Service Clubs Research Articles

Organized Labor's Place in the Community Power Structure

It is a commonplace that organized labor has had little influence in community policy in the United States. Prior to the New Deal, community decisions were made largely by business and professional groups. Since 1932, when organized labor obtained legal support for collective bargaining, unions have gradually begun to challenge this domination of the city by already established groups. Thus, while labor's main political effort was made on state and national levels, it has also sought to challenge local patterns of control. The Political Action Committees of the CIO have become increasingly interested in local politics. During World War II the CIO created the Community Services Organization to broaden its area of community involvement. Although lagging somewhat, the AFL has also expanded its political and other activities in the community. As Cook has shown, unions are establishing liaison with all important institutions and demanding representation on all community-wide organizations in cities where labor is highly organized. The full circle of challenges to the traditional power structure of the local community now appears complete: economic challenge, political challenge, and finally a challenge on all local institutional fronts. Many scholars have observed, however, that labor unions still do not occupy a place in this power structure commensurate with their numbers or with their role in the economy. But precise documentation of this fact is generally lacking. Orme W. Phelps made one of the early systematic studies which documented the gross under-representation of labor union officials among (a) honorific biographical listings and (b) appointments to public offices, boards of foundations, university boards, and service clubs. This study focused primarily on recognition of union officials at state and federal levels. (Author's abstract courtesy EBSCO.)

The Formalization Process in Voluntary Associations

T HIS study was undertaken with the purpose of testing the hypothesis of a cumulative process of in voluntary associations in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area in 1952. No attempt was made to define the concept of formalization in precise terms. The meaning accorded to the term bv the majority of sociological writers was considered sufficiently definite. Accordingly, the process of was interpreted to imply a sequential, stage-by-stage development of voluntary associations over time; an increasing complexity in the social structure, a progressive prescription and standardization of social relationships and finally, an increasing bureaucratization of the organization.' This study of voluntary associations consisted of a survey of 91 organizations. A random sample was drawn from a list of 456 voluntary associations compiled by the Minnesota Council for Adult Education. This list was used because it seemed to be the most inclusive enumeration of existing voluntary associations in the Twin City area. The random sample consisted of 119 associations, 84 of which responded to the request for an interview.2 Another random sample of seven organizations was drawn from a list of 79 voluntary associations compiled by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. The reason for the second sample was primarily due to the desire to increase the number of service clubs represented in the first sample. In each association, two officers were interviewed with a schedule-preferably the president and the executive secretary. For the coding of responses and preparation of the IBM cards one schedule was used for each association, preferably the one used for interviewing the executive secretary, or if not available, the president's was selected. In summary form below we present some of our findings. (See Table 1.) 1. As the number of members of an association increases, the frequency of general meetings first rises sharply, then decreases and approaches quarterly membership meetings, (r = -.25). 2. The larger the membership, the smaller the percentage of the membership attending general meetings, (r = -.37). Our findings suggest in connection with the above two points, that, though it is possible or even likely that in some cases this development signifies the disintegration of the primary type of social group this is not necessarily the case in a majority of associations. In general, two factors are probably present. First, as the membership increases an increasing number of new members are not absorbed into the association but merely remain nominal members; and second, much of the activity and interest of the individual members is focused in subgroupings (cliques or membership units) and their social life. 3. It was found that the frequency of the board of director's meetings is not related to the number of standing committees (r = -.06). A low inverse relationship was obtained for the number of members and the frequency of the board of director's meetings, i.e., as the number of members increase, the frequency of board meetings decreases (r = -.25). The same inverse relationship was found for the number of paid employees and 1 See F. Stuart Chapin and John E. Tsouderos, Formalization Observed in Ten Voluntary Associations: Concepts, Morphology, Process, Social Forces, 33 (May 1955), pp. 306-309; and John E. Tsouderos, Organizational Change in Terms of a Series of Selected Variables, American Sociological Review, 20 (April 1955), pp. 206-210. 2 The reasons for the 35 other associations not interviewed were: 3 ceased existence; 3 were governmental or municipal agencies; 5, business or cooperative companies; 10, inadequate or no information-unlocated; 9, out-of-town associations; 1, branch of another organization; 4 were refusals. Governmental agencies and political associations, originally included in the list, were checked off and not considered as part of the universe.

A Community Youth Development Plan

all major policies but invites the University to provide consultation services, to train the local community people who work on the project, and to record and publish an account of the project. It is also a community project in the sense that it depends on the co-operation of all the agencies that serve youth-schools, churches, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, recreation agencies, service clubs, courts, and social agencies. These agencies will have workers from their staffs on

Operation Grassroots Level

AT THE Council meeting of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY in Cleveland this spring, considerable discussion took place on the scientific manpower problem. It was madr quite evident by Chairman of the Board, Charles A. Thomas, that there are three important facets to be considered: 1. The continued training of adequate numbers of young men in the physical sciences and engineering. 2. A truly selective service policy, so that the production army will not be depleted of scientists and technologists and our armed services deprived of essential war materiel. 3. A sound basis of calling up members of the reserves so that scientists and technologists now in important key positions will not be returned to the armed services unless their special skills are urgently needed by the military. The local sections must play a significant role in the dissemination of sound information of the scientific manpower question. Speakers before service clubs, women's clubs. PTA's, civic organizations, ...

Rotary Gives Youth Vocational Experiences1

A Rotary project which enables youth to find its place more quickly in the world of work is described here. Other service clubs could also cooperate with the schools and make a valuable contribution to the community.

Our NYA is a School Service Club

Our NYA is a School Service Club

Community Surveys in Vermont

This vocational study of selected communities made by the Vermont Chapter of the American Association of University Women illustrates a project that may well be undertaken by other associations and service clubs. Such a study not only reveals job opportunities for local youth, but also may pave the way for further efforts in community planning which may be state‐wide or even national in scope.

Youth Correction Authority in Action: The California Experience

In the summer of 1941 the American Law Institute sent drafts of its model Youth Correction Authority Act to interested persons in the State of California. Through the efforts of Mr. John R. Ellingston a statewide committee was formed with subcommittees in both Northern and Southern California. On these committees were representatives of the bench, the bar, the legislature, social agencies, probation officers, psychiatrists, etc. After the model act had been given careful study, Assemblyman James H. Phillips from Alameda County introduced an adaptation of the act in the 1941 legislature. For some months prior to the introduction of this bill, there had been a great deal of criticism relative to the management of the Whittier State School, an institution for younger boys. There had also been some very adverse criticism of the parole system, and the management of at least one of the state penitentiaries. As a result of these months of criticism, women's clubs, service clubs, bar associations, and civic groups over the state generally were receptive to the basic principles set forth in the Youth Correction Authority Act. The legislation was skilfully handled by Assemblyman Phillips and passed both houses with practically no opposition. It was immediately signed by the Governor. In most respects the California act' follows very closely the model act proposed by the American Law Institute. The major differences are: i. The model act provides for all members to be appointed by the Governor for a term of nine years. The California act provides for an advisory panel consisting of the presidents of the California Conference of Social Work, the Probation and Parole Officers' Association, the State Bar Association, the California Medical Association, and the Prison Association. This advisory panel initially is to recommend six persons to the Governor for membership on the Youth Authority. From this list of six the Governor must choose two. The third member of the Authority is to be the Governor's own choice. In California the Governor selected a third man who was

Vitamins for the Veteran Teacher

ALERT administrators are eager presumably to obtain able teachers and, if possible, superior teachers. Yet after the teacher is employed, has weathered probation, and has settled into a cozy teaching nest, busy administrators have given little effective thought to what befalls his teaching mind in the grind of ensuing years. What may happen to this snugly ensconced teacher's outlook over the first decade, the second decade, perhaps over a third or fourth decade? It is this: the maturing complacency of a teaching mind-a mind which once gave promise of vitality but steadily over the decades has lost enthusiasm for the adventure of teaching. Not often is this redemptively noted. Perhaps fortunately, it is not widely advertised. Among educators responsible for developing the sense of educational mission in their colleges one may hear questions like: How can teacher X's shell be cracked so he will come to enjoy interplay of ideas with other teachers? How can we get teacher Y to take a fair view of the new type of examinations? How can we show teacher U that although he tried the plan before and it did not seem to work, circumstances have changed and a new trial is desirable? Will teacher Z ever outgrow his uncriticized graduate-school pattern? How can we get teacher V interested in the improvement of his lectures? . When educators forgather, those are some of the questions which the little birdies overhear. Sometimes complacency is bred in the veteran by repetition of the same courses one, two, three decades, giving up hope of invitation to a college with higher prestige and salary, and basking in the honor of a third or fourth re-election to office in his town's local service club or country club. When these happen, this teacher has become a respect-worthy veteran of the province wherein he dwells. His soul can purr in comfort, appreciated by local citizens. In his defense it must be said that college administrative officers probably furnished him year after year with a mass of dumb-headed students, rarely a youth of talent. Year after year he has shot his subject material at them, cajoled, maneuvered, and blitzkrieged; so he has grown fatigued and cynical. Little wonder, then, that his body and mind ensconced themselves cosily into his nook. His nest is feathered, somewhat meagerly perhaps, with monthly paychecks. His pillbox is armed with a

Vitamins for the Veteran Teacher

ALERT administrators are eager presumably to obtain able teachers and, if possible, superior teachers. Yet after the teacher is employed, has weathered probation, and has settled into a cozy teaching nest, busy administrators have given little effective thought to what befalls his teaching mind in the grind of ensuing years. What may happen to this snugly ensconced teacher's outlook over the first decade, the second decade, perhaps over a third or fourth decade? It is this: the maturing complacency of a teaching mind-a mind which once gave promise of vitality but steadily over the decades has lost enthusiasm for the adventure of teaching. Not often is this redemptively noted. Perhaps fortunately, it is not widely advertised. Among educators responsible for developing the sense of educational mission in their colleges one may hear questions like: How can teacher X's shell be cracked so he will come to enjoy interplay of ideas with other teachers? How can we get teacher Y to take a fair view of the new type of examinations? How can we show teacher U that although he tried the plan before and it did not seem to work, circumstances have changed and a new trial is desirable? Will teacher Z ever outgrow his uncriticized graduate-school pattern? How can we get teacher V interested in the improvement of his lectures? . When educators forgather, those are some of the questions which the little birdies overhear. Sometimes complacency is bred in the veteran by repetition of the same courses one, two, three decades, giving up hope of invitation to a college with higher prestige and salary, and basking in the honor of a third or fourth re-election to office in his town's local service club or country club. When these happen, this teacher has become a respect-worthy veteran of the province wherein he dwells. His soul can purr in comfort, appreciated by local citizens. In his defense it must be said that college administrative officers probably furnished him year after year with a mass of dumb-headed students, rarely a youth of talent. Year after year he has shot his subject material at them, cajoled, maneuvered, and blitzkrieged; so he has grown fatigued and cynical. Little wonder, then, that his body and mind ensconced themselves cosily into his nook. His nest is feathered, somewhat meagerly perhaps, with monthly paychecks. His pillbox is armed with a

Neighborhood Retail Outlets and Family Stability

RETAIL OUTLETS dependent upon neighborhood trade require for their intelligent operation, in these changing times, detailed data on family movements taking place in the neighborhood which they are serving. Their operation is dependent upon the character of the neighborhood upon which their profits depend. Changes in population composition must be watched and the indicated changes in operation immediately made to maintain profits and prevent losses. The neighborhood druggist in a stable section of a large community goes to church and is active in a service club, a board of trade, a lodge, and other social or business groups primarily because it is good business for him, just as it is good business for his smalltown brother to take an active part in village activities. He builds his business through personal friendships made over a period of years. His store may not have modern furnishings. The windows may not be very attractive. His merchandise may not include the very latest things sold in the larger downtown stores. His service, however, is a personal service. He is a friend and adviser to his neighbors who are his customers. His books show many charge accounts, all good as gold. He even cashes checks when the neighboring bank is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays. He furnishes the medicine for the sick baby, later for the sick child, and a few years later he sells sodas and sundaes to the boys and girls who regard him as a friend of the family. Some come from a distance to do business with him because they like him personally. Such a man can do business in Shaker Heights, where people seldom move. The Cleveland Metropolitan District, for statistical purposes, has been divided into 321 census tracts' or small areas with con-

How To Enlist Service Clubs in the High-School Tercentenary

How To Enlist Service Clubs in the High-School Tercentenary

A Way Out

The present economic status of the people of the world is the result of disobedience of the “Golden Rule.” Some may challenge this statement, nevertheless I am prepared to let it stand. The remedy for the depressed conditions rests with us as individuals, families, communities, states or provinces, and nations. The individual must get his own house in order; the rest will follow naturally. You can, without stretching the imagination too greatly, visualize a group, a city, or a country made up of persons, each planning, conniving, even fighting for all he can corral for himself without thought of his neighbors. This self-centered existence has been in evidence too long. The ego must go. Our social service clubs are waving banners with high-sounding mottoes, but are the personnel of these clubs living in accordance with their preachings? It is not all economic either; one's mental attitude during the depression has made it difficult to distinguish or assess the value of those things necessary or worth-while, as compared with what was enjoyed in the days of prosperity or what propagandists have proclaimed as our rights. Wars, capital-labor differences, bitter contentions between political parties, religious organizations at variance, all have at the root of their strife selfish motives—coupled, it is true, with misunderstandings and mismanagement. Let us face this mess with real courage, a determination that we are prepared to do our bit in the reconstruction and re-establishment of world affairs upon a more equitable basis; friendly co-operation, live and let live, and that we are starting right now. “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.” How can the members of the Radiological Society of North America apply such a Rule to their specialty? 1. Our Patients.—We should place ourselves in the position of the patients, conduct such examinations and treatments as seem desirable or necessary, in other words, work 100 per cent in the interest of the patients. If we are not prepared to carry out the service as we know it should be done, we should not hesitate to call in assistance or refer our patients to another doctor or an institution where we know that they can secure the best. 2. Our Referring Physicians.—We must play the game; get acquainted with them so that we can communicate with them, expressing ourselves freely and knowing that our statements will not be misconstrued as being officious. Give them honest reports after painstaking examinations and treatments. We may not be able to tell everything about a case—few are so gifted—but we should give all the information that we have secured since coming into contact with the patient. We must not be afraid to say we do not know, or that we consider it advisable to secure other medical opinion. 3. Our Competing Confrères.—Speak well of them or say nothing. Show them by example that we are practising our profession on a basis of fairness to all.

A Social Service Club

A Social Service Club

A Social Service Club

A Social Service Club

The Interest of Service Clubs in Vocational Guidance

The Interest of Service Clubs in Vocational Guidance

Report of the British Columbia Child Welfare Survey Initiated by the Service Clubs of Vancouver City, 1927.

Previous articleNext article No AccessBook ReviewsReport of the British Columbia Child Welfare Survey Initiated by the Service Clubs of Vancouver City, 1927.Ethel VerryEthel Verry Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Social Service Review Volume 2, Number 1Mar., 1928 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/630381 PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

The united service club

The united service club Get access J. Landfear Lucas J. Landfear Lucas 1101, Piccadilly Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Notes and Queries, Volume s12-IX, Issue 187, 12 November 1921, Page 389, https://doi.org/10.1093/nq/s12-IX.187.389g Published: 12 November 1921

The united service club

The united service club

The united service club and pall mall

The united service club and pall mall