The Book of Ideas

              Carl Alexander when she was District 4 Director, gave an idea of the importance. Mrs. Alexander is now (1967) Vice-President of the A.W.I. She stated, "1 want to talk to the most important person of our Institutes Branches-the ordinary Member. You are the one for whom the club exists. It is quite possible to have a society without officers, but you can't have one with out members. They are the essential ingredient without which no. organization can function or even exist. The President is the leader, but the best leader is helpless without the co-operation of the ordinary membership, and the success of the organization depends on every member. "The first responsibility of the ordinary member is to take a livel1, interest in the work of the Branch. That means first of an, attending regularly and arriving on tllne. There is nothing so disheartening to a President as facing a half empty room when the meeting is called to order. "The second responsibility is that of taking part in meetings. It has been said many times, 'You never get any more out of an activity than you put into it' and it's true every time. The more active part taken, the greater will be your enjoyment and benefit. "There are a number of ways in which you can contribute to the success of a meeting. Start by being the one to second a motion, then you might move the adoption of the nrlnutes of the last meeting. Some one has to do it, you can't let the President stand there forever asking, "Will someone move the minutes be adopted as read?" So why shouldn't it be you? "The next step is to take part in discussion of some proposed activity. The Executive Committee puts a plan before the meeting. They are enthusiastic about it and how disappointing, if there is no discussion. At least half a dozen members will have something to say about it after the meeting, or on the way home. Whether you agree or not, and especially if you don't agree, do get up and state your views in a few sentences. It's just as important to stop as to start, so quit before you start repeating yourself. Remember, if you don't make your views known, you have forfeited your right to criticize the club's action. None of the members are mind-readers and if you don't speak up, no one will know what your opinion is. "One of the most useful and pleasant parts of a meeting, is the time given to questions and discussion after the speaker of the day has concluded her address. That is, it will be pleasant and useful if the ordinary members ask questions and take part in the discussion. Otherwise it may be the most difficult and embarrassing few minutes imaginable. Make a mental note, or scribble a note on a piece of paper as a reminder, so when the invitation is given, you get right up and say your piece or ask your question. Be brief, speak loudly enough so that the rest of the audience can hear you, and address the Chair. After you have done this a few times, you will feel ready to move a vote of thanks to the Speaker. Do this in a few simple sentences to show that you have understood and appreciated her address. "The next step in participation is a very rewarding one. Accept membership in an active committee and then chairmanship of one. Any Active Committee Member will tell you that the rewards and satisfactions
of her service make the work worthwhile.
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"At the annual meeting the ordinary member has special responsibilities. First of all, of course, to be there and to record her vote for the candidates for office. But there is something more. It is the ordinary 13