TALK ON METHODS

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 3, 1 April 1946, Page 8

TALK ON METHODS

Given by Mrs. Kasper at Dominion Convention

We have, as an organisation, been fortunate m our officers, who have drawn up a very lucid constitution to follow; also the superintendents of d *- partments, who have set out the work of the departments, hut we must not he satisfied to know the work. We should study the correct manner of procedure—the very best way to carry out the work of each department. We can get into a rut by doing the same things at our meetings year in and year out. At the world convention Mrs. Rachel Palmer said at one of the study classes* “Present the old truth in a new way. Try to catch thfr public and interest them in our work with new ideas and more attractive methods.” I have never forgotten that. To do it, we need initiative, a

keener interest, and better organisation. Frances Willard said once: “When organising, don’t despise the day of small things. I have organised seventy women into a weak organisation, and seven into a strong one.” Don't fail to keep your wit, wisdom and patience well to the front. Don’t take too much for granted Don’t assume the role of “Sir Oracle.” Teach without seeming to do so. Put yourself in the attitude of a learner with the rest; thus your style will he kindly and suggestive rather than authoritative. Officer* So much depends on the officers and their methods of carrying out the work. It is like launching a lifeboat.

If the captain is near-sighted and the mate a blunderer, the raft will swamp before it gets beyond the breaker* Let the presidents of our unions preside and go forward quietly to their places as a matter of course.

Be definite. Get the business on the agenda through as quickly as possible, then introduce a programme that is attractive and interesting. Invite visitors. I have met people who have told me that they thought only members could attend.

If a president is not sure of the correct method of conducting a meeting, let me give her the advice that Frances Willard gave when addressing a class on procedure: “Rehearse. Practice. Try to become perfect. Let everything he natural, hut let it he clear-cut, systematic, ship-shape. Treat your audience as carefully and graciously as you would a guest in your own house.” Preparing for a Meeting Re the method of preparing for and carrying out the programme of a meeting, whether it he a social function nr just an ordinary meeting, mv advice is to plan matters thoroughly beforehand. We will never gain members for our unions and interest people in our work unless we make our meetings worth coming to. Let there he nothing haphaza-d, as is too often the case in out temperance meetings Neither let us have anything of the “cut and dried” method where the president reads every words she says. A well-appointed meeting is a work of art. I)on’t let your music go by default. Keep to tlie programme as far as possible, and make the room fair and gracious with flowers. Note that hotel lounges are always comfortable and well decorated.