--- 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: 34 number: 2 published: 1930-12 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* 34, no. 2 (December 1930): 104–108." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3402unse 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: improvementera3402unse start_page: 104 end_page: 108 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1930-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3402unse publication_year: 1930 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 1930, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work MUTUAL WORK General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A. George Albert Smith, Richard R. Lyman, Melvin j. Ballard. Executive Secretary: Oscar A. Kirkham. Executive Department General Offices Y. M. M. I. A. 4 7 East South Temple Street General Offices Y. L. M. I. A. 3 3 Bishop's Building SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH General Presidency Y. L. M. I. A. Ruth May Fox. Lucy Grant Cannon. Clarissa A. Beesley. Secretary : Elsie Hogan The Manual Discussion P 'T'HE fact that so much has been •*- said about the special activities — Tuesday evening half-hour program, Honor Day events, and so on — should not lead us to attach any less im- portance to the Manual discussion pe- riod which occupies 45 or 50 minutes of time of at least three evenings per month, in our Mutual Improvement program. The work of this period is of in- tense value to officers and members alike. If conducted properly it be- comes truly re-creational, a delightful leisure time interest. It may, and should be, made an expression of the linguistic urge as drama is of the dra- matic, or music of the rhythmic. Excellent Manuals are provided for all departments. These, as has been stated frequently before, are not in- tended to be used as "lessons" or lec- tures, but as guides for fine, free, friendly conversation. The best teach- er does not preach at his students but sits down with them and together they talk over the subject at hand without formality or restraint. Two of the presidency, one of the Young Men and one of the Young Ladies, have the supervision of this part of the M. I. A. program — a most pleasant as well as important duty. These two eriod persons will be thoroughly familiar with all the Manuals provided and wai keep in close touch with the prog- ress of each evening. They should check the calendars carefully so that all of the work may be completed in the given time. They will give help- ful suggestions to the class leaders as to methods of holding the interest of the members and of conducting the discussion. Often, as they watch and help from the "side lines" they may be able to see a need which the busy class leaders may fail to note. They may have opportunities, too, of giv- ing personal help to boys or girls who may otherwise be overlooked. *>— ^ic-^jSV'i'- Activities Within the Departments 1" N most of the groups the first Tues- -*■ day evening of each month (during the 50 minute period) is devoted to features other than the Manuals and may be called the activity evening of the departments — -for the Adults, the Health projects; for the M Men- Gleaners, the joint sessions when de- bating, speech, music, etc., are con- sidered; for the Junior Girls, story telling, music, etc. (The Adult de- partment also has provided several special recreational features as outlined in the October Era. The program for the M Men and Vanguards includes miscellaneous activities at frequent in- tervals.) On these occasions the ac- tivity leaders (and in the M Men- Gleaner group, the class presidents) will be especially interested in pro- moting and directing the work, co- operating with the discussion leaders. It will be noted, too, that M Men, Gleaner Girls, Junior Girls; Vanguards, who may have selected drama or danc- ing in the half-hour period, may also receive training and practice in public speaking and story telling on these activity evenings within their own group. -OC^fQJjSVSI* January Sunday Evening Joint Meeting, 'X'HE Adult Department is respon- *• sible for the Sunday Evening Joint Meeting in January (also in May). Suggested Program Singing. Prayer. Singing. I. Address: Good Health Impera- tive to great accomplishment. The Word of Wisdom, a protection of health, also a Latter-day Saint ideal. (10 min.) II. The Slogan: "We Stand for Loyal Adherence to Latter-day Saint Ideals. (See "Temperance Ideal," following.) III. Double Mixed Quartette: "The Lord Imparted" — New Church Hymn Book, pg. 297. IV. Address: The Adult Group Study Course for 1930-31, Commun- ity Health and Hygiene. (30 min.) (Reference: The Manual — Preface and any of the chapters.) V. Book Review: Adult Reading Course Book — Grandmother Brown's Hundred Years. (5 min. Make it an introduction only, with view to creat- ing a desire to read the book. See review in October Era.) The Improvement Era for December ', 1930 Temperance Ideal — Word of Wisdom WHAT inspiration is to the mind, was given as our deliverer from nar- temperance is to the body. It cotics. More than that, it is our is the director pointing the way to armor against ill health and our cham- the conservation of power, for greater pion against premature death, achievement. The Word of Wisdom The serpent was lifted up in the is the Mormon constitution of physical wilderness to heal the people from dis- fitness. It is the brilliant beacon of ease, but the Word of Wisdom has moral control. It is the key to hidden been given to save mankind from afflic- knowledge and power. tions. It is so simple and yet so sub- More than any other, it is the or- lime that it may gather power and 105 ganic law of self mastery. As Isaac was to Abraham, the Son of Hope, the Word of Wisdom is to us popularity wherever it is understood and used. It has within itself evidence of its own divine origin and carries its the Temporal Law of Promise. As the own arguments to meet the dissenters. First Born of the Children of Israel are saved by the sign over the door, even so this principle is our ensign of safety. When the time came for the Israel- ites to be free, Moses was raised up to break their bonds; so in our day It applies equally as well with the farmer as well as with the captain of industry; the laborer or the profession- al; the subject or the ruler; the beggar or the potentate; the weak or the strong. It is a perfect law that may be applied to all mankind for their temporal salvation. It is a great Lat- when bad customs and habits are en- slaving many people, this revelation ter-day Saint Ideal. Increased Enrollment and Attendance OUR objective this year is 10% terest those not already enrolled and (or more) increase in active mem- secure their attendance. The members bership. It is urged that committees, of the presidency above referred to, made up of the membership within cooperating with the class leaders, each department, be appointed to in- should direct these committees. -•iw'SJStsi"- IT is gratifying to know that the stake and ward M. I. A. leaders are pursuing a policy of appreciation of the efforts of the General Boards in outlining work. While it is not ex- pected that perfect uniformity of method will characterize the procedure, it is hoped that sanction will be lim- ited to supplementing, and not go so far as to be a substitution of any plan, outline or course of study, or activity. Mutual Improvement means coop- erative activity in the direction of progress, not of a few, but of all the tmm 1 06 The Improvement Era for December, 1930 Adult Department Department Recreational Events (See page 39 of Supplement to the M. I. A. Hand Book.) (See October Era for suggestions.) For January: An Old Fashioned Dance — A New Year's Party of Long Ago. For March: The Drama. For April: The Health Party. The Joint Sunday Evening Meeting for January This meeting is under the direc- tion of the Adult Department. See Executive Department, page 104 of the Mutual Messages (this Era) for suggested program. Gleaner Girls Department Many groups are securing Manuals for each girl. The calendar for the months of December and January include: Dec. 2 — Joint M Men and Gleaner activity: Book Reviews (See extract, "The Two Leaves," following). Dec. 9 — Discussion — Gleaning. Dec. 1 6- — Discussion — Gleaning. Dec. 23 — Open. Dec. 30— Open. Jan. 6 — Joint M Men and Gleaner activity: Social. Jan. 13 — Discussion — Gleaning. Jan. 20 — Discussion — -Gleaning. Jan. 2 7 — Discussion — Gleaning. The two open nights in December may be used to good advantage in checking up and having some of the incidents and stories in the girls' Trea- sures of Truth presented to the class. In some wards the joint activity night for he M Men and Gleaners has been confused with the half-hour ac- tivity program of the entire associa- tion. There is no connection between the two. This joint work of the M Men and Gleaners although taking up Public Speaking, Drama, etc., consti- tutes the regular class work for these groups — «e^ggj>3»— Junior Girls Department Junior Christmas Party Wouldn't you like to increase the social spirit of your class by having a Christmas Tree class party? There is an open night on Tuesday, Decem- ber 23 rd which may be used nicely for this purpose. Perhaps some of the girls may have decorated their own Christmas tree. If not, each girl might bring a few Christmas decorations and decorate a tree, seeing how beautiful it could be made without expense. A small ar- tificial tree may be used, should some girl have one in her home. Ex- change of gifts may be made by each girl bringing a simple gift, costing not more than 25c. As the girls IT PAYS TO GET THE BEST ONE OF OUR OFFICE PRACTICE DEPARTMENTS Complete courses in all commercial subjects — day and night classes. New students enroll- ing each week. Visitors welcome any time. Call, write or phone for information. HENAGER'S BUSINESS COLLEGE 45 E. Broadway The School With A National Reputation Wasatch 2753 assemble, each one is given a number, the gifts being correspondingly num- bered on the tree. One of the girls dresses as Santa Claus and presents the gifts. If a girl gets her own gift, she may exchange with someone. Make it a real fun party, playing games, etc., that carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the evening. (See page 349 of M. I. A. Hand Book for suggestive program.) How would the girls like to bring articles for a Christmas dinner and make up a basket for some poor fam- ily, or take a blooming plant to some sick person? You will think of other things to do, to carry out the spirit of Christmas Cheer. — «C^SJcfcj»- Bee Hive Girls Department Calendar for December Builders in the Hive XI The XII— Open Discussions December 2 — Guide Word of Wisdom. December 9 — Guide for your own planning, and dramatization of the Reading Course Book, Mother Carey's Chick- ens, and the Project, / Will Overcome Some Undesirable Habit, could be ar- ranged and presented with interest. Bee-Hive songs and formations should also be practised on these open nights. December 16 — Guide XIII — Com- mon Accidents. December 23 and 30 are so near to Christmas and New Year's Day that meetings will not be held in most wards. If by any chance your asso- ciation convenes, follow the outline in the Bee-Hive Girls' Handbook. Gatherers of Honey December 2 — Guide XI — -Family Meals. December 9 — Guide XII — Open for your planning. See suggestions for this date above. December 1 6 — Guide XIII — Love Truth. December 23 and 30 — See sugges- tions above. Bee-Hive Books The general committee is pleased to announce the publication of a new edition of the Bee-Keeper's Book. This is combined with the Handbook, for the convenience of Bee-Keepers, and will sell for 60c. There is also off press a new edition of the Girls' Handbook, but those already in pos- session of a Handbook will not need the new one, as the material in the old edition will serve satisfactorily. The Improvement Era for December, 1930 107 M. I. A. MONTHLY REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS October, 1930 Alpine Bannock Bear Lake Bear River Benson Beaver Big Horn Boxelder Cache Carbon , Cassia Cottonwood Deseret East Jordan ... Ensign , Franklin Garfield Granite Grant Gunnison Hollywood Idaho Falls Juab Kolob Lehi Liberty Logan Los Angeles ... Malad Maricopa Millard Minidoka Moapa Montpelier Morgan Nebo North Sanpete North Weber . Ogden Oneida Oquirrh Palmyra ..:...... Panguitch Parowan Pioneer Pocatello Portneuf Raft River Rigby Roosevelt St. George Shelley South Sanpete South Sevier .. Star Valley Summit Sharon Salt Lake Sevier St. Johns St. Joseph Taylor S.S u— W to 6 8 11 12 14 6 6 13 8 7 6 10 11 10 8 11 8 10 14 7 12 13 5 5 6 12 11 10 9 10 6 8 9 13 5 9 5 14 Teton Tintic Tooele Uintah Union Utah Wasatch Wayne Weber West Jordan Woodruff Yellowstone Zion Park Calif. Mission Eastern* States Mission.... Northwestern States Mis. 11 6 9 6 11 10 10 8 6 13 9 9 9 7 8 11 11 7 13 8 6 13 6 7 4 10 8 5 9 9 6 9 8 4 10 7 37 OS I§ ~ E o re oo ZLlI 5 10 12 12 3 4 13 6 2 6 8 7 9 8 11 4 9 13 6 10 11 5 4 5 11 10 10 8 10 6 4 7 8 5 9 5 12 11 | 11 11 6 9 4 6 9 8 7 5 8 6 7 10 10 6 11 8 3 11 6 Y. M. I Y. L. 10 10 10 5 10 5 2 4 6 5 10 8 9 3 9 11 4 8 8 5 4 4 11 8 9 7 9 6 3 1 5 4 9 5 9 11 10 6 8 2 4 8 8 2 5 2 2 5 6 6 6 5 5 4 11 6 13 5 Jt. 6 5 10 11 12 3 4 13 8 2 4 8 5 10 7 11 2 8 11 6 10 7 5 4 5 9 10 10 7 10 6 4 7 8 5 9 5 12 11 11 6 9 4 6 9 8 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 8 6 8 5 13 8 5 10 6 SB re .,_, Tuesday Evening Half-hour Program oo Jt. 6 2 9 9 10 3 4 12 6 2 1 7 7 7 8 11 4 9 10 6 10 11 5 4 5 11 10 10 6 10 6 4 5 5 5 8 5 9 8 10 6 6 3 6 9 7 5 5 8 6 6 6 7 7 7 5 4 13 7 3 11 5 Jt. 3 2 12 8 1 3 5 4 8 7 7 2 9 7 2 10 6 5 4 5 6 9 9 3 5 4 3 6 4 5 8 5 8 I 11 9 5 4 4 8 8 7 3 2 3 2 4 5 10 3 4 13 5 3 5 4 Q CJ3 Jt. 1 7 1 .... 1 5 1 7 i 6 6 1 4 1 4 ! 3 2 5 4 5 3 3 6 3 6 6 4 4 2 6 4 4 9 8 6 6 8 9 7 9 9 4 4 3 4 2 9 9 9 9 7 6 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 1 6 , 10 6 6 6 4 6 6 5 12 6 12 12 8 1 1 1 1 .... 8 8 9 7 6 4 8 7 9 3 2 11 8 1 3 7 3 7 9 8 2 6 9 4 7 10 2 5 8 9 9 4 7 6 3 7 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 6 1 1 3 7 8 7 '"4 1 5 3 5 5 9 4 4 13 4 2 9 4 4 2 2 4 4 7 5 2 8 5 2 5 4 10 1 7 So Jt. Jt. 6 1 8 6 11 3 3 9 8 2 4 6 6 9 2 7 10 4 10 6 5 4 5 6 7 9 4 7 6 3 7 4 3 7 4 6 I 11 7 5 5 3 4 6 4 3 5 2 6 6 10 5 4 12 4 2 7 5 (i 1 3 3 4 8 9 3 6 5 2 4 5 9 1 7 5 3 5 4 7 9 4 5 5 3 6 5 3 8 4 7 7 2 2 8 8 6 "4 1 4 3 6 6 9 3 4 12 4 1 7 5 6 10 2 a. 0 5 at — "S E a5 Oa. Jt. 5 1 7 4 4 4 5 4 8 4 5 5 2 4 2 5 5 4 6 4 3 5 6 2 6 5 3 1 5 1 3 2 4 6 I 6 I 3 I 4 I 11 I 6 I 3 ) 5 I 4 I 5 I 4 3 4 4 4 4 7 8 4 5 3 2 6 7 4 4 3 1 4 4 3 5 7 6 1 9 7 6 3 6 4 8 3 2 12 4 2 4 3 6 10 2 9 4 5 5 7 5 2 3 3 7 10 6 5 5 3 6 6 3 6 5 6 11 7 6 6 2 4 6 5 6 4 4 6 6 3 7 4 11 3 3 11 4 4 4 2 5 4 4 9 4 B 5 3 4 5 8 1 Attention is called to the totals of groups being conducted under the half-hour program in 72 Stakes reporting. Other activities reported by stakes that are not called for on the regular report form are as follows: Successful Opening Socials, M Men-Gleaner programs, Hallowe'en balls and parties, Harvest Balls, Officers' Socials, Junior and Bee-Hive programs, Mothers and Daughters' banquets, outstanding Sunday evening joint sessions, successful road shows and one stake reports having held, already, p. very successful Gold and Green Ball. The stakes are all to be congratulated upon the splendid way in which they are carrying forward the program this year. In many cases the Young Men's report came in after this chart was tabulated, for which reason only the Young Ladies' record was given in the fourth column. The later reports show an equal number of Y. M. departments organized and functioning in most stakes. Who Else Wants to Win Success in Advertising? Easy to Learn Many Earn $4,000 to $15,000 Yearly! 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