CITIZEN ACTION 569 



on the grass roots level. We will have an eager corps ready to be led. 

 They want direction, not dictation. 



Funds should be provided to existing citizen organizations to estab- 

 lish leadership seminars, providing know-how for those who have the 

 time and desire to do something but lack the tools to do the job. It 

 would indeed be cruel to issue the charge but not provide the 

 ammunition. 



Grants should be made to existing citizen organizations to handle 

 these seminars. Such groups have knowledge of problems at the local 

 level. They know the solutions. They are fraught with frustrations 

 because they lack the finances. With funds they can be the stepping 

 stones. There is no need to ignore this wealth of experience. 



Given the grants, citizen organizations can establish the beauty 

 brigades to approach the local problems intelligently. They can en- 

 hance the chances for success and thereby assure the pride in achieve- 

 ment which stimulates continued activity. Without this leadership 

 tool, we shall give birth to frustration and failure, the parents of in- 

 activity and apathy. 



As a corollary, the doers in beautification projects have been and 

 are the women of America. They make up a great many of our vol- 

 unteer organizations. The National Council of State Garden Clubs, 

 the General Federation of Women's Clubs, etc., have been for dec- 

 ades our "outdoor housekeepers." It is suggested that representatives 

 of these groups establish a women's action committee to follow the 

 First Lady's inspiring leadership by coordinating women's activities 

 in the field of beautification. This would serve to recognize past 

 endeavors by these organizations and to stimulate other women not 

 now active. By the power of their charms, women can also increase 

 the man-hours dedicated to this endeavor. 



Beauty is good business. Ask the businessman why he chooses a 

 particular site, and one of his major reasons will be the environmental 

 and cultural opportunities available in a particular community. Bus- 

 iness must account for its stewardship not only on the balance sheet 

 but also in matters of social responsibility, such as natural beauty. 



One of the first acts to activate business leadership should be a re- 

 quest by the President that his business advisory council elicit the 

 support of top management in our program of natural beauty. 

 Support by top management can lead to results geometric in progres- 

 sion. 



