The Omaha guide., 1955-07-22
Editorials
Keeping In Touch
By Esther Murray

81 have learned more about our union movement and what it
stands for in one week in Port Huron than in all the years my hus
band has been in the CIO", one woman said,
81 never thought of the union as an attitude towards life before
l came here, another one chimed in.
"Up to now l always looked on our union as an organization to
secure decent wages and working conditions" she added. "This one
week has changed my outlook and it's going to change that of my
family"
"And it was fun, too, a third woman added
These were some gimpses of conversation as CLIO wives were
getting ready to leave the weeklong leadership training session of the
Congress of Womens' AuxiIares, CIo. at Port Huron, Michigan.
1t was fun indeed. We all enjoyed the pleasures of summer
camp life. There was swimming and dancing and plenty Of fresh
We'd sit around in the evening and listen to Joe Gazer sing
those wonderful union songs and felt the spirit Of companionshp
settle among u.s.
But there "a also hard work and plenty of it. A day each was
devoted to such subjects as community services, education, legisla-
ton, safety, and the structure and function of the Go. The classes
ran from 900 AM to 900 PIMA heavy schedule.
There was keen interest in the daylong discussion Of political
action Practically everyone present had already taken part in
political action work in her community. All were eager to learn
more, to discuss new techniques, to round out their know-how~ as
politically effective citizens
The class on the political action program included two very in
teresdng films. And quite a few Of the participating women got
practical experience" acting out the roles of precinct leaders and
block workers.
one girl summed up her comments, "the union would count a lot more
in our families"
"And our families could do so much more for the union and for
the community" she added.
Congress will adjourn in a few weeks if all goes as scheduled.
Most of the lawmakers will be heading for home to rest a bit, mend
political fences and get around among their constituents.
1t is an excellent time to drop in to see your Congressman.
Every Congressman has al office, furnished to him by the gov
eminent, in his Congressional district. It is not hard to find out
where it is. Your CLIO Political Action Chairman can certainly tell
you.
He can also refresh your memory on the key issues in your dis
trct and what your Congressman has done or failed to do about them.
You certainly should not be at a loss IS to what to talk about to
your Congressman. He is interested in what your group is doing and
what your problems and your views are.
And you will undoubtedly learn a good bit about interesting leg
islahve matters from him, At any rate, you'll get a personal impress
sion of the man or woman you elected.
If the Senate confirms him, we'll soon have a new Secretary for
Health, Education and Welfare, Mr.. Marion B. Folsom.
If you look over the list of the various activities which he will
head up, it is easy to see how the accomplishments or failures of
this man affect our lives as mothers and homemakers.
The list of activities combined under the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare includes: Ma
The Public Health Service; the Social Security Administration
with its Bureau of Old Age and Survivors Insurance, its Bureau of
Public Assistance, and the Childrens Bureau; the Office of Voca-
tonal Rehabilitation; and the Food and Drug Administration.
One CLIO wife we know marks every reference to one of these
activities in her local newspaper with a red pencil.
On some days the paper is all marked up 1t gives her and her
friends a pretty good idea how government affects every aspect Of
our lives.
That woman participated enthusiastically in CLIO political action
to make sure it's good government,