--- 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: 25 number: 2 published: 1921-12 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* 25, no. 2 (December 1921): 177–183.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2502unse 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: improvementera2502unse start_page: 177 end_page: 183 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1921-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2502unse publication_year: 1921 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 1921, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work The Senior Department The Senior Class leader is the leader of the young men between seventeen and twenty-one years of age. He should accept vigorously the obli- gations of this leadership. In leadership a good start is half the race, and a good beginning wins many a victory. Therefore begin the season's work with everything in ship-shape condition. The Senior Class Leader should secure for his department a membership of all eligible young men in the ward. Secure from the Ward Clerk lists of all "Mormon" boys in the ward between seventeen and twenty-one years of age; ask some of the young men already enrolled to assist in the canvass; interview every eligible young man and do not rest until they are enrolled. Make a full enrollment a departmental issue. Next to the teacher himself the most necessary tool in making the year's work successful is the Senior Manual. Does every member of your department have a manual? If not why not? Order Manuals at once to supply every member of your department ; then teach them how to use the Manual — great success will result if this be done. The Senior Department may use the time between 7:45 and 9:00 o'clock. From 7:45 to 8:30 should be devoted to the study of the Manual. The remaining half hour should be devoted to such exercises as the] class itself may choose, under the general direction of the Class Leader. A president and other officers should be elected, as indicated in the Hand Book, pp. 50-51, and during the half hour the class members should plan their own program and select their own activities, such as lectures, public speaking, discussion of current events, debates, outings, games, etc. Class Leaders, do not delay! Co-operate with the committees and aid in getting all young men in your ward enrolled; see to it that all have Manuals; teach well the first three-quarters of an hour; then let the class organization take the other half hour; keep things moving, ask God to help you — and you will discover a department full of life and yielding you much satisfaction. The Junior Department Under date of June 17, 1920, the following recommendations were adopted by the General Board: 1. Th3l the work of the Junior department consist of: (a) Lesson work from the Manual, (b) scout work. 2. That in all associations lesson work from the Manual be given, that where scouting is organized, a part of the time in each regular meeting be given to lesson work from the Manual. 3. That a faith promoting spirit permeate all activities in the depart- ment. One reason for adopting the scout program for the boys this age is that scouting affords a most excellent opportunity for not only teaching 178 IMPROVEMENT ERA reverence, but for teaching and practicing the principles of our holy religion, and we regard it as a matter of the utmost concern that in all scout work the Scout Masters, and all those associated with them, shall see that the boys are taught the principles of the gospel, and that a faith-promoting atmosphere permeates the entire work. Superintendents and ward presidents will be kind enough to investi- gate the matter and sec that the Manual is used in connection with the scout work and that the great and fundamental purpose of the organiztion is not neglected, viz., that the boys shall be established in the faith of their fathers. Holding the Hundred Thousand The General Board has a committee on organization and Membership. There should be a similar committee in each stake board. The duties of this committee are: "To see that all the associations, stake and ward, throughout the Church, are fully organized and active. In case of vacancies, inactivity, or inefficiency of officers, it shall make such recommendations to this Board as shall be deemed necessary, and shall advise ways and methods for increasing and maintaining the membership. — Y. M. M. I. A. Hand Book, page 27. Two years ago this committee of the General Board adopted the slogan, "One hundred thousand members in the M. I. A., by June 1920." Through the hearty co-operation of the Young Ladies the goal was practically reached and for 1921 our rolls showed commendable increase. To hold this increased membership now became an added responsibility. Have you an active Organization and Membership committee in your stake and one in each ward? If not, will you organize at once? We appeal to these committees to discharge the above duties faithfully. If all ward associations are fully organized and the officers are active and efficient, their success will be reflected in the membership rolls this season. Let us watch and study these rolls. They tell the story of attendance and activity. Committee members will find interesting data in the stake efficiency reports in this number of the Era, on membership. Winning Ball Teams, Box Elder Stake In the interest of the Junior boys of the Box Elder stake Y. M. M. I. A. a base-ball league wag organized last season in which eight of the twelve of the stake entered teams. A lively interest was shown, and six of the teams, including Honeyville Harper, Mantua, Willard, Brigham Second and Brigham Third wards, played through to the end of the series. The Stake Board at the suggestion of Stake Superintendent A. M. Hansen, offered as prizes a silver cup for the first place and a pennant for the second place. At the close of the series Brigham Second and Harper were tied for first honors. In playing off the tie Harper boys were winners. The type of baseball played by these young men was equal in many cases to some of the professional games. It has the tendency to encourage parents to take greater interest in their young; sons and assist materially in solving some of the social problems of the day. — E. W. Watkins, Stake Board Athletic Director; Theron B. Lee, Y. M. M. I. A. Stake Secretary. Back row left to right: Eli T. Pierce, President Y. M. M. I. A., Theodore Arbon, Alden Lillywhite, Arnold Pierce, Roland Lillywhite, Emery Wight, Manager. Center row: Howard Stokes, Lee Gibbs, John Beaty, Hyrum Hunsaker. Front row: Glen Reese, Elmer Gibbs, with the silver cup; Carlisle Beaty, Bryant May. Winners of second place. Back row, left to right: Harold Welling, W. H. Stayner Orion Jensen, M. I. A. officers; Davis; R. Facer; Peterson, Center row: E. Facer, A. Pierce, J. Burt, E. Nelson. Front row: Valentine H. Nelson. Some of the members of the team were absent when the picture was taken. 180 IMPROVEMENT ERA The Reading Course Following books were selected after the committee had reviewed several hundred ; every association should have one or more sets circulating among its members. These are good books for Christmas presents: 1. The Restoration of the Gospel, Widtsoe. A story of the restoration, answering in an inspirational and instructive manner, the two great questions: What was restored? How was it restored? Just the book for young men and women to read who are preparing themselves for missionary service. 2. Mormon Settlement in Arizona, McClintock. The title gives the message of the book, which contains many inspirational stories. One of the leaders of the Church said, "The story of Jacob Hamblin's son's experience with the Indian chief is worth the price of the book." 3. A Man of the Ages, Bachellor. This brilliant novel answers the general demand for a true and engaging description of Lincoln as a fellow-human, as he appeared among the neighbors and friends with whom he lived, when the great purposes of his life were being formed and when providence was fitting him to achieve those purposes. 4. Fireside Stories for Girls, Eggleston. A book of good, live stories for girls. " 'Twas only a little story, yet is came like a ray of light, And it gave to the girl, who heard it, real courage to do the right." 5. Trails to Woods and Waters, Hawkes, puts into the hands of boys and girls, who love the out-of-doors, a book that will take them to the haunts of the beaver, moose, and wildcat, to the world of queen bees, workers and drones, and to the land of Bob White. Unconsciously they are made better. Price per set, $8.00. Social and Summer Work To Stake and Ward Committees — "It shall be the duty of this committee to have supervision over all (M. I. A.) social activities and shall provide suitable programs f»r summer work." Y. M. M. I. A. Hand Booh, page 28. This is a joint committee composed of members from the Young Men's and Young Ladies' General Boards. Each stake and ward should have a similar committee representing both associations. Summer work will be treated later in this department of the Era by the General Board Social and Summer work committee The M. I. A. should provide entertainment for its members, their character to be in harmony with the high standards and slogans of our great organization. These social events may be musical, games, holiday parties, celebrations, dances, banquets, dramatic performances, picnics, outings, or other appropriate forms of of entertainment. We hope these com- mittees will co-operate in carrying out the Special Activities program. When the M. I. A. socials are given let there be full support of both officers and members. Leadership on the part of officers is necessary for the success of the weekly meetings. Their presence and assistance are equally important in the dance. The class and meeting programs are well provided and carried out. Much thoughtful consideration and time are due the play program. This responsibility is yours. Let it be discharged with prayer and devotion in your hearts. MUTUAL WORK 181 Y. M. M. I. A. STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCT., 1921 STAKES V V So o c en H CO u N u u g xi "3 o B CW > u ■d o <a V .2 a o o W G .2 S C3 3 P w < H O H V bo ■bSs §£« S a V C/3 u u 2 « "5 .2 «JS JBS < u v 2 .2 &J£ 899 18 16 720 287 7 3 62 36 29 127 37 18 14 761 13 13 110 191 207 508 71 114 152 770 12 12 236 208 200 644 171 138 143 520 8 6 75 100 150 325 50 75 180 748 12 3 44 48 64 156 27 30 51 425 10 6 500 10 6 113 58 106 277 90 40 90 352 5 5 354 207 7 1 5 7 12 24 5 3 9 514 11 11 159 111 194 464 101 92 161 1040 11 11 191 169 338 698 133 105 255 338 6 6 912 14 2 393 7 7 22 56 59 147 21 51 49 276 5 3 678 16 10 27 100 99 226 20 71 72 682 10 10 107 118 168 315 9 9 79 77 82 238 57 67 47 643 16 11 146 206 208 560 102 165 156 1026 12 260 4 3 64 31 78 173 53 24 53 360 6 6 83 97 104 284 60 81 87 476 9 5 51 66 123 240 38 33 72 409 10 7 48 63 98 219 41 56 78 201 6 4 5 53 37 95 3 33 29 1060 14 14 150 213 210 573 114 165 172 384 11 10 83 111 98 292 37 32 48 564 13 3 70 39 42 151 474 9 7 116 84 91 291 79 53 56 377 11 178 6 6 105 51 52 208 72 36 41 665 13 13 218 12 6 170 153 8 5 71 41 38 150 60 40 37 398 11 8 79 108 57 244 50 60 42 370 11 11 136 78 115 329 98 63 87 300 12 10 27 130 132 289 16 81 102 550 15 5 60 10 40 110 49 10 32 324 8 7 110 77 76 263 78 41 53 300 7 4 126 81 35 242 64 59 25 368 8 8 218 110 120 448 159 60 85 500 14 5 150 106 91 347 80 74 73 247 8 5 338 11 7 42 98 87 227 26 59 45 196 4 3 61 45 22 128 11 10 10 474 8 8 415 148 5 3 65 28 34 127 40 18 30 95 5 2 Alpine Beaver Benson Box Elder Cache Cottonwood Franklin Hyrum Juab Kanab Logan Liberty Millard Nebo North Davis . North Sevier North Weber Ogden Roosevelt St. George ... Salt Lake San Juan Sevier South Davis . Uintah Wayne Weber Bear Lake ... Bingham Blackfoot Burley Cassia Fremont Idaho Lost River ... Malad Oneida Portneuf Rigby Shelley Teton Maricopa St. Joseph ... Snowflake Star Valley ... San Luis Taylor Union (Ore.) Young 495 69 337 452 225 108 220 350 17 354 493 121 163 393 171 423 130 228 143 175 65 451 117 188 149 133 137 152 248 199 91 172 146 304 227 130 31 253 88 182 IMPROVEMENT ERA Y. M. M. I A. EFFICIENCY REPORT , OCTOBER, 1921 . 8 a j ■a * en 10 in U. 1-. CO STABLES 2 01 u V u o o to w m o o a a to *rt W a 3 0<^ tfl • op. O CfH < 6 u oa rt u V cnrS 55 En "SO ■o $J3 O H 'M U W> (C-fa u5 £ EH Alpine 8 10 in 5 in 5 6 8 9 6 77 Beaver „ 5 7 8 6 1 5 10 5 10 10 6 10 4 10 10 10 10 7 1 10 10 7 6 7 6 10 10 6 6 7 7 6 in 10 4 6 8 4 5 10 10 7 3 1 2 4 7 in 10 9 9 7 7 8 10 5 8 10 7 1 10 10 5 8 8 7 2 5 10 S7 Benson 74 Box Elder 77 Cache 60 Cottonwood 43 Hyrum 79 Juab 100 Kanab 1 10 10 21 Logan 10 10 in 6 6 6 5 8 9 8 78 Liberty 7 in 10 9 7 5 6 0 10 9 8? Millard 9 4 8 10 9 9 5 6 2 1 2 4 ..._. 10 6 2 9 7 4 54 North Davis 54 North Sevier 4 10 10 10 8 10 4 8 4 10 4 8 2 5 6 10 10 10 10 5 10 ?i0 North Weber 57 Ogden 81 Roosevelt 8 10 10 6 10 9 9 10 8 8 88 St. George 6 7 6 3 4 3 1 7 2 4 43 Salt Lake 6 9 10 10 10 6 10 10 7 78 San Juan 6 8 10 10 8 10 5 8 8 in 5 8 3 3 8 9 8 7 3 8 64 Sevier 81 South Davis 5 6 6 3 6 2 2 6 4 4 44 Uintah 5 5 10 10 8 7 2 2 5 3 2 1 1 6 5 7 7 5 1 52 Wayne 40 Weber 6 10 9 7 6 4 6 9 9 7 73 Bear Lake _ 8 8 8 1 7 9 3 6 5 3 58 Bingham 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 3 2 1 21 Blackfoot 6 10 10 10 7 10 5 9 10 5 82 Burley 10 10 in 7 4 9 9 6 65 Cassia 10 9 7 8 i 5 3 8 10 8 69 Franklin 10 in 10 10 40 Fremont 8 8 10 10 10 6 10 1 8 4 6 6 2 6 9 6 9 9 8 5 80 Idaho 61 Lost River 9 10 10 5 10 10 10 6 5 75 Malad 6 9 9 1 3 5 3 5 7 48 Oneida 9 10 4 10 7 10 10 10 10 5 5 9 10 5 7 6 5 7 1 5 9 10 9 9 5 10 5 5 3 74 Portneuf 62 Rigby 74 Shelley 8 10 10 6 6 7 4 9 10 6 76 Teton 8 9 6 3 1 1 1 5 6 4 44 Maricopa 10 10 10 5 4 5 4 10 9 8 75 Snowflake 10 10 10 5 5 10 10 5 65 Star Valley 6 6 6 2 3 2 4 6 2 37 San Luis 6 4 5 5 3 3 6 32 Taylor _ 9 9 10 10 1 6 3 10 10 3 71 Union (Ore.) __. 8 10 10 10 10 10 8 8 74 Young ...., _ — 4 4 — 4 4 16 MUTUAL WORK 183 Remarks on the Reports For October we have done fairly well. Let us have complete reports for November by December 10. Please segregate your membership, and class work; give the whole number enrolled in each division also the whole number of average attendance in each class — not the per cent. The num- ber who should be enrolled may be obtained from your ward or stake clerk. Stake superintendents will do well to study these reports and set to work to improve them for November. The following stakes did not report: Bear River, Carbon, Deseret, Duchesne, Emery, Ensign, Granite, Jor- dan, Morgan, Panguitch, Parowan, Pioneer, South Sanpete, Summit, Tintic, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, Bannock, Blaine, Boise, Curlew, Montpelier, Poca- tello, Raft River, Twin Falls, St. Johns, Big Horn, Woodruff, Alberta, Moapa, Juarez, North Sanpete, Yellowstone, South Sevier. Finance and Publication Department Stake and ward officers appointed as chairmen of this committee are urged to see that the General Fund is collected and forwarded to the general secretary at the very earliest moment this month. At the general conference held in June, it was agreed by all officers present that each stake would at least provide this year ten life memberships at $5 each. The funds received from these life memberships will be placed in a trust fund, and the principal will not be used, the interest only being devoted to help defray the expenses of the General Board. A certificate of life membership will be issued by the general secretary and the superintend- ent of the Y. M. M. I. A. to each subscriber for a life membership and the ward will be credited annually with twenty-five cents for each subscriber for life membership in that ward. This movement is inaugurated to establish a permanent fund, the income from which will help to pay the expenses of the General Organization. We trust that the officers interested in this division of our work will extend special efforts to secure as many life memberships in their stake as possible among the leading brethren. The minimum limit of the memberships should be ten for each stake for this year. Juab Mutuals to the Front We have been informed by Superintendent Thomas H. Burton of the Juab stake of Zion, that every ward in that stake had its "100' per cent fund collected by the first of November, each ward had likewise made a cnnvass for the Era and more than the required number — 5 per cent of the Church population of each ward — has been obtained and forwarded to the office." The organizations are now ready to go on with their other activities in classes and in special work for the remainder of the season. The associations are putting on new life and doing splendid work under the leadership of Superintendent Thomas H. Burton and his associates in the stake board, who are to be congratulated upon their excellent efforts to put the associations at the front. Scout troops will be organized and registered in every ward of the stake and the aim of the officers is for a one hundred per cent Mutual in the Juab stake for 1921-22; the organization reached this goal for October. Look at Juab's efficiency report for October