220 BACKGROUND AND MEANS OF SERVICE 



mention misuse, of public funds. Passing upon the pro- 

 gram recommended to it by the advisory council, determin- 

 ing upon the most urgent phases of the work, conferring 

 with state leaders and adapting state policies to local needs, 

 employing agents, receiving reports, and meeting emer- 

 gency questions as they arise, all require sustained interest, 

 good judgment and a close acquaintance with the work. 

 An executive committee that does not do the work expected 

 of it, and in doing so inspire confidence, is not living up 

 either to its opportunities or its obligations. 



COMMUNITY COMMITTEEMEN AT WORK 



Every rural community should have a live representa- 

 tive committee, of from three to ten members, to look after 

 its interests with the bureau, and to promote the interests 

 (sometimes called projects) of the bureau in its community. 

 Its chairman elected by the local members or appointed by 

 the county president should preside at all local meetings. 

 If this committee is on the job it will largely determine 

 the amount and character of the work done by the agent in 

 its community. The full committee should meet with the 

 agent at least twice a year, once to plan the year 's program 

 and once to sum up the results. 



Not the least of the committee's duties nor always the 

 most agreeable, is to plan and to carry out the local mem- 

 bership campaign and secure the local quota of members. 

 The making of a community map, defining its boundaries 

 and locating all farmers and members and listing bureau 

 work, is always helpful in stimulating interest and in pro- 

 ducing results. Committeemen will also be called upon 

 frequently to furnish local information as to conditions and 

 to answer questionnaires and referenda for the state and 

 national offices. If this is done promptly and with care, it 



