Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-25

tons. In some places II may be possible
70 md sucn person who was formerly
so engaged and now is in a position to
give free service. Chapters or commit
tees in towns which have no well-organ-
lzed social work would call upon bodies
ike Associated Charities or charity Or
ganization societies in nearby larger
cities to lend them a worker whose salary
the chapter or committee would assume
and who would then go out as a Red
Cross employee.
In any case it is urged that a corps of
volunteers be enlisted to serve under such
a leader These will need, if the work is
to be well done, a measure of training to
mt them for the delicate task of dealing
with the families of soldiers and sailors
who have given up in sacrifcial spirit
fathers, sons and brothers for the coun-
try's defense. In some cities like New
York, Chicago. Boston and Philadelphia,
schools of philanthropy, in conjunction
with the Red Cross Chapter are Offering
courses of lectures and also practice field
work. either with social agencies or in
connection with the actual relief work
among the soldiers families
no such schools (or none near enough for
volunteers to attend conveniently classes
or round-table groups, supplemented by
reading of certain helpful books and
printed matter preferred to later), wouli
doubtless be a helpful training device.
The classes should be in charge Of seine
chapter official or other person especially
fitted for the task of leadership.
Probably 10 sessions would be neeGe
to cover adequately the major subjects
involved in the whole process Of dealing
with these families on the relief side ANA
on the side of social wel-being.
TIE following is suggested course, tw,
sessions Icing arranged under each Of ;.
and j.
I. General information concerning
the examinations and work OF the
Red Gross.
Organization: Headquarters Official,
chapters, committees.
Work: In peace-in war. Work for
families of soldiers and sailors.
2. The Family.
Its normal composition and status; its
normal problems; variations in its com
position, status and problems when the
breadwinner leaves home. Possible in
crease in juvenile delinquency.
8. Effective Methods of Social Work
with Families.
a. Right attitude; interview; use of
available sources of information; inter
probation of information.
b. Supervision of families aided; OBJ
jectves-protecton, conservation, devel-
opment, rehabilitation.
q. Family Problems.
a. Health: the home and its environ
ment; standards of living and variations
in standards among different nat!0uali-
ties and races.
b. The children and the adde's ,erts;
the wife and mother; education, IN, raj
and religious Influences recreation.
S. Relief Problems.
a. Point of view family budgets.
b. Adequacy; food. fuel, rent clothing,
medicines. etc; employment; sources Of
relief, including mans pay and possible
government allowance; the Handicapped.
Variations necessary on account of ma
tional and racial differences.
6. Helpful Tools.
Red Cross cards and report forms,
vouchers, accounting system, social SER
vice directory and exchange (wherever
available).
7. Co. operation.
Spirit; aim; existing social agencies to
be understood and utilized; regimertal
auXiliaries; women's and church orgari-
cations.
SIG. SUGGESTED HELPFUL READ.
ING
The Normal Life" by Edward T. De-
vine "a small handbook-s1.oo. published
by The Survey Associates, y. "
Red Cross pamphlets on Relief Work
Among Families, and Red Cross reprint
of Paul Kelloggs article in the Survey on
Relief Work among Soldiers Families in
Canada. (See ARC 155, 162 and 1863 If not
supplied. write American Red Cross.
Washington, d. c.
The Good Neighbour" by Miss Mary E
Richmond (smal handbook GEMS,
published by J. B. Lippncott, Philadel-
phia)
Weekly articles in the Survey Chased
upon Porter r. Lees lectures on Red
Cross work among families at the New
York School of Philanthropy, written by
Karl de Schweinitz.
How to Help" by Miss Mary Conyng-
ton (hand-book-50 cents, published by
Mcmillan & Co, y. "
Volunteers may be secured through
churches. women's clubs. from the ranks
of school teachers on vacation, etc. 1t is
better for the Red Cross to make a direc,
approach to such groups rather than issue
a general call through the newspapers.
In whatever manner the appeal is is
sued, it should be made very clear that
this work is not for the frivolous or the
faddist. 1t is only for those who can
combine sense with sympathy, and who
will agree to undergo the moderate meas
ure OF training considered essential to
even a partial understanding of the
problems involved in dealing with these
families.
The work is worth doing we'll. It is in
the country's service. Considerations OF
justice for these families demand that
the best Judgment, combined with the
finest humanitarianism. he applied TO
their needs. The honor and reputation
of the Red Cross are involved in the man
ner in which it is done and in the results
which are attained.