in February 2005 and was completed in February 2005.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by subject matter.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard