METHODS

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 3, 1 April 1947, Page 8

METHODS

Madam President. Members oi’ Convention, — To-day all sorts of gadgets for efficient work in the homes are being ottered us: their production is already begun; every home maker is entitled to the very liest offered and ought to make use oi every article of value in the mechanics of good house-keeping. National life and international lite are just progressive, larger units of home-making, and the same principle applies to the Women's Christ inn Temperance Union. It is one of the valuable, and very fine instruments for use in our National good house-keeping, and in order to make the finest contribution that is |>ossible, the W.C.T.U. must have the most up-to-date and effective “Methods.” Through the years we have tried to make a jHiint of keeping abreast of the times, changing from time to time our Methods of approach when necessary to conform to the present-day needs. We have a wonderful organisation of itself with Aims and Purposes and Plans; even correct Methods merely printed on paper cannot possibly be the effective force to make our work successful; these Aims and Purposes of our Organisation must be burned into the souls of the Members and carried forward by the best Methods we can devise.

Meeting* \re we making our meetings as attractive as well as educational as we can? Do we prepare well ahead the Agenda? Whatever we do. let us try to avoid getting into a rut. In arranging your meetings, do try to obtain a cheery, central meeting place. Have you noticed how bright and comfortable the lonnges of most of the hotels are? The very best methods are used to make hotels attractive and up-to-date. In some of tlie hotels in Canada a large welcome card is placed in a conspicuous place with these words, which read:—“Enter soberly Drink moderately Leave quietly Come again.” In a w’ord or two I would like to throw out a few suggestions; they may not he new, but just reminding ourselves occasionally may serve to renew and increase our usefulness and efficiency.

For General Member*: You are part of the Union you belong to. Do work for its success. Do try to gain new members, especially young women. Do familiarise yourself with the history and background of the W.C.T.U. so that you can intelligently answer questions. Do make it plain in all your announcements that anyone interested will be most welcome to the meetings. Do have literature at hand at every gathering—some for sale and some also for free distribution.

Do gi\e a personal invitation to the meetings, and give visitors an opportunity to join without pressing them, explaining the two requirements—The Pledge, and the payment of the fee of 2/7, and how the money is allocated. Especially explain the fid. affiliates the Member to the Dominion Union and Id. to the World Union. Do speak so that you may be heard in any part of the room, and if possible, avoid reading what you have to say. Phase do not feel or act apologetic when seeking new Members, or when asking for an offering, or when inviting speakers or helpers to your meetings. The W.C.T.U. is a great Organisation working for righteousness in our land, and can he a more effective force than it in now if our Methods are brought more up-to-date. Time does not permit me to speak at any length re Officers’ Duties. I hope every Officer feels it an honour to be elected for leadership; however, just let me sav:—

President: The President nlioulcL not try to control the meetings; her duty is to conduct and direct; she should not try to do everything herself, but, if possible, give each member something to do. There is one important thing 1 should like to stress —if a Member accepts officership, whether President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer, she should get to know her duties, and so educate herself, that the work of the Union will go ahead under her direction.

Constitution: Study the Constitution, it gives a valuable iead. You will al>o find in the Literature Department much to help you to becom* efficient Officers, make inquiries at the literature table, and take the Constitution — Help to Officers—the Handy Book tmd Book of Service back to your Unions. Organise a study group, anil in this way Officers can be trained for the Union.

Departmental Work: It is over sixtv years since the W.C.T.U. was organised in New Zealand. Through all these years, wise Leaders have endeavoured to make the Organisation attractive and effective by introducing u do everything policy, and sometimes have found it necessary to change their method of approach to the drink question, but never have they veered from the principle of total abstinence and the abolition of the Liquor Traffic. Some 28 Departments have come into being during the years with a Superintendent directing each. Perhaps it is not expected that every individual member should be thoroughly versed in the working of each Department, but at least every member

should know what they are —how they are worked-who directs them, and how each Department is complementary to all the rest. The Department called “Methods” is the medium through which this B achieved and schools of Method, conferences and educational study groups should be held to educate the Officers and Members in every Branch and Department of our Organisation. If we cease to work the Departments, we shall just be a Temperance Organisation and will shed the life’s blood of the W.C.T.U. The School of Methods is the largest sense of the title, however, at which two sessions or three sessions should he held.

Reporting: One of the losi important things is reporting, and this is a weak chain in our Union. If the local Unions do noi report work done in Youth work, etc., ami other Departments, how can Superintendents keep abreast of the work and write their reports? Report, Report, when nearing the end of the year—get the Executive Officers together—go through the Minute-Book, discuss what has 'been done through the year; w’hat one forgets, another will remember. That is the best Method 1 know to fill in full reports.

Whenever a Superintendent is appointed, notify and send the addres' too; if World Superintendent, to all countries where W.C.T.U.’s are organised; if Dominion Superintendent, report to the World Sui»erintendent. If District Superintendent, to the Dominion Superintendent, and if Local, to the District Superintedent.

In conclusion, I hope these few suggestions will help all, especially new Members and Delegates attending their first Convention. Yours in service, AMY KASPER, Dominion Supt.