The Way I Go

SOCIAL LEADERSHIP 1011

public can and should supply the support. The Church has taken up the problem of training social leaders. One representative from each stake has been called and given an intensive course in community leadership. They will form the nucleus around which may be built an effective leadership in social affairs. These leaders, if they receive the unqualified support of iheir community, will eliminate the greater social problems.* What the dances need is the influence of the mature members of the community, not only in rules and regulations, but in actual presence. Furthermore, the participation of the old with the young will develop an understanding between them; the old will not grow so old in mind. Several of our communities have eliminated the worst of the evils of the picture shows by requiring the films, or a large proportion of them, to pass the municipal board of censors. The penalty for non-compliance is the revocation of the license. This control has proved effective where it has been tried. The reading of better books can be stimulated through our auxiliary organizations. The Mutual Improvement Association's reading courses are an important step in that direction. And there is a broad field of activity for literary associations, under the direction of our auxiliary organizations, during the winter especially. Something can be done to reduce the available supply of undesirable reading material. Athletics almost invariably provide wholesome amusements. In the summer, baseball for the boys and volleyball for the girls can be provided, and in the winter indoor sports, as basketball and volleyball, should be encouraged. The old-time community sociables might be revived and perpetuated. "Old folks days," ward reunions, fathers and I. A. field days, and sons' outings, Sunday School outings, M. many others which all help to maintain a mighty community In the winter, picnics and outings may be re- social standard. placed by indoor social activities. Social leaders are necessary, but it must be remembered direct. Their achievements are in pro- that leaders can only portion to the support they receive. Pravo, Utah

^Arrangements are being made for holding a one-week convention for the leaders to train three leaders from in each stake of the Church work, charities and teacher-trammg help. each ward of the stake in social

• Editors.