THE COUNTY AGENT'S JOB AND OPPORTUNITY 139 



himself and gather all necessary facts to help him know 

 his problem thoroughly. 



Having completed these steps, which will not usually 

 occupy more than two to four months according to the size 

 of the county, the county agent should have made the 

 county program of work his own and have the plans for 

 its development well under way. He may also have 

 changes to suggest in the plans. It is very important that 

 the county agent know the county program and have his 

 plans perfected for its carrying out at the earliest possible 

 date after his arrival in the county. 



GOALS AND IDEALS 



Unless the county agent approaches his job with high 

 and right ideals, unless he keeps always in mind the larger 

 goals, he may succeed with details but fail of really im- 

 portant accomplishment. It is highly important therefore 

 that he keep the larger objective before him. 



He must believe that individuals and communities are 

 capable of solving their own problems and act accordingly. 

 Remembering that his own chief function is to teach better 

 methods and practices and to assist in developing local or- 

 ganization and leadership as the best means of solving local 

 problems, he must allow local people to assume responsi- 

 bility and encourage them to do things for themselves. 

 Ability for self-help is the best result of education and 

 the soundest basis for permanent improvement. 



The surest and most effective way to help men and women 

 is to help them to help themselves. Men acquire the ability 

 to do by doing for themselves rather than by simply being 

 told or by having things done for them. Developed capac- 

 ity and ability for self-help are permanent the improve- 

 ment goes on. If the so-called assistance is from without, 



