The Northwest worker. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1915-1917, 1916-03-23
HOW TO ORGANIZE
SOCIALIST MEETING


After we have succeeded to get n
gathering of people-the main thing
is to have them go home with the de
sire to "come again" To gain this
end, the speaker of the evening is not
the "whole cheese"
For every meeting the preparations
should be made sufficiently early to
enable all to be in readiness. There
should be picked the following person
mel:
Comrade to open meeting and an
nounce the chairman.
Comrade to act as chairman.
Comrade to have charge of litera-
ture.
Comrode to take charge of collec-
ton.
comrade who has charge of organi-
zation.
Comrades who act as ushers.
If the meeting is announced for 8
o'clock ushers and literary agent
should be on job at 7 o'clock. Chairs
should be arranged, tables for ltera-
ture be in place and literature dis
played. The literature agent begins
at his work as people begin to be
shown to their places. The meeting
belongs to him until it is called to or
der. If he can take booklet or book
and just make a little talk on its con-
tents it will help the sales. While he
talks some ushers pass the books and
take the money. Again, as the audi
ence pass out, he can do good work.
This is where comrades can begin
their training. A good "hawker" can
treble the sales, particularly if he
knows his books. Other advantages
are, that while the people are waiting
they are being entertained; the minds
are occupied and prepared; there is
not that deadening lull which other
wise goes with expectancy; the audi
SHNS 10 III a Hiutll DeGIcI HlOOu Wnen
the speaker begins because It has not
been bored by the waiting.
The collector should be prepared to
make a short collection talk if called
upon. He should have receptacles
discard the old hat) in readiness. in
struct the ushers where to bring them
when through; he should count the
collection and Immediately send a
slip, stating the amount to the chair
man.
Cigar boxes, covered with a little
colored bunting or paper, make good
and cheap receptacles. Never count
the collection in the hall where the
meeting can be disturbed. Go to a
side room or corridor.
Ushers should be picked from the
young people-sons and daughters of
older comrades. This attracts the
young and makes them an integral
part of our meetings. 1t gives them
something to do. They should wear
badges. There should be enough of
them. They should receive people
with smile and courteously show
them to their seats. They should aid
in literature selling and distribution.
They should aid in taking up collec-
tons. There should be enough of
them to cover audience in from three
to five minutes. Snappy work is what
counts.
The organizer should make an APP
peal for membership, have applica-
tions passed around and take charge
of them.
For every meeting there should be
definite program outlined long
enough in advance to give ample time
for preparation. In every community
there are forces which can be used to
good advantage if put in the proper
place.
No hard and fast rule can be laid
down for programs-but the following
may serve as a guide:
Suggestions for Program.
l. Call to order-Comrade
introduces chairman.
2. Chairman-Comrade .......... takes
charge.
3. Music or song (choir, mixed or
male solo).
A. Recitation appropriately.
5. Speakers of evening.
6. Collection.
7. Application for membership.
Comrade. ..--.-......--., organizer.
s. Announcement, distribution of
free leaflets, etc.
9. Music or song.
10. Dismissal.
This can be altered at the option of
comrades and as local talent is avail
able.
Now, this will not work out perfect
ly in the beginning. But this begin
ming should and must be made some
time. AS time goes on the comrades
will acquire an efficiency which will
get results that could not be attained
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