Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-12-19

Mrs. Helena Downey. III BashaV
street, Ottumwa.I
In answer to many inquiries ihai
come asking how TO organize club
give set of rules that will be found
useful in any locality. Here they are:
In any neighborhood where there i,
one woman who desires to form a
club and she has even one friend
who is in sympathy with her, let hel
invitations to her friends and acquaint
ances to meet at her house or some
other convenient place. After they ar
rive state for what purpose the invi
tations are sent out and talk the mat
ter over. Many ladies who might be
frightened at the thought OF literary
club, as something too formidable, are
the most enthusiastic when once they
are in the presence OF others who
themselves.
1t is best to begin an organization
very simply and for that reason a con
stitution should be as short as posi-
BILE. leaving changed and additions
to be put in the bylaws as the occa
sion arises.
The constitution should include:
1. The name OF the proposed club.
2. The object for which it is formed
3. The number and duty OF officers.
4. The time of holding the meet
ings.
S. How many shalA constitute e
quorum. ...... ...1 ..
6. How the constitution may be
amended.
Bylaws will vary with the size and
needs of the club, and the rules for
amending the same should make i,
easier than to change the constitu
ton. The most essential points to be
covered by the bylaws are: The place
Of meeting; how the work Of the club
shall be presented; the manner OF
electing officers; the limit Of member.
ship iii desired to limit; the order
Of business of the meetings; the au.
thority on parliamentary law; how
bylaws can be amended.
It Is a very good idea. for those in.
terested to send beforehand to few
wen known clubs for copies OF their
constitution and bylaws. and from
them can be formulated what will
suit almost any locality. Be careful
in selecting officers. The model club
must be well Offered. This is such
a self-evident proposition that it needs
but word by way OF amplification. In
the selection of officers the matter
OF personal friendship should not en-,
ter in, and all other considerations
save that Of adaptability. should be
eliminated Otherwise we shall have
the round peg in the square hole. A
good secretary may make poor presi-
dent, or vice versa; 50 We see that
tactful forethought and adjustment
will be needed in the organizing OF
the model club. ....
Club Dont's.
Don't join a club just because there
is a vacancy. .... ...
Don't joint club expecting to at.
tend only when there is nothing else
to do.
Don't join expecting the officers to
furnish all the fuel for the stream OF
enthusiasm and the fire Of energy.
Don't imagine, If you are an officer,
that you have any higher personal
privileges than high private, except
to work early and often.
Don't imagine that every other sub
ject on the program would have suited
you better than the one assigned.
Don't imagine when you are on the
affirmative side of question that the
negative member is assigned to OPP
pose you for life; its only ten minutes
Don't imagine because corporations
have no souls, that clubs have no
epistolary etiquette. Prove that they
have by answering letters promptly
even at the point Of prostration anc
pen paralysis.
Don't. IL indifference romes. carry
the war into Africa" from one club to
another.
keokuk.
Mrs. NJ. e. Dixon says the F. =. n
club is progressing nicely. Their com
mittee on charitable work is making
an excellent showing.
Ottun1Wa.
The Ida Wells club steps to the
front with commendable Idea this
month and that is soliciting employ
ment IA the prominent stores OF OF
tumwa for our young people anc
pledging them our trade in return.
The Good Intent Needlework CLUB
held their annual meeting during the
msath, The program committee gave
an outline OF the work for the year,
which gave promise Of much interest
The election Of officers occurred and
resulted as follows: President. Mrs.
Helena Downey; first vice president
Mrs. NJ. a.. Strother; second vice pres
ident. Mrs. Gordon; recording secre'
tary, Miss Robinett: corresponding
secretary. Miss Jessie Williams; ser
geant, Mrs. "A. Dodd. Their motto:
Good, the more communicated. the
more abundant grows"
Buxton,
Miss Margaret Coleman Is prepar-
Ing to organize = club in Buxton ant
she says 1--WE will Immediately become
members Of the Iowa State Federa.
tton. Z III Z
hone To- have cheering reports
from AZ clubs for this column the
& last u ~ nannth. wv
- fsans nnlG ~ q: y faalt
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