--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 21 number: 7 published: 1918-05 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Mutual Work," *Improvement Era* 21, no. 7 (May 1918): 645–654.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2107unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2107unse start_page: 645 end_page: 654 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1918-05) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2107unse publication_year: 1918 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1918, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work MUTUAL, WORK Annual M. I. A. Conference The twenty-third annual conference of the Mutual Improvement Associations, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will convene in Salt Lake City, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 7, 8, 9, 1918. Meetings are arranged for as follows: Friday morning, Joint officers' meeting. Friday afternoon, Separate officers' meetings and preliminary try-outs in public speaking. Friday evening, Joint social to visiting stake officers. Saturday morning, Joint officers' meeting. Saturday noon, Luncheon given by the General Board to Stake Superintendents of the Y. M. M. I. A. Saturday afternoon, Separate officers' meetings. Saturday evening, Final contest in public speaking. Sunday morning, Testimony meeting, followed by joint officers' meeting. Sunday afternoon and evening, General public meetings in the Tabernacle. M. I. A. Slogan: "We Stand for Service to God and Country." All officers are urgently requested to be in attendance, and all members, as well as the public generally, are invited. Watch for programs in the daily press. Plan for Summer Work Suggestive Programs for Sunday Evening Joint Sessions and for Special M. I. A. Gatherings or Rallies 1. Meetings — Note. Many of the musical selections suggested in these programs are found in Heart Songs. The hymns, for the most part, are in the L. D. S. Hymn Book. It is suggested that where selections are not practicable for congregational use, special vocal groups be used; also that occasional instrumental selections be interspersed. At nearly every meeting it may be — found advisable to briefly check up on war work War Savings Stamps, Red Cross Work, Food Production and Conservation, U. S. Boys' Working Reserve, etc. A feature of interest, also, will be the review of the roll of honor of the boys at the front and the reading of their letters. (First three exercises were printed in the April Era.) FOUR Sunday Evening Joint Session, May 4 General Subject: "Religious Forces that Have Influenced Nations." Prayers 1. Opening hymn, "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire." 2. Prayer, 646 IMPROVEMENT ERA 3. Duet, "Unanswered Yet." 4. Prayers a. The Lord's Prayer. b. George Washington's Prayer at Valley Forge. c. Wellington's Prayer at Waterloo. d. Lincoln's Prayer before the battle of Gettysburg (See Era and Jour- nal, May, 1918). e. Joseph Smith's Prayer. 5. Hymn, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." 6. Closing hymn, "Our God, we Raise to Thee." FIVE Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, May 14 General Subject: "Our Allies." Great Britain 1. Opening song, "Rule Britannia." 2. Prayer. 3. Song, "It's aLong Way to Tipperary." 4. Our Ally, Great Britain. a. Extent of her dominion. b. Her Naval Strength. c. Motives in the Great War. d. Leaders in the present war. e. Display and explanation of the flags of Great Britain. f. The part of Great Britain in the taking of Jerusalem. 5. Solo, "A Little Bit of Heaven," or "Blue Bells of Scotland." Suggestion: Have Irish, Scotch, Welsh, or English songs between the talks. SIX Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, May 28 General Subject: "National Efficiency." A War of Self Defense 1. Opening song, "O Say What is Truth." 2. Prayer. 3. Songs of Home and Country. a. "America." Add this verse: God bless and keep our men, Our gallant, fighting men. Oh, guard our men; Make them victorious, Their valor glorious, They are so dear to us God save our men! Mary M. North, Herndon, Va. b. "Battle Cry of Freedom." c. "Home, Sweet Home." 4. "A War of Self Defense" (For text, see No. 5, of "War Information Series"). 5. Closing hymn, "Do What Is Right." SEVEN Sunday Evening Joint Session, June 2 General Subject: "Religious Forces that Have Influenced Nations." Three Great Teachers of Christianity 1. Opening hymn, "Come All Ye Sons of God " 2. Prayer. MUTUAL WORK 647 3. Hymn, "Ye Elders of Israel." 4. Three Great Teachers of Christianity. a. The Apostle Paul. b. Wycliffe. c. Joseph Smith. 5. Hymn, "Ye Who are Called to Labor." EIGHT Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, June 11 General Subject: "Our Allies." Belgium 1. Opening song, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." 3. Hymn, "Gather Round the Standard Bearer." m 4. Our Ally, Belgium. a. Albert, King of Belgium. b. Belgium's part in the war. c. Incidents of Belgian valor. d. Display and explanation of Belgian flag. 5. Reading (Selection from "Battle Line of Democracy," pp. 83-92). 6. Closing hymn, "God Moves In a Mysterious Way." NINE Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, June 25 General Subject: "National Efficiency." The War Message and Facts Behind It 1. Opening song, "America." 2. Prayer. 3. Songs of Home and Country. a. "Hail to the Chief." b. "There's a Long, Long Trail" (Solo, and chorus by audience). c. "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again." 4. Reading, "The Bugle Call" (See "Battle Line of Democracy," p. 26). 5. Reading, "Stand by the President" (See "Battle Line of Democracy," p. 23). 6. "The War Message and Facts Behind It" (For text, see No. 1, of "War Information Series"). 7. Solo, "Sons of America." 8. Closing song, "Hail Columbia." (To be continued in June "Era") 2. Thrift The General Boards of the M. I. A. have endorsed the thrift stamp campaign for the encouragement of selling Thrift Stamps, and War Savings Certificates. The Mutual organizations throughout the Church are asked to stimulate interest in the selling of these stamps. The purposes are: 1. To encourage thrift among the people; 2. To aid the Government in the present war crisis. These stamps may be obtained at any post office or bank and in many of the leading business houses. The selling o' the stamps should be used to introduce the principles of thrift into every branch of our organization and to encourage, promote and advance the selling to and through the membership of the M. I. A. Secretary of the Treasury W. G. McAdoo has pertinently said: "The War Savings Campaign marks the beginning of a new and I hope permanent evolution of American life. Self-sacrifice and self-denial have always made real men, and real men are the basis of strong nations." 648 IMPROVEMENT ERA "Those of us who help to lay the foundation stone of thrift will be the builders of a structure that will survive through all time, and will be rendering a service of the utmost importance to our flag and country." Mr. McAdoo has said of young America: "We are in the greatest war of the world's history, and we must win this war; we can and we shall win if the boys and girls of America say so, and mean it, and feel it, and live it, as the boys and girls of 1776 lived and felt and helped. The Nation needs that sort of boys and girls today * * * Through saving your pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and buying thrift stamps and then War Savings Certificates you will help your country and its gallant armies to win the war." There are many ways in which our boys and girls may help to raise their quota and lend their quarters to the government by buying Thrift Stamps. The following have been suggested: 1. Beating Carpets. 2. Waxing floors. 3. Sifting and dumping ashes. 4. Helping parents. 5. Cleaning cellars. 6. Washing windows. 7. Cleaning silver. 8. Cutting and sawing wood. 9. Varnish chairs. 10. Tear down old chicken coops and fences and cut up fire-wood. 11. Caring for the neighbor's baby. 12. Messengers for drug stores and doctors. 13. Selling magazines. 14. Work in store on Saturday. 15. Wait on table. 16. Help on the farm, and many other ways will be suggested to the boys and girls who are wishing to help. Badges for work in this line and for selling stamps are given under certain regulations. In a letter, dated December 31, 1917, to presidents of stakes and bishops of wards, introducing Mr. George T. Odell, State Director for Utah on the War Savings Committee, the First Presidency of the Church say that Mr. Odell desires the united co-operation of all the people, and wishes their moral and financial support in the sale of thrift stamps and War Savings Certificates which is a campaign to raise $9,000,000 in Utah, and at the same time teaches and encourages thrift which is so vital to the citizens of our community. The Presidency further heartily commend this project and ask the presidents of stakes and bishops of wards to render any assistance they can for the accomplishment of the good purpose in view. President Joseph F. Smith says: "The thrift campaign now on has something in it more significant than the mere buying of thrift stamps; this, under existing conditions, seems to be necessary, of course, for our government needs the money; but how we may get the money to buy these stamps is a thing of great importance to us as individuals, as well as to our Nation. One of the prime purposes of this great movement is to cultivate habits of economy in the lives of the reputed wasteful Americans. * * * What is more desirable in temporal life than to be prosperous, thrifty, serviceable and helpful to our country in the hour of heed! In so doing no one can be more benefited than ourselves and our children. To acquire habits of industry, perseverance, temperance, economy and love is an object worthy of the best efforts of every soul." (See address by President Smith in this number of the Era, p. 631; also Juvenile Instructor, March, 1918, page 126.) War Savings Societies TheState Committee of Utah has asked that these be organized in every local association in the state. Instructions have already been sent to the Young Ladies' organizations, and many societies have been formed. The young men are asked to organize at once similar War Savings Societies in every ward. The two can then unite in their work. The presidents of these societies may be the presidents of the M. I. Associations the secretaries may ; be the secretaries of the associations. As soon as the Societies are organized, application blank for affiliation with the National War Savings Committee and the blank reporting the or- MUTUAL WORK 649 ganization should be filled out and both sent to the state director. At the end of each month a report of stamps sold by the secretary, and also the total number of stamps purchased from any source by the members of the Society during the month should be reported to the state director. Meetings should be held once a month. These may be brief, and may be held in connection with the special gatherings or rallies. At these meetings, attention should be given to the various phases of the subject of Thrift, to the promotion of the sale of stamps, and to the reporting of stamps sold. For further instructions, see pamphlet, "War Savings Societies: What They Are, and How to Organize Them." This is distributed free by the state director. (For Utah, Mr. Geo. T. Odell, Commercial Club, Salt Lake City.) In other states where our people are located the Young Men's and Young Ladies' associations should correspond or consult with state directors and organize these societies. 3. Scouting The National Government has recognized the Scout Movement as one of the important factors of our Nation in winning the war. Witness the following messages from President Wilson and Secretary McAdoo: "The patriotic and effective service of the Boy Scouts in your definitely worked out program of war work activities is a splendid testimonial to the value of organized boyhood in helping our country win the war. "It is my earnest wish that every troop of Boy Scouts and every Scout and Scout Official take part in your war service activities and especially in these Liberty Loan campaigns. Not only is this of practical service to our country, in these critical times, but it is of great educational value to the boys in perparing them for the responsibilities of citizenship. "Woodrow Wilson." From a message to the Boy Scouts of America: "Once more you are called into active service. ***** j nave been deeply impressed by the tireless energy and splendid spirit of helpfulness which you have shown in all your war activities. "W. G. McAdoo." You have the boys, they are anxious to do their bit; but they need leadership, so that they can give organized service to the Nation. You men not eligible for army or navy, you men at home for any cause, here is your chance to give service to your country by becoming a leader of the small army of the growing manhood of your community. The Nation and the Church will be strong in manhood in proportion to the care it gives its growing boyhood mentally, morally, and physically. Let us have leadership, strong efficient leadership. Have we any ward or stake so impoverished in this kind of leadership that their boys will have to miss the training and help that comes through the Boy Scout organization, and miss the opportunity to give definite service to their Country in these strenuous times? Regular Work You who are organized, strengthen your work. For regular Scout work emphasize signal work, first aid work, out-door work. Make the boy efficient, mentallyand physically. Sometime this summer, every Scout troop should have a troop encampment, well supervised, well planned, well equipped. Scout encampment is no place for the loafer. While recreation may be the main object, it does not mean that definite programs should not be carried out. The Scout should come home a better all around boy than when he went away. Select dates suitable to the community. Get consent of parents and ward people far 650 IMPROVEMENT ERA enough ahead so that they will co-operate. Make the length of camp in harmony with the season, these war times, and the need of the boy at home. If nothing better can be done, plan over-night hikes and outings around the holidays. Summer is the time to get acquainted with the flowers and birds and trees, and the time to do the out-door cooking requirements. A Scout is reverent. Do nothing that will lessen his respect for the Sabbath day. The Scouts' day in camp opens and closes with prayer, and the blessing of the food is never neglected. Summer Program for Scouts The boys, like the grown-ups, are anxious to do their bit in helping to win the war. And what wonderful things they have done and can accomplish if their efforts are only directed by proper leadership. The Scout organization has proved its worth. It has shown that it can be of service to the boys, to the Church, the State and to the Nation. The Scout's patriotic service to his country calls for the following: "Every Scout to Feed a Soldier" To do this he will have his individual garden, or work in a troop garden, or do both. The Government expects him to be a producer. "Every Scout to Boost America" Already he has distributed millions of copies of literature to the people's homes: literature that gives the people an intelligent idea of why we are at war, what the Nation expects of every man, woman and child, and information which helps to counteract the German propaganda, utterances that our enemies are trying to spread among our people. "Every Scout to Save a Soldier" In the second Liberty Loan the Scouts in America sold one hundred two million dollars worth of bonds. They will take part in the third Liberty Loan, and in all other loans to follow. They are selling thrift cards by the thousands. Every boy can do these things and receives Goverment credit for his work. Are your boys doing this work? Can they do any better work? A boy registered with the National Organization can do better work when registered, because the work is outlined in detail for him, the material is placed in his hands, he receives recognition and encouragement for service by receiving buttons and medals, from the Government. 4. U. S. Boys' Working Reserve This is a new army to help win the war. All American youths between Vie ages ol 16 and 21 years are to be volunteers for enlistment. It is to be great non- military army, as workers in farming and other necessary industries Its main purpose is to meet the shortage of labor made acute and rapidly growing to be very serious indeed by the withdrawal of millions of men from farms and shop for the army and navy, and for the manufacture of munitions, and other things necessary to the successful prosecution of the great war of democracy against autocracy. Autocracy is fighting for the principle that "Might makes Right." If that principle wins, might and force such as advocated by the Kaiser of Germany, will be imposed upon all the nations of the earth and democracy will perish. We nght for democracy; for the right of nations; for the right of people of the MUTUAL WORK 651 nations to work out their own destiny without yielding as a nation to any country which may happen to have the most and biggest guns. It is a great opportunity for the boys; an earnest call to patriotic service. Wherever the Y. M. M. I. A. have organizations they are urged to do their part in this great work. It is particularly desirable and important that our organization should take an earnest interest in the supervision of camps and see that the boys who are enrolled are provided with healthful surroundings and proper moral environment. Boys working for their parents on the farm are eligible for enrollment and should avail themselves of this opportunity of receiving National recognition for their services at home. The enlistment in Utah for agricultural services will be conducted in general supervision by the State Council of Defense with Mr. J. W. Watson, Chairman of the special committee, in co-operation with the schools and organizations of the state, and under the direct leadership in counties of a committee consisting of the County Agent of the Utah Agricultural College, County Superintendents of Schools, Y. M. M. I. A. superintendents, and Y. W. C. A. leaders. Boys from 12 to 16 in Utah may enroll and receive recognition in a junior boys working reserve by the state. Y. M. M. I. A. officers outside of Utah should correspond with their state councils of defense and co-operate with their state leaders, and have their boys enrolled as provided in their separate states. How to Enroll The boy should put himself in touch with the nearest enrolling officer, (generally his school teacher) from whom he may obtain an enrollment card, upon which he will show his age, his weight, his height, and what service he thinks he is most fitted to perform. Then he must obtain the consent of his parents to his enrollment, in writing, first explaining to them carefully what the Reserve is. When it has been found that he is sound in mind, and body, he is required to subscribe to the promise of Service which obliges him to stand by the Constitution of the United States, and to perform faithfully any duty to which he may be assigned. He may then obtain an enrollment button, and an enrollment certificate on which his name is inscribed and upon which is stated he has been duly made a member of the Reserve. His duty may be farm work, or in a canning factory" or manufacturing plant, and it must be performed under the most pleasant conditions, and he will be under moral obligations and no other to perform his work through the whole season or time agreed upon. Love of country and sense of honor are the only ties that bind him. See Improvement Era, April, 1918, page 541. Parents should take pride in having their sons enroll in this movement, its main object being to impress them with the necessity of helping their parents and others in the production of food. Officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. should also be urged in having all the boys enrolled. 5. Food Production The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations are urged to adopt a systematic effort to secure a maximum of crops this summer, to aid in feeding the people of the United States, the army, and the navy and America's associates in the war. The Y. M. M. I. A. are in close co-peration with the United States Food Administration, and we urge that our organizations contribute liberally to the harvests this fall in conformity with the plans outlined as follows, and which plans have been circulated by letter, and through the public press, to the superintendents of the organizations 652 IMPROVEMENT ERA throughout the whole Church. Call your officers together at once, enroll as many persons as possible in this movement. Let us all take pride in having the Y. M. M. I. A. make a commendable record in this work. Copies of the scheme were sent to the stake superintendents for distribution to the ward presidents. Futher information concerning the food production program may be obtained by addressing Field Secretary. Oscar A. Kirkham, 21 Bishop's Building, Salt Lake City, Utah PLAN The plan outlined, in co-operation with the United States Food Administration : Salt Lake City, Utah, March 30, 1918. Dear Brother:The General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. in co-operation with the United States Food Administration has the following plan to offer for the production of food for ourselves, our soldiers and sailors, and our associates in the war. Crops For the purpose of this work each stake is an independent unit and is requested to select one or more of the following crops on which to concentrate their efforts for 1918: corn, beans, peas, wheat, sugar beets and potatoes. Seed persons enrolling in the movement to select seed for planting It is left to wherever they may choose. To those, however, who wish assistance, we have arranged with the Federal Food Administrator for Utah, Room 200 Newhouse Building, Salt Lake City, to send by parcel post choice, selected corn and bean seeds for planting % of an acre. Seed for other crops can be secured locally from growers or sugar and canning factories. Cost of Seed (Money to Accompany Order) 5 lbs. Beans (Improved White Navy), for Vs acre, $1.00. 2 lbs. Corn (White Flint), 25 cents. Peas, to be secured locally. Wheat, to be secured locally. Sugar Beets, to be secured locally. Potatoes, to be secured locally. Enrollment We are enclosing blank enrollment cards which are self-explanatory. We hope that you will be able to enroll at least ten or more persons in each ward in your stake. As soon as you enroll, mail this card, which requires no postage. A badge has been prepared by the U. S. Food Administration signifying that you are in the service of your country in the porduction of food. This badge will be sent you as soon as your enrollment card is received. Recognition One eighth of an acre will be made the basis of acreage, the same as last year. Any person who produces the following amounts, or more, on one-eighth of an acre, as a basis, will be granted a certificate from the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. and the U. S. Food Administration. In addition to this the person obtaining the highest yield of each of these crops on one-eighth of an acre will receive a gold medal. The following standard yield, on the basis of one-eighth of an acre, will win certificate: 150 pounds or more Dry beans. 350 pounds or more Corn. MUTUAL WORK 653 125 pounds or more Dry peas. 150 pounds or more Shelled green peas. 250 pounds or more Wheat. 3,500 pounds or more Sugar Beets. 2,250 pounds or more Potatoes. Supervision The Agricultural College Utah has offered the services of its Boy of and Girl Club leaders and County Agents for the purpose of supervision. On request, the Agricultural College, Logan, Utah, will send free of charge, special bulletin explaining how to plant, care for, and harvest the different crops. Let us unite in the production of food. First, as a great patriotic duty; and secondly, because it is helpful and remunerative undertaking. Let us hear from you at once, as the Food Administration is expecting us to do our full duty. We trust that you will consult with the President of your stake, and others, and see that the people of your district do their part. Enrollment in this movement is open to any person, member or nonmember of the M. I. A., residing within your stake. As soon as the blanks have been filled out, make a record of them for your own information, and mail the cards to Salt Lake City, Utah. Blank forms for reporting on crops will be mailed. Copies of this letter for distribution to Ward Presidents are sent under separate cover. Respectfully yours, HEBER J. GRANT, Assistant General Superintendent. For information concerning the above program address Osctr A. Kirkham, Director small acreage project. Reading Course Books 1918-19. The following have been approved by the General Boards: Idyls of the Westland, a poem, Orson F. Whitney; Voice of Warning, Parley P. Pratt; Abraham Lincoln, Wilbur F. Gordy; The Man of Tomorrow, Claude Richards; Heroines of Service, Mary R. Parkman; Book of Job, Bible. Notes President Walter P. Monson writes froni 1140 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, New York, the headquarters of the Eastern States Mission: "Our missionaries look forward to the time when the Improvement Era is received. It seems to be the choicest publication in the Church." Wilford H. Priscott, of Oak City, Utah, says of the book The Man of Tomorrow: "In my spare time at school I have read three chapters and think it a book well worth the money. I received it on February 11." His letter was written on February 14. Lester F. Hewlett, Manchester, England, writes : "We elders are unani- mous in saying that we look forward with eager anticipation for the arrival of the Era each month. The various departments are so arranged as to please every class of readers and it appeals to me like a text book interest- ingly written. May God bless you and your colleagues in continuing this splendid periodical." iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiinE isay 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1