The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-01-30
TIE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.

An Effort to Make the Organization
More influential and Representa-
tive.
Columbia, Jan. 23.-In an effort to
make the State Teachers association
larger and more influential body, at
the meeting at Winthrop college last
summer the committee on reorganl-
zation, which had been appointed the
year before, made a report, the prln-
cipal feature Of which was the re-
commentator in regard to perna-
nent membership. A recommendation
was also made that a committee OF
three be appointed from each coun-
tv TO secure members and arouse in
terest in the State association. The
recommendations were unanimously
adopted.
In order to get this information be-
fore the teachers of the State, Mr.. =.
I s. Dreher. of Columbia, the president
of the association, has sent circular
letter to all the county superintend-
ents. 104 town and city superintend-
ents. and % colleges throughout the
state, in which an urget appeal is
made for more earnest effort in be-
half of the State Teachers associa-.
ton. Accompanying these letters
were about 1000 membership pledge
cards for use in securing new mem
bers.
Heretofore, membership in the as
sociation has been very Irregular and
uncertain, but by. the plan now pro-
posed those who sign the cards for
membership will be considered mem
bers in good standing, subject to an
nual dues until written resignation
shall be sent to the secretary. This
plan has been pursued by the Nation
al Educational association for quite
a long time and also by the Southern
Educational association since its or
SANITATION. Many State associations
follow the same plan, which, indeed,
seems to be the only one that works
successfully.
Should the plan outlined prove sue
cessful in largely increasing the mem.
bership Of the association, as it is
hoped and believed it will, a copy OF
the minutes Of each annual meeting,
including all addresses and complete
list of all members, will be sent to
each member Of the association.
While this association is primarily
teachers organisation. any white
person may become member by pay
ing the annual dues which are 81 for
men and so cents for women. Persons
who do not get a regular membership
card and who may wish to join the
association can do SO by fling out the
form given in the circular letter be-
low and complying with the instruc-
tions therein given.
The letter sent out by superintend-
ent Dreher is as follows:
! Ny Dear Sir: I am writing to call
your attention to the action Of the
State Teachers association, at the
! r.seting held at Winthrop college last
sumer, in regard to increasing the
membership pledge card.
thereby make it more influential
and efficient organization for promot-
ing the educational interests Of the
State Of South Carolina.
With this end in view, at the meet
ing the following report, made by the
reorganization committee, was unani-
mously and enthusiastically adopted:
1. That the annual membership fee
be made 81 for men and so cents for
ladies, and that a copy Of the minutes
be furnished each member.
2. That each members sign and
file in duplicate with the secretary
membership pledge card, after the
following form:
At present the membership of the
State association is only 157, when it
should be not less than 1000. Will
you not do your part to secure this
number?
An answer will be greatly appre-
ciated. Very truly yours,
E. S. Dreher,
President.
Additional letters were sent to the
colleges and town and city superin-
tendents explaining the purpose Of
the circular.
Any person interested in the cause
of education and Of the State Teach
ers association Of South Carolina
who may see this article, is urged by