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The President's Page A Monthly Editorial By Mrs. E. D. Pearce (The following is an excerpted version of Mrs. Pearce's Inaugral Message.)

This is an awesome moment for me, for, combined with the high honor that has been conferred upon me to lead this vast and farflung organization of over 11 million members in 55 countries, I have accepted, too, a mantle of significant responsibility.

Ours is a strangely demanding world, one that exacts from us a continuity of purpose in an era of change. And if this purpose is to take shape, to build for us a world of moderation and reason, a world of brotherly love and human understanding, then the primary commission for us clubwomen of the General Federation is to channel our efforts to a single goal . . . that goal which lies closest to the hearts of all Americans today...peace.

There is little glory in war, but we know that we cannot tolerate the aggression of communists, or gamble the future of Southeast Asia, whose fall to them would place the entire free world in most dire peril.

Whatever else we may do during the two years of this Administration one objective will be paramount,--we will work for peace, becuase this is the yearning, the responsibilty, the duty, the task facing all peoples everywhere. We cannot shorten our reach into the world, nor would we choose to. But we must learn to retrieve from the ashes of war and destruction a determination to build a strong and vital world community dedicated to the peaceful co-existence of all mankind. How, in actuality, are we to achieve this? How are we to translate a dream into actuality? / It is all very well to talk about peace, but it is action that counts!

My friends, there only is one way that we ever will acquire a peaceful world - and keep it so - and this is by instilling in our young people a love of peace that will permeate their thinking and guide their needs.

Youth is our promise for a shining tomorrow. We must depend upon them for the future of freedom and the perpetuity of all things most cherished as described in our United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.

There is enormous pressure on our young people today. They must maintain their equilibrium, with change and challenge around them. They must adhere to the laws of society while we allow them to be surrounded with examples that disregard tradition and precedent.

The very fact that we allow these things to exist, condones them in the minds of our youngsters. So when immorality and crime occur, let us analyze the problem closely and fairly, lest we not assume our due share of the blame.

Let us give our youth a chance for a good life - help them to maintain decency and modesty, to keep strong their moral fibre, so that they will be able to contribute to family, community, and world improvement projects. You federated clubwomen are the key to the implementation of this.

The spirit of this administration's theme I find exemplified by the Pioneer Woman, whose statue now graces the town of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and which will serve as our symbol and inspiration during the ensuing two years.

This statue typifies those women who braved the travails of the wilderness, side by side, with their husbands, who shared the dreams for a better world, who dared to blaze trails from the East coast across the sun-baked plains and over the challenging mountains to the Western shores. This woman, who, head held high, grasps her child by the hand, and moves forward, with confidence, to the future, is an eternal symbol of the courage and the fortitude, the motherly love and wifely devotion that we find most admirable.

She has her counterpart today, and I like to think it is our General Federation clubwomen in the Space Age. We have no forbidding mountains or scorching plains to conquer, but we do have the perplexing and dangerous problems concomitant with a thriving, advanced, civilization.

Our defiant mountains and our parched deserts are the problems of an advanced society . . . illiteracy, school droupouds, water and air pollution, the eradacation of many illnesses, salacious magazines, crime on inadequately lit streets, increasing traffic accidents, and help for the underprivileged in our country and abroad. These are but a very few of the many areas that concern General Federation clubwomen.

There is yet another interpretation of the word "youth" in our theme. And this is: to think vitally, to pursue an optimistic outlook on life, a flexible viewpoint on issues, a pliable mind, and, more than any other thing, --a bright faith that infuses an individual with the spirit of youth.

And I believe -- becuase I have seen it proven -- that clubwork which is, essentially, community betterment, does

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(Photo Caption) Left: At the GFWC Installation Ceremonies in Chicago, Mrs. Pearce's family attended. From left: her son, Frank H. Pearce and his wife, Marilym, Mrs. Pearce, and her husband, E. D. Pearce. Above: Governor Haydon Burns of the State of Florida honored Mrs. Pearce by his presence at the Instillation.

more to keep a woman healthy, does more to make her home more interesting, does more to fulfill her desides to contribute something worthwhile beyond the home, does more to keep her young than all the cosmetic artifices in the world. Because the youth glows from inside out . . . it is an intrinsic part of her being and her spirit.

Let us, then, interpret the word "youth" in this Administration theme in two ways: first, as it applies to ourselves: adopting a vigorous approach to life and issues; and secondly, helping our young people to train themselves for the responsibilities they must assume.

We will, therefore, embark on a program of action to make available more college scholarships for our young people. Many of our youth have displayed high promise and ability, but are discouraged in their education plans becuase they lack the necessary financial resources.

The gifted child of the very needy is taken care of, - we must assure that all qualified children who desire a college education will be able to secure it.

Exactly how this can be accomplished and through what new processes and requirements scholarships will be awarded, is a situation to which we will apply ourselves.

On the opposite side of the education pole are the school dropouts - an estimated 26 million of them! These are the youngsters who are entering the labor force during the '60's and these are the youngsters who will be the last to be fired and the first to be fired.

It provides one with some idea of the magnitude of this problem when we realize that the largest group of today's unemployed are between 16 and 19 years old. Their unemployment rate is more than three times that for the labor force as a whole.

Our population boom, our crowded cities, our broken families and high divorce rates, and the fact that the family life today does not, as a rule, center in the home . . . these are surely major contributing factors to juvenile delinquency. There were 1.4 million juvenile arrests last year. There were 200,000 cases of venereal disease among teenagers, and there were 100,000 illegitimate births to adolescent mothers. Isn't it appropriate for us, as clubwomen, as mothers, to channel our activities to try and clear up some portion of this tragic problem? Well, I think it is! I think that if we mothers do not take this problem to heard - and to mind - then we are not acquitting outselves of our responsibilities as God intended we should, as guardians of the home.

Now there are many facets to this problem. And there's one more that I should like to place before you, because it's so basic, so pertinent. This pertains to our juvenile court judges. The General Federation, in years past, has done much yeoman work to see that the number of juvenile court judges was increased and to visit these courts, and in this Administration we are going to continue this program and go one step farther.

James Bennett, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, recalled that less than five percent of the Federal judges in his time ever visited a Federal prison. Is this not dismaying? And especially to realize that very few juvenile court judges are aware of the situations within the institutions to which they commit youngsters! Let us not, however, point a finger at the judges alone. There are the mayors and the councilmen and the supervisros and the state legislators? Have they investigated these places where we entrust our delinquents, and if they have, and if these institutions do not come up to standards, - what higher priority could there be for expendityre of public funds? This is a project for every one of our clubs, and I hope that you will follow through on this in your communities.

In the health field we face many other challenges. It is said that three percent of the youngsters in the United States from 15 to 21 years old are drug addicts. This is a new an frightening situation that has swept across the country in rising proportions since 1964.

There is legislation now pending in Congress that bears upon this situation, and I ask you to write to your representatives in Congress for the information on this, to follow it, to support those bills that you and your club have studied and investigated and found to be in accord with your convictions.

During this Admisnistration you will not be called upon to participate in any special project. Instead, our sights will be set on walking hand in hand with youth for community service. I would prefer to see all of your marvellous (please turn to page 26) 9

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM GFWC'S CONVENTION (Photo) Three thousand delegates made this 75th Anniversary of the GFWC a landmark conclave! (Previous sentence in boldface type) And 1,500 visiting clubwomen boosted the attendance to make the meeting one of the GFWC 's largest in the last decade. The Conrad Hilton in Chicago, which still refers to itself as the "Largest Hotel in the World," was unable to accommodate all delegates at the luncheons and banquets; as a result, balconies were filled to capacity as were adjacent rooms.

What accounted for the tremendous turn-out? (previous sentence in boldface type) Many things, say obvservers. The resolutions were highly controversial and brought out advocates who argued and discussed these for several days . . . necessitating rearrangement of convention agenda. And then, of course, the contested offices for the GFWC Executive Committee, plus, too, the central locale of Chicago in relation to the U. S.--more accessible to more states.

Excitement abounded. (previous sentence in boldface type) Clubwomen flocked into the halls and lobby of the hotel, and the large delegatios came into the convention hall together, a very impressive sight. They appreciated the proximity of all facilities . . . the exhibit hall on the main floor of the hotel, and carpeted, too! . . . the huge convention hall on the second floor . . . and the grand ballroom and other large rooms also on the second floor. More than 15 elevators were waiting to whisk clubwomen up to their rooms.

No chance for late-sleepers (previous sentence starter in boldface type) at this convention, because there were 7:45 classes every morning in Parliamentary Law and Public Speaking. And packed rooms every day!

(Caption above the photo) Lively discussion from the floor on the resolutions aired opinions of the delegates.

The Illinois Banquet on Monday night, was a high opening point for the convention. (previous sentence was in boldface type) Elegantly gowned clubwomen filled the great ballroom and listened to greetings from the Honorable Otto Kerner, Governor of Illinois and the Honorable Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago. Presiding was charming Mrs. James Segraves, outgoing IFWC President. Speakers were Mrs. Eugene Kuntzman, Illinois Convention Chairman and Mrs. Clarence Hendrickson, incoming IFWC President. Past GFWC President, lovely Mrs. Theodore S. Chapman, offered the invocation.

Business began Monday Morning (first four words in boldface type) with the talented, versatile GFWC President, Mrs. William Hasebroock, presiding. A new innovation, a morning newscast by a local TV personality, intrigued the delegates who had arisen early for one of the 7:45 a.m. classes in Parliamentary Law or Public Speaking, and had not had a chance to see the morning papers.

Resolutions were read (previous three words in boldface type) and discussion--lots of it--began! Opposition to the Admission of Red China in the U.N. brought some heated arguments. Some held that admission would provide a platform, and a vote, to the Red Chinese; others agued that we couldn't bargain unless we let Red China in the U.N.,--how could we ignore millions of people? But the ultimate vote was against admision. (against admission was italicized)

The population boom, (first three words were in boldface type) another controversial issue, elicited much pro and con. But even religionists believed that we must move to curb the threat that the increase in world population poses. Else, by 1970 the world will face a food crisis. Upshot was adoption of the resolution urging clubs to petition their state governments to enact legislation to make family planning services available to those who want them and to educate the public to their accessibililty.

Hottest of all was the debate on Humane Treatment of Animals. (previous sentence in boldface type) However, in defense of this resolution, it was pointed out that all 50 states have prevention of cruelty to animal laws. All agreed that better enforcement was a good idea. The prevailing side pointed out that use of animals for medical experimentation was absolutely essential. Why could this not be coupled with humane treatment? The argument won.

Other resolutions passed (first three words in boldfaced type) called for legislation to halt strikes that affect essential public services; opposition to the establishment of labor unions for teacher; laws to limit political campaign spending; means to attract more qualified

September, 1966, General Federation Clubwoman

PRESIDENT'S PAGE

Continued from page 9

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talents concentrated on that project of your own choosing,—within your community,— that would best advance the welfare of people. With the launching of Satellite mirrors, community life will be reflected around the globe.

In order that you will not have your energies diverted from this over-all objective, during this Administration, the General Federation will not ask you for any donations to any cause, any agency or any charity, however worthy and splendid it may be. And we have supported many excellent projects in the past.

* * * * * But the perspective for these ensuing two years will be focused on community betterment through community service . . . and in implementation of this, we will continue our highly successful and effective program in cooperation with Sears Roebuck Foundation, the Communiity Improvement Program. I hope that you will encourage all your clubs to join this admirable community effort.

So, for the two years ahead of us, I ask you to take back to your clubs the theme: Build With Youth for a Better World. Let it be a gentle guide for the work that you and your clubmembers will undertake during this period. Let the Pioneer Woman remind you of yourself and your limitless potentials. Let her inspire you, so that you, in turn, will inspire all those with whom you work.

* * * * * To rebuild and increase membership will be a major goal of this administration. Today when so many of our women are working outside of the home, it is my wish that every club in the General Federation will organize an evening section to accommodate members who work during the day.

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This will also be a fertile field for the procurement of new members.

It is also my hope that clubs will look into the matter of organizing Sub-Junior Clubs as a number of states have done. These clubs are composed of high school age girls and they have been most successful.

Two great dangers in membership face the General Federation—the "Senior Fall Out" and the "Junior Drop Out." We have a great responsibility to encourage and hold on to our Junior membership. They in turn have a great responsibility to increase their membership and to organize new clubs. They are the life lines of the Federation.

There is such an urgency to plan prudently and well to insure a growing membership and wrest control of the future from chance. How else can we cope with poisoned air and polluted water? How better can we meet the requirements of strangling transportation and communication limitations, population boom, diminishing water supply?

* * * * * You, clubwomen, as community figures of importance, must accept this charge and this challenge!

* * * * * According to General Federation tradition, plans are in the making for a Good Will trip to follow the 1967 convention. International conferences will be held in Sydney, Australia, and Manila, Philippines. The itinerary includes Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan. Folders giving details will be mailed to all clubs in the near future.

Great things can only be accomplished by imaginative, creative leaders. A community is the lengthened shadow of its prime movers. It is not the location or the climate . . . it is the people and the pride of the people that mark the community for greatness and success.

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of the United States said: "Though the task ahead is not easy, it is exciting. For our cause is a sacred cause. Our fight is the fight of God-fearing men against godless communism. Our business is the unfinished business of the world. It is the business of making Peace.

"For the making of peace is the noblest work of God-fearing man. It is the righteous way. And 'righteousness exalteth a nation'."

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WHY'S OF GFWC

Continued from page 15

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strength to influence legislation and governmental activity; the ability to speak with one voice on important questions, as well as a better understanding of the different areas of the country and the world, through friendship with women of these areas.

Hear what an early club president said in 1896 when her club was celebrating its 16th anniversary: "What have we gained by our membership in the Women's Club? A habit of working together; an appreciation of people whose social and other relations differ from our own; a higher intellectual standing; a study of questions to which our attention might not otherwise have been called, resulting in the formation of definite opinions and a confidence in expressing our views; a quickened interest in the questions of the day; an increasing tolerance, greater thoroughness in our work; a mental sitmulus which no mere reading could supply; a close touch with other bodies of earnest women throughout the land."

This president gave the value of of club membership. Hear [[Charlotte Emerson Brown]], first GFWC president, speak for Federation:

"No great cause in politics, business, religion, or reform ever permanently prospered that was not organized. And women's clubs could not. Suppose that there had been no General Federation. Each club would be working on in its own rut, careless of others, and well satisfied with small things; there would be no broad general plan, no rallying center, no coming together for consultation and comparison of methods, no common fellowship and central bond of union. I do not see how any woman's club, strong or weak, that is earnest, sympathetic, and progressive in spirit and life, can consent to remain outside the federated life."

These words of the early leaders are just as pertinent now as they were then.

26 September, 1966, General Federal Clubwoman