--- 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: 22 number: 6 published: 1919-04 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* 22, no. 6 (April 1919): 542–550." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2206unse 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: improvementera2206unse start_page: 542 end_page: 550 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1919-04) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2206unse publication_year: 1919 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 1919, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work : lUTUAl/WORK M. I. A. Summer Work The General Boards of the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations consider it desirable to continue the meetings of the organizations during the summer months. Four series of programs are outlined under the captions: "Five Church Leaders," "Peace Confer- ence Problems," "Patriotism and Citizenship," and "The Government Thrift Campaign." The first of these series is designed for the Sunday evening joint sessions; the second and third, for two other joint sessions during the month, and the "Thrift Campaign," one meeting each month. Officers may use their discretion as to method of presentation, giving them in lecture form, or in talks by a number of speakers, or in open forum discussion. If well prepared, they will be attractive and of real benefit to the young people. The General Boards of the M. I. A. are pleased to co-operate with the United States Government in an educational campaign on Thrift. Stake officers will receive for distribution to ward officers special bulletins cov- ering this work. Five subjects are suggested and these should be studied, one each month. It is also designed to conduct a campaign for better personal health, home sanitation and improvement. This should be done through co- operation with the State Boards of Health. This circular also contains information regarding the separate work of the Young Men's and Young Ladies' organizations. Programs ONE Sunday Evening Joint Session, April 6, 1919 General Subject: "Five Church Leaders." Note. —This series of subjects should not be treated as biographical sketches, but the speakers should point out characteristics in each life which have special application to development of character, awakening in the young people inspiration and action. Brigham Young —The Great Colonizer Topics 1. The Exodus from Missouri to Nauvoo. 2 The Exodus from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters. 3. Preparation and Organization for the Journey to the Rocky Mountains, under Direction of the Word and Will of the Lord. 4. The Mormon Battalion as Bearing on the Colonization of the West. 5. His Policy in Colonization in Utah, and in Exploring the Country Round About. a. Irrigation. b. Treatment of the Indians. Application: The great opportunity for service; the value of willing service; the results of united effort. :: MUTUAL WORK 543 History of the Church; Lives of Our Leaders; Life of References: Brigham Young, (for sale at Bureau of Information, price 15c); Jenson's Biographical Encyclopaedia. TWO Tuesday Evening, April 8 General Subject: "Peace Conference Problems." — Note. Only the first two subjects of this series are outlined. We await the decisions of the Peace Congress before outlining the other three. See May, June, and July issues of the Era and Journal. References: Current magazines and newspaper articles; also the Era and Journal. The Peace Conference Topics 1. Countries Participating. 2. The Representatives. 3. Brief Survey of Problems to be Considered. THREE Tuesday Evening, April 22 General Subject: "Patriotism and Citizenship." The Home Topics 1. What Constitutes a Good Home? 2. Sanitary Conditions Around a Home. 3. Pictures and Books in the Home. 4. Life in the Home. a. Proper regard for one another's rights. b. Unwritten laws of a home; what they are. c. Spiritual life in the home. What is done daily to create a healthy spiritual life? Describe —Lincoln's early days at home. Washington's home at Mt. Vernon. Roosevelt's home. President Joseph F. Smith's home and home life. Any other ideal home you may know about. What do these homes suggest to you as a life's lesson? Poem: "The Cotter's Saturday Night." FOUR General Subject: "Thrift Education." See Government Bulletins. FIVE Sunday Evening Joint Session, May 4 General Subject: "Five Church Leaders." Righteousness John Taylor—A Champion of Liberty and an Apostle of Topics: 1. SacrificesMade in Early Days. 2. Defense of the Cause. a. Kirtland, Nauvoo, Carthage. 3. "The Kingdom of God or Nothing." a. Every act of his life influenced by this thought. b. The Jubilee year. . . , (1) Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the organization ot the Church. :: 544 IMPROVEMENT ERA (2) Conference of 1880. c. His death in exile, true to his principles. Application: The adoption of this motto in your individual lives. References: Life of John Taylor; String of Pearls. SIX Tuesday Evening, May 13 General Subject: "Peace Conference Problems" A League of Nations Topics: 1. History of the Idea. 2. Purpose of a League of Nations. 3. Arguments against the Proposed Plan. 4. Arguments for the Proposed Plan. References: Outlook for March 12, 1919; Literary Digest, March 8, 1919; "Constitution of the League of Nations" (pamphlet by League to Enforce Peace, 130 W. 42nd St., New York City); speech by Hon. B. H. Roberts, Improvement Era, April, 1919. SEVEN Tuesday Evening, May 27 General Subject: "Patriotism and Citizenship." Your Town or City Note. —For these topics, any good texts on civil government will prove helpful. Every home has some text on civil government which has been used in the schools. The members studying these lessons will be com- pelled to rely on their own resources. Sometimes a topic can best be prepared by thinking about it, rather than reading about it. Topics 1. Location of Your City or Town. 2. Early Commerce and Trade. 3. Early Government and Laws. 4. Stories of Pioneers. 5. Early Schools and Libraries. 6. Your City and Town Today. a. What important problems of city or town government have you solve? to (Special problems, like regulation of pool rooms, bill boards, weeds, etc.) b. Make a list of important reforms needed in your town or city. How should they be solved? Give your own ideas. c. What is good city or town government? d. Name types of good city governments. For preparation of this lesson consult pioneers or early records. EIGHT General Subject: "Thrift Education." See Government Bulletins. NINE Sunday Evening Joint Session, June 1 General Subject: "Five Church Leaders." — Wilford Woodruff The Great Missionary Topics 1. His One Great Desire to be a Preacher. 2. His Early Missions. 3. His Mission to Great Britain. u i . 1 : MUTUAL WORK 545 4. Enthusiasm for Work. a. Faithfulness in record keeping. b. Work as historian. Application: What have you done to follow President Woodruff's example in acquainting your friends and the people with the great work of the Lord? References: Wilford Woodruff; Leaves from My Journal. TEN Tuesday Evening, June 10 General Subject: "Peace Conference Problems." For outline see May Era and Journal. ELEVEN Tuesday Evening, June 24 General Subject: "Patriotism and Citizenship." The State Topics: 1. Pioneers to Your State. a. Types of people. Early communities. 2. Early Government of the State. a. Describe Territorial form of Government. 3. Read the Constitution of Your State. a. What was the Constitution of the State of Deseret? Read it. See Whitney's History of Utah. 4. The Schools of Your State. 5. How Your State is Governed. 6. Problems in Your State that Should be Solved. How? 7. Functions of Some of Your State Institutions, such as the State Uni- • versity, the Agricultural College, State Industrial School, State Mental Hospital. 8. How State Officers are Elected. What is your state doing to make better roads? Better schools? Better laws? What are you doing as citizens to better the condition of your state? TWELVE General Subject: "Thrift Education." See Government Bulletins. THIRTEEN Sunday Evening Joint Session, July 6 General Subject: "Five Church Leaders." Lorenzo Snow—A Deliverer of the Church from Financial Distress Topics 1. His Labors in Co-operative Work. a. Activities in Brigham City; a species of United Order. %. Revival of the Payment of Tithing. a. Promises and the fulfilment. b. Results. Blessings in a financial way to the people. Application: Co-operation and service. "Pay your tithing and be \i 1 1 SSGO Lorenzo Snow; an ar- References: Biography and Family Record of possible development of man tide in the June Era, 1919, dealing with the is, God once was, as God through obedience to the Gospel: "As man now now is, man may become." :: 546 IMPROVEMENT ERA FOURTEEN Tuesday Evening, July 8 General Subject: "Peace Conference Problems." For outline see June Era and Journal. FIFTEEN Tuesday Evening, July 22 General Subject: "Patriotism and Citizenship." The United States of America Read the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States. Read the FirstTwelve Amendments, which are called the Bill of Rights. Why is the Preamble so beautiful in thought and meaning? Why is the Bill of Rights sacred to us? Topics 1. Why the United States is a Republic. (Representative form of Government, based on the sovereign will of the people.) 2. Why we love the Constitution. 3. Problems Before our Country Today. 4. What is a Good American Citizen? SIXTEEN General Subject: "Thrift Education." See Government Bulletins. SEVENTEEN Sunday Evening Joint Session, August 3 General Subject: "Five Church Leaders." — Joseph F. Smith A Preacher and Exemplar of Righteousness Topics 1. Gospel Doctrines. See sermons of President Smith in Conference pamphlets, Church magazines and newspapers; an "Authoritative Declaration," Era May, 1918, p. 639; "Vision of the Redemption of the Dead," Era, Dec, 1918, and Journal, Jan.$ 1919; Gospel Doctrine, soon to ap- pear in print, being printed for the Melchizedek Priesthood. 2. A Builder of Temples and Houses of Worship. Canada, Hawaii, Stakes of Zion. 3. Financial Policy and Labors in Continuation of President Snow's Work. Application: Value in character building of a knowledge of the Gospel. EIGHTEEN Tuesday Evening, August 12 General Subject: "Peace Conference Problems." For outline see July Era and Journal. NINETEEN Tuesday Evening, August 26 General Subject: "Patriotism and Citizenship." Patriotism Only good citizens can be truly Patriotism means love of native land. patriotic to high ideals of government. A good citizen believes in laws and just government. "Obedience to law is Liberty." MUTUAL WORK 547 Topics: 1. Define Patriotism. (See Dictionary.) 2. How to Develop Patriotism. 3. Make a list of true American Patriots in History. Tell why these men are patriots: Lincoln, Washington, McKinley, Wilson, Roosevelt, Cleveland, Brigham Young. 4. What two great parties in American history have stood for patriotism and the American institutions? (Democratic and Republican.) Why? 5. Tell briefly the history of the Republican Party from the days of Washington to the present. (It is an outgrowth of the old Fed- eral Party.) 6. Tell the history of the Democratic Party from the old Anti-Federal days to the present. 7. What does Patriotism Mean to you? TWENTY General Subject: "Thrift Education" See Government Bulletins. SUGGESTED MUSIC FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAMS "Five Church Leaders" Hymns: "Arise, O Glorious Zion," "Beautiful Zion for Me," "How Firm a Foundation," "O, Say What is Truth;" "Go, Ye Messengers of Glory," by John Taylor; "The Seer," by John Taylor; "A Poor Wayfaring man of Grief," "Ye Elders of Israel," "High on the Mountain Top," "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," "Do What is Right." Solos: "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," "A Dream of Paradise," by Gray; "Spring," Relief Society Song Book; "The Lost Chord." Mixed Quartet: "Loyal to the Truth and the Right.'" Ladies' Trio: "Zion Prospers, All is Well," Y. L. M. I. A. Song Book. Boys' Chorus: "On the Pioneer Trail We're Marching," Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses" Stephens. "Peace Conference Problems'" Hymns: "Far, Away on Judea's Plains," "We are Sowing," Far "Earth, with Her Ten Thousand Flowers." Solos: "Friends," by J. Edwards; "Babylon," by Michael Watson; "Don't You Mind the Sorrows," by Eugene Cowles; "0, Ye Tears," Relief Society Song Book. Male Quartet: "School thy Feelings." Mixed Quartet: "Lead, Kindly Light." Ladies' Quartet: "Sweet and Low." Ladies' Trio: "Light and Truth," Young Woman's Journal, Oct., 1918. Boys' Chorus: "Marching Song of the Utah National Guard," Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses," Stephens. "Patriotism and Citizenship" Hymns: "America," "Star Spangled Banner," "Love at Home," "Bat- tle Hymn of the Republic," "Onward Christian Soldiers," "Red, White, and Blue." Boys' Choruses: "Utah, We Love Thee," Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses, Stephens; "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." Ladies' Duet: "Make the Home Beautiful," Young Woman's Journal, March, 1918. Ladies' Quartet: "Columbia's Fairest Star," Y. L. M. I. A. Song Book. 548 IMPROVEMENT ERA Solos: "Lovely Night," from "Tales of Hoffman;" "Lullaby," Er- minie; "On the Road to Mandalay." Solo and Chorus: "My Valley Home," Young Woman's Journal, De- cember, 1918. Male Quartet: "At Home They are Praying for Me," Y. M. M. 1. A. Choruses," Stephens. PERSONAL HEALTH, HOME SANITATION AND HOME IMPROVE- MENT MOVEMENT. It is recommended that during the months of March, April and May, as members of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A., we make a special effort in cleaning up our homes and beautifying our surroundings. Announcements in local newspapers, Sunday schools, ward meetings, moving picture houses, and other public gatherings, should be made to stimulate this work. An able and energetic joint committee should be appointed to organize the work, and carry out these suggestions, applying them to local conditions. The Improvement Era and the Young Woman's Journal will be pleased to receive photos taken "before and after," showing the improvements made. Last Week in March Name a day or days during this week when your stake or ward shall: 1. Clean up corrals and outhouses. 2. Mend and build fences around homes. 3. Gravel and improve walks and streets. Second Week in April Name days during this week to: 1. Paint homes, barns, fences, etc., 2. Whitewash chicken coops, etc. Arbor Day The M. I. A. are requested to co-operate with civic and school author- itiesin making this a successful day. Every M. I. A. member is requested to plant a tree in honor of the late President Joseph F. Smith. Hardwood trees are suggested. First Week in May This week devote to making the immediate surroundings of the home beautiful by: 1. Planting flowers, shrubs, etc. 2. Making or renovating lawns, etc. Contests within the wards or among the wards of any stake, may be helpful. Make reports at the weekly meetings, on the progress of the work. "REMINDER" CARDS We suggest that a card containing the following health reminders, be placed in every home, where all interested may easily read it: "Cleanliness is Next to Godliness" For the public good and to promote personal health, observe the fol. lowing rules: Keep the body clean by frequent bathing. 1. Have your teeth examined at least once every six months by a com- 2. petent dentist. Baby teeth need careful attention. A clean tooth cannot decay. MUTUAL WORK 549 3. Breathe only clean, fresh air, both in sleeping and waking hours. 4. Swat the fly! And by keeping the premises free from refuse, especi- ally manure, prevent the breeding of flies. Keep the house and surroundings in a sanitary condition, by inside cleaning and outside cleaning-up, at frequent intervals. 5. Do your full part in all community clean-up measures. 6. Comply strictly with all rules and regulations of the Board of Health, especially those requiring the prompt report and strict quarantine of contagious diseases. 7. Keep the Word of Wisdom. The General Boards of Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A., Co-operating with the State Board of Health. FATHER AND SON'S OUTING Under the leadership of the Y. M. M. I. A. provision will be made for father and son's outing to be taken some time during the summer. The place, date, and duration of the outing, to be left to each stake. Where it is thought advisable the ward, instead of the stake, unit may be used. With proper preparation, giving announcement early, this event can be made one of the most pleasurable and profitable of the season. Have a vacation, do something different, get close to your boys, go out into the open country and play, sing, rest, and worship. Every father, son, every Y. M. M. I. A. officer, and bishop and boy should go. Keep away from resorts; it interferes with the camp social spirit. If possible, plan for at least three days in order that you may establish a regular camp. Avoid Sunday. What to Take —Short Encampment Each person: Two blankets or quilts, poncho or canvas, sweater or warm coat, extra pair of socks, four handkerchiefs, one towel, tooth brush, comb and brush, soap, metal plate, knife, fork, desert spoon, cup, haversack. Sanitation It is of the most vital importance to the health of campers that sanitary precautions be observed, not only for the present campers, but for the campers that may follow. Special care should be exercised in the location and construction of a latrine and the disposal of garbage and other waste. The safeguarding of the sanitation should be given over to a head inspector with one or more assistants, and every one in camp should be compelled to adhere to the rules. Eats If the camp is to be a success, assorted, plain, well-cooked meals served at regular intervals on clean dishes, must be provided. Choose for the job men and boys who know how to cook. Every one will stand a good chance of having a good time if you can keep their stomachs in working condition. Outlined menus can be found in the scout books and out-door camping vegetables. The gen- books. Cut down in heavy foods, and use fruits and eral tendency is to take too much food. Program while in the Once it was thought that in order to have a good time but now we know mountains, order and cleanliness should be left at home these two are essential to a good time. Numbers can t be handled sue- cessfully without a regular program and with everybody willing to abnere 550 IMPROVEMENT ERA to it. The leaders must know what they are going to do every minute of the day. The following is suggested: 1. Arising time 8. Period of rest 2. Morning exercise 9. Hikes and afternoon games 3. Flag raising 10. Preparation for supper 4. Breakfast 11. Inspection 5. Camp committees' duties ' 12. Games and camp-fire exerciser 6. Morning games, scout lessons 13. Taps 7. Noon hour and luncheon At the camp-fire, don't preach. Have a good line of live stories, adven- tures, jokes, scout stunts, songs, for the occasion, instrumental music, etc., candy, peanuts. Arrange for these exercises and refreshments before leav- ing home. For each ten men: One dish pan, one water bucket, two large frying pans, two granite sauce pans, holding at least six quarts, tents for shelter, paper napkins, candles or flash lights, matches, two table spoons, can-opener, three dish towels, two dish cloths, shovel, pick, axe, wire and nails, butcher knife, two long-handled forks, laundry soap, two wash basins. Efficiency Reports Efficiency report from Pocatello stake for February shows member- ship five, class-work five, special activity ten, social work five, Scout work five, Era five, fund five, monthly stake and ward officers meetings ten, ward officers meeting ten. For Woodruff stake, the monthly efficiency report for February shows membership five, class work ten, special activities five, social work five, monthly stake and ward officers meetings ten, and ward officers meetings five. For Tintic, the ten, class work February report shows: membership work ten, social work five, Era five, fund ten, special activities ten, scout five, monthly war and stake officers meetings five, ward officers meetings ten, four wards reporting. From eight wards in Taylor stake, Canada, comes a very good showing, in all, but scout work, vocations, and monthly ward and stake officer's meet- ings. The wards are Welling, Barnwell, Magrath, Lethbridge, Raymond 1st and 2nd, Tabor, and Sterling. Box Elder reports a good attendance and an enthusiastic spirit. The Era and fund will be up to the perfect standard, 10. Considering the situation, these stakes have done remarkably well. "Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses" Professor S. B. Mitton, leader of the Logan Tabernacle choir, writes Evan Stephens about the music book, Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses: "The little booklet is a boquet of musical and poetical flowers all of varied fragrance and color." Bishop John Wells, writes to Evan Stephens: "I acknowledge with many thanks your booklet containing Y. M. M. I. A. Choruses, and a special piece dedicated to the late President Joseph F. Smith, "Beyond the Veil." Both works are up to your usual standard of excellence, and I sincerely appreciate the inspiring music you have written, and which I love so well." Send for a copy to the Era: only 45c, for 23 musical numbers.